These dermatologist-approved tricks and tips will help your skin look its best. The answer to youthful-looking skin could be in your medicine cabinet or nightstand. Using the right skin care anti-aging products can make a big difference in the appearance of your skin while reducing the appearance of aging, wrinkles, and fine lines. 

Los Angeles dermatologist and author of Feed Your Face, Jessica Wu, MD, describes your skin as “a living organ that changes over time.” She says “adjusting your skin care to accommodate the changes helps to keep your skin healthy and looking its best”.  

Here are some tips and best products that can improve your aging skin:

1. Use a Gentle Face Wash 

When cleansing your skin, gently cleanse in circular motions using a soft touch with a gentle formula. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), aggressive scrubbing can irate sensitive skin further causing signs of aging.

Dr. Wu describes, “Skin tends to get less oily and more sensitive, so even if you still get adult acne breakouts, you may want to use a more gentle face wash instead of a drying acne wash.”

2. Add a Retinoid

Starting in your 20s, your skin begins to lose collagen – the protein responsible for keeping it look smooth, youthful, and lifted. This loss in collagen leads to fine lines, wrinkles, dry skin, and other signs of aging. Dermatologists and doctors agree that using a retinoid, also known as a prescription-strength version of vitamin A, will help your skin become smoother and have less wrinkles. You can also pair a retinol with a collagen supplement, like Wholy Dose collagen supplements, for the ultimate anti-aging duo. 

Dr. Wu explains that she begins to recommend retinoids for anti-aging benefits to her patients who are in their thirties. She suggests to begin using the medication slowly, as little as 2-3 times per week, and transition into daily uses in the evenings as your skin gets used to it.

Gentler forms of over-the-counter retinoid creams can be found online or at your local drugstore. However, Wu suggests to avoid using a retinoid at the same time as benzoyl peroxide, a common OTC medicine used to fight acne. Benzoyl peroxide can oxidize a retinoid, making it less effective. If you’re unsure if you should use a retinol while using benzoyl peroxide, talk to your dermatologist. 

3. Upgrade to a High-Quality SPF

Daily use of sunscreen, including a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, helps keep your skin healthy, further preventing skins of aging such as age spots, discoloration, or wrinkles. However, not all sunscreen are the same when it comes to keeping your skin look youthful. 

Dr. Wu states, “Switch to a more moisturizing sunscreen cream, and avoid alcohol-containing sprays and gels that can dry out your skin. Also, look for sunscreens that contain antioxidants to protect the collagen in your skin.”

When looking for a Broad Spectrum SPF 50, Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer also contains an antioxidant blend with pure vitamin E for added skin benefits. 

4. Use a Rich Face Cream

Oil glands become less active as you age, resulting in dry flaky skin and wrinkles. The AAD recommends moisturizing properly to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. 

Switching your normal cream to a richer face cream will help trap water against your skin, leaving it plump and full. In addition to your face, apply the cream down your neck to treat that area for signs of aging as well. 

5. Watch What You Eat

What happens to your outer appearance is caused by what you consume. If you’re looking to improve the health of your skin, it’s important to eat foods that nourish your skin. Avoid consuming anything that can dehydrate your skin, like alcohol and caffeine. In addition to this, foods high in sugar and white carbohydrates can speed up aging by breaking down glucose. 

Incorporate more protein in your diet like fish, lean meat, beans, and legumes to help support your collagen levels. Try taking a daily collagen supplement to aid in the building of collagen in your skin.

Dr. Wu also recommends eating foods high in vitamin C for youthful looking skin. She explains “eat more tomatoes if you’ve had a lot of sunburns in your younger years and are starting to see spots and sun damage”, because “cooked tomatoes are high in lycopene, an antioxidant, and have been shown to fight sunburn and sun damage, while lycopene cannot erase existing spots it can help prevent further damage." 

6. Add Supplements To Your Routine

Did you know that the right kind of supplements are effective for anti-aging skin benefits?

Supplements such as omega-3 can help keep skin moist and delay its maturing process by preventing fine lines and wrinkles. Try a fish oil or flaxseed oil supplement, as Dr. Wu states “it'll help keep your skin supple by replenishing your skin’s own lipids [or oils], which diminish with time. It’s also anti-inflammatory if you suffer from adult acne.”

Additionally, collagen supplements effectively help address signs of aging like wrinkles and dull skin, while providing other beauty benefits such as hair growth and strengthened nails. 

7. Exfoliate Once or Twice A Week 

Our skin sheds dead cells daily and creates a new layer of skin every 28 days. This process reduces over time as we get older, resulting in a dull complexion or rough patches of skin. To remove this buildup, exfoliate once or twice a week to brighten up your skin.

Dr. Wu recommends using a scrub with round particles to irritate the skin less. However, be sure to avoid products made with plastic microbeads that are harmful for your skin. 

Takeaways

For anti-aging, these dermatologist-approved tricks and tips will help keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. Be sure to use a gentle cleanser, add a retinoid, upgrade your SPF, apply a rich moisturizer cream, watch you diet and implement a collagen powder, and exfoliate at least once a week. With the help of these tips for your skin care routine, you can expect youthful, glowing skin.