How to Start Your Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine, According to a Dermatologist
As we age, anti-aging becomes a major focus in our beauty regimens. After all, many of us want to ensure that we don’t just look our best, but are our healthiest—and what better way to do so than adopt a regimen that ensures a healthy-looking complexion?
With that said, anti-aging skin care isn’t just reserved for mature skin types. As it turns out, you’re never too young to start thinking about preventative measures. “The younger we start with preventative care, the less work we will have to do as we age,” says board-certified New York dermatologist, Dr. Debra Jaliman. Preventative skin care routines are about more than just creams and serums—they’re also about lifestyle choices. After all, as we get older, age amounts to a fraction of skin health, and habits such as smoking and not getting enough sleep can result in premature wrinkles and more.
From kicking bad habits to adding powerful ingredients to your product arsenal, we’ve got everything you need to start an anti-aging skin care regimen at any age, ahead.
1. Exfoliate to slough off dry skin
Looking for an effective way to prevent premature signs of aging and promote healthier-looking skin? Dr. Jaliman says to exfoliate. “Exfoliating is very important—it’s the first step to a preventative skin care routine. Exfoliate to get rid of dry, flaky skin [and] rejuvenate and brighten the skin,” Dr. Jaliman explains. “Regular exfoliation will help with any sun damage or skin discoloration and [it] will also allow for products to penetrate deeper into the skin,” she adds. You can incorporate exfoliation into your routine in a number of ways, including dry brushing and sugar scrubs along with chemical exfoliants such as AHA acids.
2. Sleep on a silk pillowcase
Silk pillowcases are all the rage right now—and for good reason. Not only do they give us an excuse to go to bed early, but they also help prevent some common skin care woes, too. “It is important to sleep on a satin pillowcase so that the skin doesn’t crunch and sleep lines don’t form,” Dr. Jaliman advises. “This helps to keep the skin looking bright and well rested”; on top of that, silk won’t steal your expensive anti-aging products from your skin. A good night’s sleep and more product for the complexion? Yes, please!
3. Never go without sunscreen
Even in the dead of winter, sunscreen is a must-have preventative skin care item. So much so that Dr. Doft recommends adding the product to your routine when you’re a baby! Sunscreen is best known for its ability to prevent sunburns (if used correctly), but that’s not the only thing it’s good for. Since it literally can shield your complexion from the sun, it can protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays that lead to sun damage (we see you, sunspots!), wrinkles and other premature signs of aging.
4. Moisturize with hyaluronic acid
Using moisturizer at any age can help keep skin ultra-soft and supple. That said, Dr. Doft suggests upping the ante in your 20s. “You want to keep your skin hydrated by using a great moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, which will lock in water,” explains Doft. Water retention plays a big part in hydrating the skin, so using a moisturizer formulated with an ingredient known to do so can help prevent dry skin and leave the complexion with a youthful-looking glow. In addition, it can “make fine lines less noticeable,” according to Dr. Jaliman.
