As the old saying goes, age is just a number. You can be 60 and still feel like the energetic 20-year-old you once were. But no matter how young we are at heart, our skin will betray our age. When we’re young, our bodies have ample supplies of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin.
These proteins are what keep our skin plump, supple, and youthful. But as we age, we produce less of these components, explaining the wrinkles and dry skin.
Fortunately, anti-aging products are here to save the day. These products prevent and improve the appearance of signs of aging on our skin. They brighten the skin, replenish moisture, and lessen fine lines and wrinkles.
The Right Time to Use Anti-Aging Skincare Products
People think anti-aging skincare products are reserved for those aged 50 and older. But it’s better to start way younger to reap their full benefits. If you want beautiful, radiant skin as you experience your golden years, start incorporating anti-aging products into your daily routine in your teens and 20s.
There’s no going back once you see signs of aging. It’s much easier to prevent than to eliminate them once they’re on your face. That said, anti-aging products won’t stop the hands of time. Just because you’re slathering them on doesn’t mean you’ll look 21 forever. Your skin will still change over time. But these products will delay aging and provide enough nourishment and protection to your skin to keep it healthy in the long run.
Anti-Aging Products to Include in Your Routine
Building an anti-aging skincare routine can be overwhelming, given the abundance of products on the market. To help you, here are the best ones that will help your skin look its best through the years:
Sunscreen
The sun is our biggest enemy in the fight against aging, causing 90% of the signs we see. Sunscreen is the most effective weapon against it, so start using it as early as possible. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 will protect your skin from UVA and UVB damage.
The rule of thumb is to reapply your sunscreen every two hours. In addition, wear it even when you don’t plan on spending time under the sun. The harmful rays can still get you when you’re by a window or driving in your car. You can wear tinted sunscreen if you want added coverage with your SPF.
Retinol
Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is also worthy of a spot in your anti-aging arsenal. It boosts collagen production, helping the skin retain its youthful elasticity. It also exfoliates the skin and neutralizes free radicals, warding off those pesky wrinkles.
It’s best to add a retinoid to your regimen in your 20s while your body still produces enough collagen. Start with a milder retinoid and increase potency as you age.
Niacinamide
Dark spots can make you look more mature than you are. If you already have them on your face, adding niacinamide or vitamin B3 to your skincare routine can lessen their appearance. This ingredient acts as an antioxidant and humectant, helping to lighten discolorations and treat hyperpigmentation. It also does wonders for your skin’s moisture level. If you want something less harsh than retinol, niacinamide can be an alternative.
Hydroxy Acids
As we age, our skin’s cell turnover rate gets sluggish. That causes dead cells to build up on our faces, making our skin look dull. That’s why you should add exfoliants like hydroxy acids to your regimen. That will help slough off the dead skin and reveal a brighter complexion. It can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles and create an even skin tone. However, only apply hydroxy acids at night because they make the skin more sensitive to the sun.
Emollient-Rich Moisturizer
Our skin gets dryer the older we get, exacerbating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can combat this with an emollient-rich moisturizer, which will help lock the moisture in. Some examples of this are petroleum, beeswax, and plant oils.
Consult a Professional
Aging doesn’t have to mean dry and saggy skin. Your dermatologist can help you build an anti-aging skincare routine that can slow down the effects of time. For more information, contact Complete Family Dermatology at (402) 423-1111.
