With so many anti-aging products on the market, you may be wondering when’s the right age to anti-aging products While it may seem that it’s never too early to start the battle against the signs of aging, starting some anti-aging products too early, like in your 20s, can actually lead to thinner skin and increased vulnerability to damage from UVA rays. However, there are many wonderful products and lifestyle habits to help all ages, even for those as young as their 20s and 30s, stave off the signs of aging while maturing with grace and beauty. Deciding which anti-aging products to use and when can mean the difference of looking like ageless icon Sophia Loren or Old Mother Hubbard. So which anti-aging products should you use and when should you start?
Retinol, a type of retinoid, is a big part of many anti-aging products, and although it helps smooth skin, even skin tone, and stimulate collagen production, more is not necessarily better for the skin. Retinol increases cell turnover, great for making the skin look and feel youthful, but this new skin is more delicate to sun exposure. When used during the day, retinol products, especially those designed for day wear, like foundations and sunscrees, can end up damaging the skin overtime, having the opposite intended effect. With that said, retinol and retinoid products can be a great weapon in the fight against the signs of aging but they should be used appropriately. In order to prevent skin damage and enjoy the most anti-aging benefits from retinol products, you should wait to use retinol creams and serums until you’re at least in your 30s and only use them at night.
When starting a retinol regimen in your 30s, begin with a sensitive formula product, like ROC Retinol Correxion Sensitive Night Cream. This helps reduce the risk of skin irritation and redness, which can occur with high concentrations of retinol, and gives the right amount of rejuvenation to already relatively youthful skin (30 is still young!). As you age, you can switch to a stronger formula for enhanced results. Start using a higher concentration product nightly in your 40s under your regular moisturizer to keep the skin looking smooth and youthful.
Although those in their 20s should avoid retinol based anti-aging products, it’s not too early to take care of the skin and take steps to protect it from the signs of aging. Even in our 20s, sun exposure can begin to damage the skin, after all, sun damage is one primary causes of aging skin. Using sunscreen every day, at every age, is essential to keeping the skin youthful and the skin tone even. Those in their 20s should begin being diligent about wearing sunscreen daily. Amway’s Artistry line has a Radiance UV Protect that is a lightweight, moisturizing sunscreen for daily wear under makeup or on its own. In addition to using sunscreen daily, applying a serum to the skin during your 20s can also help you retain a youthful glow and treat unique skin issues, like breakouts or acne scars. Additionally, use an Anti Acne Serum nightly, or as needed, to prevent breakouts and protect the face from acne scarring.
Keeping the skin looking supple and youthful is not just an external battle. Sometimes no amount of creams and serums can make up for the daily abuse we may subject our skin to. Paying attention to what we put into our bodies is important to properly nourishing the skin and should be part of every skincare routine, regardless of age. Staying hydrated (drink LOTS of water) and eating foods naturally rich in antioxidants can help protect the cells from sun damage and foods high in healthy fats can help cells retain strength and elasticity. Not only is diet important, but avoiding harmful habits, like smoking and sunbathing, can also help protect the skin from damage.
Using the right skin care routine at the right age can help you maintain a youthful appearance well into maturity. It may be tempting to use anti-aging products designed to treat older skin, but it’s best to stick to age appropriate products to prevent unintended damage and give the skin what it needs for its age. By choosing the right serums and creams for your age, always wearing sunscreen, eating healthy, and avoiding harmful habits, like smoking and sunbathing, you just might make people think you’ve found the fountain of youth!
