Anti-aging products used to be reserved for the over-40 crowd, but more beauty companies are marketing these products to women in their 20s and 30s. Why? Because in our late 20s, we enter a pre-aging period. We start seeing lines around our eyes and mouths. We might also see some dark spots from the sun.
If you want to keep your skin looking as youthful as possible for as long as possible, add these seven products to your beauty routine.
1. Moisturizer
A good moisturizer is the foundation of any skin care routine, but it becomes even more important as you get older. Dry skin is more likely to develop fine lines and wrinkles.
Invest in a good moisturizer that’s loaded with skin-nourishing ingredients, like vitamins A, C and E. make sure the product you choose is designed for your skin type. And if you have sensitive skin, steer clear of products with perfumes.
Ingredients like dimethicone and hyaluronic acid will keep the skin hydrated. Propylene glycol, glycerin, urea and proteins act as emollients that attract moisture to the skin. Petrolatum, lanolin and mineral oil can help seal in the moisture to keep your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.
2. Vitamin-C Serum
Vitamin C helps boost collagen production while brightening the skin. Look for a vitamin C serum that also includes antioxidants and UV protection.
Even if you wear sunscreen on a daily basis, some of the sun’s rays will be absorbed by the skin. The antioxidants and vitamin C will help fight the free radical damage caused by sun exposure.
3. Neck Cream
A woman’s neck is a tell-tale sign of her age, and it’s also one of the most noticeable. Good neck creams can help you fight wrinkles in this delicate area by keeping the skin nourished and moisturized. Look for creams that have UV protection and ingredients that firm and tighten the skin.
4. Sunscreen
We all love the tanned look, but sun exposure is your skin’s biggest enemy. Sun exposure can cause wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin tone. It can also cause sun spots, which can make your skin look older. UV ray exposure can also cause skin cancer.
If you aren’t doing so already, make it a habit to wear sunscreen every day. Sunscreen will help protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays while also helping to prevent skin cancer. Choose an SPF of 30 or more for better protection. Some anti-aging products have SPF, but it’s still best to apply a layer of sunscreen to make sure you’re protected.
5. Retinoids
Retinoids are still the gold standard in anti-aging beauty products. This is the one ingredient that has actually been proven to build collagen and reverse photo aging.
There’s no need for prescription-level retinoids just yet. Instead, choose a mild product that won’t irritate or over-exfoliate your skin. Try using the product every other night to start, and mix it with a little moisturizer to make it more tolerable. If you start now, you can work your way up to a prescription-strength cream by the time you reach your late 30s, early 40s.
6. Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate on the body. It’s also one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Invest in a good eye cream now, and you can help retain your youthful eyes for as long as possible.
Some eye creams have a little retinol, which will help boost collagen production. There are also creams that contain hyaluronic acid, which hydrates the skin.
7. Gentle Cleanser
We tend to be rough on our skin as we age. In an attempt to maintain our youthful glow, many of us wind up over-exfoliating our skin. A gentle cleanser can help prevent further irritation and help soothe the skin.
Look for products designed for sensitive skin. These tend to have mild cleansing ingredients and don’t contain perfumes that can irritate the skin.
One last tip: Don’t stress about your skin. Stress can make you look older. The truth is that even in your 30s, your skin is relatively youthful and resilient. Take good care of it now, and it will reward you in the future.
