Listen, it’s the 2020s and we’re not going to “wrinkle shame” anyone -- facial wrinkles are an inevitable part of living a full life. However, a preventative anti-aging skin care routine is about so much more than just fine lines and wrinkles.
As our skin ages, collagen and ceramide production naturally slows down. (Collagen begins declining as early as 25!) Both collagen and ceramides are what keeps our skin protected, elastic, plump, and dewy. With age, the skin barrier naturally begins to weaken which can cause dull, thin, and dry skin.
Want to keep your skin looking plump and dewy for as long as possible? Replenish what is naturally declining with age and start a preventative anti-aging skin care routine.
Here are 3 anti-aging tips for creating your own preventative skin care routine.
Start using retinoids to increase skin cell turnover
I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about retinols and retinoids. They are among the holy grail skin care products for a reason. These chemically exfoliating products are a derivative of vitamin A and are powerful anti-aging agents.
The secret to retinoids is that they cause an increase of skin cell turnover. This causes your skin to replenish skin cells at a much faster rate than normal, resulting in renewed and rejuvenated skin. (Not to mention it boosts collagen production.)
As we age, the natural rate of skin cell turnover begins to decline. Slow turnover rate contributes to the visible signs of skin aging.
Kick your skin cells into high gear with prescription strength retinoids like Tretinoin or it’s brand name, Retin A. Retinoids are also great for acne prone skin, or those with hyperpigmentation spots.
Add skin barrier strengthening ceramides
The outermost layer of skin is what is called the skin barrier. This barrier is what keeps your skin protected from outside irritants and bacteria. It also is what traps much needed skin moisture.
Without a great skin barrier, moisture easily evaporates from the skin in the process of transepidermal water loss, which can increase visible signs of aging.
Additionally, without a great skin barrier, you’re vulnerable to bacteria and environmental pollutants.
The lipid matrix of the barrier is what keeps everything in order. The lipid matrix is mostly made up of ceramides, a fatty acid lipid.
As we age, the natural production of lipids like ceramides begin to slow down -- thus compromising the integrity of the skin barrier.
Add ceramides back into your skin with moisturizers and serums containing essential ceramides.
Use a daily antioxidant serum
The daily use of the antioxidant vitamin C can help you fight the signs of aging skin. Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, increases the production of both collagen and ceramides. It’s been linked to both preventing and decreasing signs of photoaging.
Vitamin C can protect the skin from oxidative stress which can lead to collagen breakdown.
Honestly, if you’re concerned with skin aging but are just dipping your toe into the anti-aging waters -- start with a great vitamin C serum. Ideally, vitamin C should be in combination with plumping humectants like hyaluronic acid.
Vitamin C is brightening, hydrating, fades hyperpigmentation, and protects against sun damage. (Can’t go wrong with that!)
The bottom line
As we age, a lot of our bodily functions slow down -- including the functions of our skin. If you want to fight skin aging, start by rebuilding and supporting the systems that are naturally declining with age. By doing so, you help your skin find it’s balance so you can put your best face forward.