Anti-Aging Skincare: A Guide to Combating Wrinkles

Let’s talk about aging skin.  There’s something endearing and adorable about your grandmother’s wrinkles.  It’s just a natural and beautiful way of getting older!  However, it’s likely that you’re in no rush to adopt the same creases.  So, what can you do to slow the onset of wrinkles and aging skin?

It’s important to understand what’s happening with your skin at each age.  This will help you better understand which skincare products to focus on.  Plus, we’ll provide an overview of which external forces age your skin faster, as well as introduce prevention techniques.  So, let’s get started!

Understanding Aging Skin: A Timeline

To put it simply, now is probably the time to start using anti-aging products.  Skin begins to age as early as your 20s.  However, don’t be too worried!  By understanding how to care for your skin at every stage, you’ll be able to take charge of the aging process.  So, let’s jump into it.  Here’s what’s happening to your skin by decade.

If you’re in your 20s…

According to Marie Claire, natural antioxidant production starts to decline in your 20s.  So, it’s helpful to start introducing antioxidant-rich products.  Ingredients to look for include Vitamin E & C, fruit acids, and green tea extract.  You may also want to consider products with retinol.  We recommend implementing some degree of anti-aging skincare by the time you’d graduate from college (around age 22)!

Believe it or not, you may begin to see signs of aging during this decade.  These could include fine lines near your nose and mouth, crow’s feet, and dark spots.  Choosing to forgo sunscreen in your 20s will only accelerate these processes.  So, make sure to slap on some SPF!  Your future self will thank you.

If you’re in your 30s…

In your 30s, you'll likely be flaunting that same youthful appearance - yay!  However, your skin may begin to adopt a more tired look.  Expression lines, like crow’s feet and the ‘dreaded 11’ between your eyebrows, will become more pronounced.  If you opted out of sun protection in your 20s, you may begin to see more brown spots from skin damage.

So, what should you do?  Well, according to WebMD, retinol products are super important for this stage!  Moisturizing diligently, and with the correct product, also becomes a huge priority.  Continuing use of SPF products is also a good idea, as it’s always in your best interest to stay protected from the sun.

If you’re in your 40s...

Around this time, you’ll begin to see more lines appear, and at a deeper level.  Wrinkles on your forehead, around your eyes, and near your mouth will become more apparent.  No need to stress though, because this is normal!

If you want to slow the aging process a bit, consider implementing some of these recommendations.  Opt for a thicker moisturizer, as a rich formula will give your skin the hydration it craves.  Additionally, you may want to implement an anti-aging night cream, like an eye cream.  Retinol products should be used almost daily, and reintroducing antioxidants will be helpful.

Your 50s and On…

In this decade of life, collagen levels will be greatly decreasing.  This loss of skin elasticity is oftentimes hormone-related.  Near the time of menopause, skin can also become irritable and drier.  Another common sign of aging skin is irregular pigmentation, according to Women’s Health.

An antioxidant-rich serum and SPF should be applied diligently every morning.  This will help your skin be prepped and protected for the day!  Each night, you should use either a retinoid or night cream.

What Causes Skin to Age?

When it comes to wrinkles and aging skin, there are a variety of causes.  One is simply blowing out birthday candles, as wrinkles are a natural process of getting older!  But, what about other, more preventable skin agers?  From sun damage to smoking, find out what may cause premature wrinkles to appear on your face.

1. Sun Damage.

Most everyone knows that being out in the sun can wreak major havoc on your skin.  This is because exposure to sunlight affects your skin’s connective tissue.  This causes skin to lose flexibility and strength, resulting in premature wrinkles and sagging.  Even on cloudy days, wearing SPF is always a good idea.

2. Repetitive Facial Expressions.

Did you know?  Constantly squinting due to sunlight or smiling a lot can actually cause wrinkles.  When you do a facial expression over and over, you begin to form little grooves.  As you age, your skin doesn’t bounce back as easily, leaving you with wrinkles.  But, please.. don’t let this stop you from laughing and enjoying life!  Sometimes, wrinkles are just worth it.

3. Smoking.

In addition to the many other health problems it causes, smoking negatively affects the elasticity and collagen in your skin.  This means that aging of the skin may be accelerated greatly, resulting in an earlier onset of wrinkles.

4. Genetics.

This is also referred to as intrinsic aging.  Genetics help determine at what age certain processes begin to slow down.  So, it's something you can’t necessarily change.  However, don’t let that discourage you!  You can still slow down the skin’s aging process by eliminating extrinsic aging factors, like smoking, sunlight exposure, and repetitive facial movements.

5. Getting Older (although this is a given).

Ultimately, aging skin and wrinkles are inevitable.  Based on Mayo Clinic’s findings, your skin loses elasticity as you age.  This means it becomes more fragile and looser.  Skin also becomes more dry as natural oil production decreases.  So naturally, as you age, your skin does too.

How to Prevent Wrinkles and Aging Skin

Although wrinkles and aging skin aren't entirely preventable, there are some ways you can slow down the process.  From applying sunscreen everyday, to changing every day habits, find out how to slow aging skin.

1. Use SPF.

According to Harvard Health, the #1 way to keep your skin looking youthful is protecting yourself from harmful rays.  So, if we were to only recommend one thing, it would be this: always apply sunscreen before heading outside.  Ten years down the line, the tan you sported in the summer of 2020 won’t be worth the damage it caused.  Take it from us.  Or, if you absolutely need that glow, consider applying self-tanner instead of laying in the sun!

2. Moisturize.

At every age, applying a good moisturizer consistently is a good idea.  It’s an even better idea to use a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid or Vitamin C, according to Health Line.  Moisturizers help trap the water in your skin, which results in a fresher, more youthful look!  Especially as you get older, your skin becomes more dry.  So, take the time to hydrate often, which will leave your skin less wrinkle-prone.  Bonus: look for a moisturizer that contains SPF to protect your skin from the sun. 

3. Eat Healthy.

Incorporating plenty of fresh fruits and veggies will help your body and skin stay healthy!  According to Mayo Clinic, some vitamins in these foods are major skin protectors!  Foods with high antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties can also help with skin protection and improve elasticity.  Pomegranates, avocados, flax seeds, and olive oil are just some of the foods that exhibit these properties, based on Health Line’s findings.  So, if you want better skin and a healthier body overall, consider improving your diet!

4. Use Eye Cream.

Eyes are typically the first part of the face that shows aging.  Starting to use eye cream early on, preferably in your 20s, is a best according to Marie Claire.  Especially if you’re beginning to see fine lines forming, it’s the perfect time to invest in anti-aging eye cream.  That way, the delicate skin near your eyes will have the nourishment it needs.

5. Wash Your Face. 

Regardless of skin type, or skin goals, intentional face washing is imperative.  Every night before bed, and every morning after you wake up, you should cleanse your face. Additionally, if you workout or sweat, another face washing is needed.  It's also important to use a gentle cleanser.  Harsh face wash may dry out and damage skin.

6. Sleep on Your Back.

Did you know that sleeping on your stomach or side may impact the formation of wrinkles on your face?  According to this study, sleeping with your face pressed on the pillow can actually speed up the aging process.  If you are comfortable sleeping on your back, consider making the switch!  For those who can’t, switching to a satin pillowcase may also help.  Plus, it offers great benefits for your hair, too.

7. Drink Water.

Aside from the many health benefits it already boasts, staying drinking enough water has great benefits for your skin.  Every person has different water intake recommendations - we recommend downloading an app to help you track your hydration!

Best Anti-Aging Products for Your Face

So, now that you know what causes skin to be more wrinkle-prone, it's time for the next step!  Here are some of the best anti-aging skincare products for you.

1. Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer

To combat your skin’s aging process, applying moisturizer often is so important.  Hydrated skin is more likely to boast that coveted, youthful glow.  According to Everyday Health, “The most effective way to moisturize your skin is to use a product that contains occlusive, humectant, or emollient ingredients.”  The moisture boost cream contains glycerin, a humectant, which helps attract moisture.  It also is made of dimethicone, an occlusive, which prevents moisture from escaping the skin.  As a bonus, this anti-aging moisturizer includes SPF 30, protecting your skin from sun damage.

Moisture Boost Cream

2. Best Anti-Aging Serum

According to the Derm Review, sodium hyaluronate is especially good at hydrating the skin.  It can actually hold water up to 1000x its weight!  This means that it works to provide a younger looking complexion for your skin.  This anti-aging serum includes sodium hyaluronate as a main ingredient.  So, if you’re searching for that younger, glowy, and more hydrated look, try the Moisture Boost Serum.

Moisture Boost Serum

 3. Best Anti-Aging Eye Cream

When it comes to aging skin, around the eyes is one of the first areas you’ll see fine lines develop.  Because of that, it’s never too early to start using eye cream!  Whether you’re suffering from dark circles, discoloration, or wrinkles - or simply want to prevent them - you’ll want to try the Restorative Eye Cream.  With a powerful mix of natural botanical extracts, this eye cream stimulates circulation.  Plus, it alleviates inflammation and gives you brighter, more youthful skin around your eyes!

Restorative Eye Cream

4. Best Face Mask for Aging Skin

If your goal is to achieve younger looking skin, you’re going to want this face mask!  The Overnight Plant Cell Mask uses the latest stem cell technology to deliver antioxidants, nourish skin, and prevent aging.  This mask uses propylene glycol, Which helps skin achieve a glowy and dewy look. Propylene glycol is especially useful for aging skin, as its intense hydration counteracts the Natural Moisturizing Factor lost with age.

Overnight Plant Cell Mask

Anti-Aging Skincare Bundle

Let's Chat!

We hope this advice will help you better understand how skin ages and how to prevent wrinkles!  If you try any of these techniques, we would love to hear your results.  Whether you implement lifestyle changes or try out some new skincare products, reach out to us in the comments.  Or, if you have any other ideas to help prevent aging skin, please let us know.  We’d love to hear from you!