Let's Talk Anti-Aging
Whenever I talk to people about anti-aging, I get the same response:
*eye roll*
“You’re 21. You don’t even need to think about using anti aging products!”
BUT HERE’S A SECRET — IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START.
Some pretext: throughout high school, like many, I struggled with my skin. I lived in a really dry climate, which left my skin feeling dehydrated and irritated all the time. Throughout my teenage years, this was a huge point of insecurity, however I always thought that it would pass and my skin would eventually even out as I got older.
At 18, I remember sitting down with my mom and one of her friends for lunch, and while chatting, we landed on the topic of skincare. My mom’s friend told me that now is the time to really start thinking about my skin, because it will change the way that I age. That little tip stuck with me, and ever since then I’ve prioritized skincare, and have started taking early preventative anti-aging measures.
As a rule of thumb, most skincare experts would recommend that you start an anti-aging routine at 23, however you really should start thinking about your skin way before that.
While you definitely don’t need to take crazy measures at a young age, there are steps that everybody can implement into their skincare routine in order to ensure that their skin ages gracefully.
Here are a few of my favorite anti-aging products at the moment:
Eye Cream
If you’re looking for a good place to start, eye cream is your best bet. Most people have rings under their eyes, and as you age, these rings tend to get more pronounced. A good eye cream will help plump up your under eye and even out the skin tone, making you look more vibrant and energized.
Age Arrest Eye Cream
Kate Somerville, $75
This specific eye cream is my personal fav. Its key ingredients work to effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles, all while firming, tightening and toning the appearance of your undereye area.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen — Seems like no big deal, right? Wrong. Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of aging, so it’s so important to protect your skin... and when I say this, I mean every. single. day. Rain or shine, no matter how long you’re planning on being outside. In an article going over 10 classic skincare mistake you’re probably making, Dr. Dennis Gross — board certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Dennis Gross Dermatology — noted that “if you spend 30 minutes a day in the sun without protection, over the course of the summer, that is the damage equivalent to spending two full days in the sun”. Crazy, right?! I try to wear spf 30 every day at least on my face, neck, chest and hands — which are the first areas on your body that will show signs of aging.
The Invisible Shield
Glossier, $25
The invisible shield by glossier is a great sunscreen. It is really lightweight, wears well under makeup, and doesn’t have that gross spf scent.
Marula Oil
My favorite products on the market are the ones that have as few ingredients as possible, but that still work. Marula oil is an amazing natural anti-aging product, and something that everyone should have on hand. Marula Oil is high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids & amino acids, and works well on all skin types. It is known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, redness & blotchiness, as well as help with the skin’s elasticity.
Virgin Marula Antioxidant Face Oil
The Drunk Elephant, $40
Made from 100% virgin marula oil, this product provides your skin with the critical antioxidants, and omegas 6 & 9, which deliver clinically proven results to reverse the signs of aging and work against environmental stressors.
Serums
Ok. This one’s a little bit broad, but as long as you know what you’re looking for, it’s really easy to find great products.
As we get older, our skin starts to lose collagen, which is what keeps it full and lifted. Vitamins A and C are really important and will help your skin maintain a youthful glow. Vitamin C helps to improve your skins brightness and tone, reduce fine lines, and slows the breakdown of collagen. Vitamin A has really similar benefits, but it also helps protect against UV damage, so it’s better to use during the daytime. Finally, when your skin is healthy and hydrated, increased cell production can take place, which is why I love hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid helps reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, replenishes moisture back into the skin, and creates a youthful, plumping effect. If you have naturally dry skin like me, this is a must.
When combatting the aging effects, you want to brighten, tighten and lift, and when you know the key ingredients that do this, it’s much easier to shop.
Super Glow Serum
Glossier, $28
One of my favorite Vitamin C serums on the market. I apply a few drops of this to my face at nighttime before applying moisturizer, and it leaves my skin looking and feeling youthful and glowy. This serum works best with long term use.
Retinol
Finally, retinol is a Vitamin-A based solution that is known to have anti-aging effects. Retinoids work to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen, all while stimulating the production of new blood vessels in the skin (which improves color and tone). If you’re looking for a good all-in-one product, this is a great option.
*note that retinol is a little bit harsh, and it can take you skin a little bit of time to get used to the product*
Wrinkle Recovery Overnight Serum
Dr. Dennis Gross, $88
This overnight serum contains retinol, ferulic acid and niacinamide. Apply 2-3 pumps to clean, dry skin to improve the appearance of wrinkles and firm skin. This serum instantly evens out the skin for a smoother looking complexion.
There you have it: a beginner’s guide to anti-aging products. I know it seems like a lot, but I promise, as soon as you start to recognize a few key ingredients, you’ll start to know what to look out for.
Hope this helps!
xx,
seb.
