Age spots, under-eye bags, sagging skin, and more are all telltale signs of aging. You probably already know that various skin care products are on the market to help delay aging, but you may not know when to use them. It can be tough to determine the best time to begin your skincare routine, but it can help to learn more about it. Follow along and explore a few important factors to decide the best age to start your anti-aging skincare routine.
The Short Answer
The short answer to this question is anytime. Although most people start showing signs of aging skin in their 30s and 40s, there’s no best time to start caring for your skin. In fact, you should care for your skin your entire adult life to prevent premature aging. If you’re asking when to start, the best answer is now—it’s never too early to start giving your skin what it needs to be healthy.
There’s nothing wrong with adopting good skincare practices at a young age, but that also doesn’t mean you can’t start late. In fact, you should adjust your routine to meet your skin’s needs as you age—consider these important factors that may impact premature aging.
Sun Exposure
Sun exposure is very high on the list regarding overall skin health. It’s no secret that excessive exposure can harm your skin, but it can also lead to premature aging if you don’t use sunscreen daily. Many people only use SPF when they spend a day at the pool or beach; however, you should apply sunscreen for sensitive acne-prone skin every day, regardless of the weather.
Pro Tip
Even if you wear sunscreen as you should, continue to limit your sun exposure for extra protection for your skin.
Skincare Products
Although there are specific things you can do for aging, you must first establish a basic skincare routine if you don’t have one already. With that said, invest in a high-quality, gentle cleanser, a toner, and a hydrating moisturizer. Stick with this basic routine for a few months to see how your skin responds.
If you want more results from your routine, you can slowly incorporate other products. For instance, a retinoid product may effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles and loose skin by increasing your skin cell turnover rate and collagen production.
Other Healthy Choices
Although skincare products can do a lot of good when it comes to preventing aging, you should also make other healthy choices in all aspects of your life. Smoking and drinking alcohol are two factors that may cause premature aging. Furthermore, not drinking enough water and eating a diet high in refined sugars and simple carbohydrates can also contribute to aged skin. With that said, do your best to adopt a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Although the best age to start your anti-aging skincare routine isn’t a set number, you can start doing things to help your skin right now. Whether you’re 20, 40, or older, you can and should have a consistent skincare routine.