Beat Aging Skin To The Punch: When To Start Using Anti-Aging Products

You’re young and your skin is too. Wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots are all things you won’t have to worry about for awhile. Right? More and more dermatologists are recommending beginning an anti-aging skin routine at a younger age.

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SPF Superpowers

Dermatologists will tell you time and time again, no matter what your age, the most efficient way of preventing signs of aging is by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily. This means even in colder and less sunny months. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin’s aging process to accelerate. This means you don’t have to suffer a burn for your skin to be feeling the negative effects of the sun.

Make sure the sunscreen you use is “broad spectrum.” Some protect against only UVA or only UVB, while you need protection from both.
While any skin that is exposed to the sun can benefit from sunscreen, be sure to especially get the entirety of your face and the top of your chest and neck. The clavicle area is usually where many people age the worst and develop leathery skin.

Preventative Botox?

Some women in their 20s question whether or not cosmetic procedures like Botox, can serve as a preventative measure. Many dermatologists will tell you the short answer is, “Don’t treat wrinkles you don’t have yet.” Botox is a corrective procedure that responds to already established wrinkles. It can’t offer you any protection in the future. Instead of buying into Botox, try some of these other options:

Use a moisturizer that’s vitamin heavy. Try an antioxidant moisturizer with vitamin E, A or C that also contains a soothing ingredient like green tea.
Try a retinoid or retinol cream. Many different anti-aging cosmetic products will tout some form of the ingredient, but the true benefits are to be had from a prescription retinoid that contains retinoic acid. Speak to your dermatologist about whether or not this product is right for you.

Personalize Your Prevention

How quickly your skin ages will have a lot to do with your personal life choices. For this reason there isn’t a go-to age that everyone can adhere by. Factors like those listed below can greatly influence when and how quickly your skin ages.

How much water you drink.
How much time you spent in the sun as a child.
If you smoke/drink.
How stressed you are regularly.

Because of all the things that can affect your skin’s aging process ultimately the decision of when to start an anti-aging regimen will be up to you. Speak with your dermatologist about what the earliest signs of aging look like, and then take an honest look at your skin. Keep in mind that “anti-aging” need not be all that different from meeting the same needs of your skin you have always worked to meet. Protect, hydrate and be gentle with your skin, and no matter your age, it will thank you!

Dr. Scott Darling of KC Healthy Skin and Vein Center knows that caring for your skin means listening to what it needs.

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