Anti-Aging Skincare Essentials

Get an Early Start on Skin Care

Even if you've never taken care of your skin, it's not too late to start. Your skin starts to age when you are only in your mid-20s, though you may not see it. Your favorite products may not work as well anymore. Your genes, daily habits, and the sun cause these changes. So don't wait any longer! You may want to ask a dermatologist now how you can get smoother, softer skin, whatever your age.

 

Use a Gentle Cleanser

 

Choose a creamy one for dry skin, or an oil-free, foaming one for oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your dermatologist about how to avoid irritation. Wash with warm or cool water. Hot water can strip away your skin's natural moisture. Pat your face dry -- don't rub

Moisturizer for Your Face

 

Moisturizer protects and improves your skin. Even if you have oily skin or breakouts, you can use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer every day. If you have dry skin, you may need to put on moisturizer more than just once a day. Pat it on while your skin is still damp to seal in moisture.

Wear Sunscreen Every Day

You need sun protection during daylight hours, no matter if it’s overcast or you’re staying indoors. The sun’s rays can pass through clouds and windows, so you're always exposed. Many moisturizers have sunscreen. If yours doesn't, look for a sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30. Don't forget to cover your lips, too! And if you sweat or are outside for a long time, remember to reapply sunscreen to stay protected.

 

Can I Layer My Skin Products?

Yes. Start with clean skin and put on any prescription creams or gels first.

Morning: Moisturizer, sunscreen (if it's not in your moisturizer), makeup if you wear it.

Night: Anti-aging product (if you use one), moisturizer without sunscreen.

Scrub Away Dead Skin

Exfoliate to help your skin glow. You can buff off dead skin cells gently with a soft washcloth, spinning brush, or scrubs with synthetic beads. If your skin is dry, exfoliate once a week. If you have oily skin, do it once or twice a week. If you have acne or sensitive skin, talk to your doctor. Exfoliating might irritate your skin.

Reveal a Fresh Layer of Skin

Some skin care products have ingredients that get rid of dead cells to uncover the brighter, fresher skin underneath. Acne medicines and anti-aging products may have salicylic acid or retinoids, for example. You can also get microdermabrasion or a chemical peel to slough off dead cells. Both are available from doctors and in at-home formulas. You may not see a big difference from an at-home formula, though.
 

Dark Skin Needs TLC

If you're African-American or Hispanic, for example, your skin might be sensitive to sun or chemicals. Stick with a simple, gentle skin care routine. Don't go a day without moisturizer or sunscreen. Even though you may not ever get sunburned, you still need sunscreen to protect against skin cancer, wrinkling, and dark spots.