When To Start Using Anti-Aging Products

There are quite literally thousands of anti-aging products on the market. Everything from creams to serums, moisturizers to masks, oils to hydrating balms - there's even anti-aging products for your feet. But when do you need to start using them? How often should you use them? And do you really need to use anti-aging cream in your 20s? We find out!

Prevention is Better Than Cure

A vast amount of research has been done into aging. What causes it, what makes our skin sag, what causes wrinkles, what makes our skin seem duller- and the vast amount of research generally agrees that prevention is better than cure.

Most research agrees that smoking and too much sun exposure are the two primary factors that cause prematurely aging skin - so if you're a smoker in your teens and 20s, and if you spend too much time in the sun without the right amount of protection, your skin is more likely to age prematurely. It's really as simple as that. But if you don't smoke - or if you quit, and if you take the right steps to prevent skin cancer when you're in your early 20s and 30s, your skin will be bright and beautiful for much, much longer. Which means that you won't have to start using anti-aging creams in your 20s!

Healthy Diet = Healthy Skin

We've said this many times before, but the more effort you put into looking after yourself, the more you'll be rewarded in the form of smooth, youthful skin, shiny hair and strong nails. A healthy diet, rich in wholegrains, a wide variety of fruits and veggies, lean proteins and legumes literally nourishes your body from the inside out, giving your skin and hair a real glow.

Facial exercises can also help to tone the tiny muscles around the mouth and nose, which can help to fade fine lines and wrinkles. 

See Also: A 5-Step Anti-Aging Beauty Routine for Mature Skin

Should I Use Anti-Aging Products Now?

We're not saying that you shouldn't use any anti-aging products in your 20s. But if you choose products that are too harsh, or that contain too many antioxidants (there is such a thing!) there is the risk that they could damage your skin further and increase your sensitivity to the sun. If your skin is actually more sensitive to the sun, it can increase sun damage - so using harsh anti-aging products in your 20s could actually increase the amount of wrinkles you develop later on. Skin care experts advise that you use a high-quality sun screen each day and if you think you need any extra help, a moisturizer with antioxidants could do the job nicely.

Choose a suitable moisturizer based on your skin type. Opt for lightweight, oil-free options for normal to oily skin and richer formulas for dry or combination skin. Prioritize moisturizers with SPF for daytime use and those with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and antioxidants. Apply consistently day and night, and consider consulting a dermatologist for personalized recommendations.

In your late 20s, you may begin introducing a mild retinol product into your skincare routine. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that can help stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Start with a low concentration and use it sparingly, as it can be drying and cause sensitivity. Use it in the evening and apply sunscreen during the day when using retinol.

The Truth About Retinoids

You've probably heard an awful lot about retinoids. We have. They're supposed to be a bit of a miracle ingredient, and they really are. Using a product that contains retinoids in your early 20s will not only help to reduce things like acne and breakouts, but it'll also help to regulate skin control, which could reduce oil secretion if you have oily skin, or improve oil regulation if you have dry skin, improving the overall tone and texture of skin. Skincare experts believe that even young adults and teens should include a retinoid or retinol cream in their regime, as they can help to reduce acne, shrink pores, treat skin sores and lesions, even out skin tone and texture and boost collagen production and cell turnover. In your 20s, your cell turnover is already pretty good, but it can't hurt to give it a bit of a boost! Plus, if you use retinoids from your 20s onwards, you'll be providing your skin with the building blocks it needs to reduce wrinkles and fine lines as you get older.

Can I Use Botox to Reduce Wrinkles?

There has long been a myth that the earlier you start to use Botox, the younger your skin will look.

Treating wrinkles that aren't actually there isn't a bad thing in itself - it'll smooth out the skin. But if you have repeated Botox treatments, over and over again, those muscles could become permanently damaged. Although you might not have wrinkles, skin will atrophy prematurely, and you'll be left with slightly drooping, sagging skin that'll make you appear older than your years. If you must use Botox, use it only when you have wrinkles. If you don't, don't bother!

A Weighty Issue

As we get older, collagen production slows. Without collagen, our skin starts to lose elasticity and plumpness, which is what makes wrinkles appear more prominent. Many women at this age also go on diets to shed a few excess pounds, but there's something you should keep in mind when losing weight - there are no wrinkles in a balloon. Let all of the air out of the balloon and it'll go all wrinkly. The same goes for when you lose lots of weight, to an extent, especially if you lose it too quickly.

See Also: Teenagers and Anti-Aging Products: Teen Botox to Prevent Wrinkles Later On?

If you're older when you lose weight, it's also more likely that you'll lose fat stores from your face and without that fat "plumping" out your wrinkles, you'll look older. When you're trying to lose weight, do it slowly and gradually and - as silly as it might sound - keep an eye on how your face looks. You can plump out those lines with fillers in the future but if you'd rather keep it au naturel, you're better off keeping an eye on your weight.