One of the biggest skincare myths is thinking that you need age-defying skincare products after your skin has aged. While we think it’s never too late to start on your skincare journey, dermatologists suggest that you should start using anti-aging skincare in your mid-20s. That way, you can maintain the youthful glow of your 20s, forever!

Maintaining proper skincare with science-backed ingredients is going to help maintain the health of your skin. However, they aren’t going to treat problem areas until you specifically invest in ingredients that target those issues. If your biggest skincare setback is fine-lines and premature wrinkles, then we highly suggest you incorporate products with the following ingredients in your skincare routine:

· Sunscreen (SPF)

We can never stress enough how important sunscreen is for your skin, but especially for aging skin. Let us put it this way, if we could only put one product on our faces for the rest of our lives, it should be sunscreen. For anti-aging goals, select your sunscreen wisely. It must be broad-spectrum so that it protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays. It should also be at least SPF 30, higher if you live in an incredibly hot and sunny place.

Granted that sunscreen protects us from skin cancer and hyperpigmentation, it also prevents and helps us treat age spots and melasma. Another way sunscreen helps us with anti-aging is by stopping the UVA and UVB rays from breaking down collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are what make skin soft, plump, and elastic. As we get older, the production of these two forms of protein begins to deteriorate, causing the skin to sag and develop wrinkles. Sun rays expedite the breakdown of collagen before we have even reached that stage in our lives, leading to premature aging.

· Vitamin A

The discovery of Vitamin A and its benefits for skin’s health has to be one of the greatest achievements of skincare research. Vitamin A, found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and fennel seeds, has become the Holy Grail for skincare enthusiasts and dermatologists across the globe. Endless researches and real-life experiences prove that consistent use of  vitamin A compounds helps with wrinkles, saggy skin, and even acne.

The only thing you need is patience and perseverance. Vitamin A itself is a very strong ingredient. Pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies provide it in the form of its many derivatives, called retinol and retinoids. These compounds reduce the appearance of wrinkles and saggy skin and even treat eyespots and sun damage.

Where sunscreen is all about prevention, retinoids and retinol are all about repairing what has already been damaged along with prevention. Using retinoids and retinol every night and putting sunscreen every day is a power-combo for anti-aging.

· Ceramides

Ceramides are natural lipids (oils) that our skin produces to keep the topmost layer of our skin moisturized by locking in moisture. As a result, our skin remains plump and elastic. However, as we age, the production of ceramides begins to decline and our skin shows signs of dryness, redness, itchiness, and lack of moisture barrier.

Unfortunately, one of the biggest culprits of wrinkles and fine lines is dehydrated and dry skin. While you take care of dehydration by increasing water consumption, you must take care of dry skin with topical application of ceramides.

Ceramides are usually found in moisturizers so avoid other products with ceramides in them.

· Salicylic Acid

Collagen is a protein that gives structure to our skin, keeping it firm and strong. As we age, the production of collagen declines and our skin gets increasingly vulnerable to sagging and wrinkling. Sun exposure supports the breakdown of collagen, exacerbating the situation even more.

There are two ways to introduce collagen to your skin. One way is to invest in oral collagen supplements. They come in the forms of pills and powder. The other way is to incorporate salicylic acid into your skincare routine. Salicylic acid is beta-hydroxy-acid (BHA) and is more popularly known for its acne treatment. However, it is also known for boosting collagen because of its strong exfoliating properties. Use it once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells and make way for new ones.

· Lactic Acid 

Ideally, beta-hydroxy-acids (BHA) work best when combined with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). These two forms of acids get rid of dead skin cells and help the new skin to be more evenly pigmented, tighter, and moisturized. AHAs also clear clogged pores and minimize the appearance of large pores.

While there are many AHAs out there, lactic acid is one of the gentlest ones. It is best suited for sensitive skin or for skin that is just getting introduced to chemical exfoliants. Lactic acid is a humectant, which means it also has the property of attracting and locking moisture in the skin. Regular use of lactic acid will make your skin firmer, plumper, and cleaner.

· Hydroquinone 

Hydroquinone is a form of vitamin B3 and is often prescribed by dermatologists for its amazing lightening properties. This chemical works on the stubborn age spot much faster than other brightening ingredients. It is one of the top medications for melasma. You can also tradeoff hydroquinone with azelaic acid if your skin doesn’t like it.

You start seeing results on your skin within two months of using hydroquinone. Incorporate it into your anti-aging skincare routine to battle wrinkles and spots simultaneously.

The Final Word

As powerful as these ingredients are, remember that they don’t work overnight. Inconsistent use doesn’t help either.  Incorporate these ingredients into your skincare routine, using alternate days as well as day and night applications. Within a few months, you will  start noticing radiance and youthfulness in your skin.