If you thought you did n’t have to worry about " anti - ageing " skincare until your 50s , think again …
There are so many skincare products out there that walking down the skincare aisle can be incredibly overwhelming. Trying to decide not only which products you need but which ones are more than just their marketing can seem impossible, especially when it comes to anti-aging skincare, which is most successful when you focus on preventing issues before they start.
So, how do you figure out what the best thing for your skin is? Is it a 12-stepKorean skincareroutine for glass skin? Trying the French skincare products everyone on TikTok swears by? I love trying a trend as much as the next person, but without a time machine, it’s hard to know if these skincare fads actuallydo anything. Well, to cut through the noise, I decided to ask the experts: I consulted two board-certified dermatologists to break down what we really need to be doing for our skin to keep it looking its best for years to come.
After chatting with Dr. Chiu and Dr. Shao, these were the anti-aging skincare tips, recommendations, and debunked myths that everyone should know — especially if you’re just starting out with preventative skincare:
Keep in mind : Use this inclination for inspiration , but consult with a doc before starting any new skin care routine . It ’s generally recommended that you talk with a skin doctor before trying raw skincare products to check that the active ingredients you ’re implement are seamster - fit to your personal skincare needs .
1.The first skincare myth they busted? Drinking water is the magic secret to stopping aging. While drinking water is, of course, essential, contrary to what celebrity interviews would have you believe, just doing that alone will not slow down aging.
2.Some of the biggest misconceptions both dermatologists have seen people have about anti-aging skincare is that it’s only necessary to start using anti-aging products once signs of aging have already appeared.
They both emphasized that the good thing you could do to oppose senescence is to begin usingproducts that keep your skin healthy and prevent damage early .
3.The most effective thing to prevent damage? “SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN SUNSCREEN!” Dr. Chiu said, “with a minimum of SPF 30. And no, the sunscreen in your makeup is typically insufficient because you likely do not put on a thick enough layer to get the SPF number marked on the bottle.”
4.They both shared that it’s also a false but common belief that expensive products are more effective than affordable ones. The most vital part of effective skincare products is what the active ingredients are, and often, the same ones are found in both low and high-end products.
5.Dr. Chiu recommends the antioxidant niacinamide, and it’seasy to see why. Derived from vitamin B3, this ingredient not only fights free radicals but strengthens skin, brightens dark spots, and evens skin tone. It can also help minimize pores and balance oil production, solving a whole host of skin woes.
6.Both dermatologists suggested looking out for products with ceramides and peptides, which are commonly found in moisturizers. Ceramides helpprotect and repair the skin barrier, which peptides alsohelp with, but have the added benefit of smoothing fine lines and wrinkles as well.
7.It might seem basic, but the other essential skincare product they suggested is a moisturizer, but it’s important to knowwhy.
" Moisturizers are authoritative for anti - aging because they helpimprove skin hydration , can beef up the tegument barrier , and assist lock up in any active or serumsyou use , " Dr. Shao explained .
It is also important to ensure the moisturizersuits one ’s skin type . " Even oily skin needs a lightweight , non - comedogenic moisturizer to keep residuum in the skin and foreclose oil secretor from being even more active , " Dr. Chiu say .
8.Both dermatologists are also big fans of using AHA/BHA in skincare.
9.Retinoids are the holy grail product for pretty much every skincare issue. Both dermatologists suggested that vitamin A-based topicals thatspeed up skin cell turnoverand can range from prescription strength to over-the-counter (where they are listed as retinol/retinals) are one of the most effective products you can incorporate into your skincare routine.
10.Dr. Shao advises being mindful of the other active ingredients in your skincare routine when incorporating products with vitamin A because they can lead to increased irritation.
11.“There is a risk of retinoids causing dry eye by affecting meibomian glands,” Dr. Shao warns. “So I would be cautious about getting a retinoid too close to the eye.”
12.Dr. Chiu shared that many expect immediate results from their skincare routines but that people should be patient. “It generally takes 30–60 days of consistent use to see noticeable improvements,” she said.
Dr. Shao emphasized that the key to results is consistency , and prefer caliber over quantity when it comes to a skincare routine .
13.“Do not forget about areas like the lips and the neck! They are also places that can show aging,” Dr. Shao said. “This can be as simple as making sure you bring your skincare/sunscreen down to your neck as well.”
14.Dr. Shao also shared that the skincare fad she wished people would stop buying into is assuming that just because something is marketed as “natural,” it means that it’s automatically safe to use.
" Being able-bodied to parse through the literature and find ripe - lineament studies to back up sure claim about skin care ingredients is a skill of its own , so my dependable gratuity is toask a dermatologist!I also often consult the advice of cosmetic chemists , " she shared .
15.Dr. Chiu warns that people should keep their expectations realistic regarding the promises skincare products make. “No topical product will completely eliminate wrinkles,” Dr. Chiu said.
