As we age, our skin changes in multiple ways, and dealing with those changes can be pretty annoying. But with the right skincare solutions, you can combat aging skin and restore your skin (almost) to its former glory. Here’s what you should know about the most effective skincare solutions for people with aging skin.
1. Use the Right Sunscreen
You probably already know how important it is to use sunscreen, but it’s just as important that you make sure you’re using the right sunscreen. There are several different levels of sunscreen protection, including:
- SPF 15 – For people with more melanin in their skin (i.e., darker skin tones)
- SPF 30 – Recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology, SPF 30
- SPF 50 – Highest level of protection; should be used by people with sensitive skin
Make sure to avoid harsh chemicals when it comes to your sunscreen because they can further contribute to poorly aging skin.
Apply sunscreen to your entire body (not just your face) and remember to reapply throughout the day as necessary. Use sunscreen every day — not just on beach days — to combat premature wrinkles and liver spots (because they come from sun exposure).
2. Pay Attention to Ingredients
When developing a new anti-aging skincare routine, you need to find the right anti-aging products. That means paying attention to what ingredients you’re putting on your skin. Ideally, if you’re looking to combat signs of aging, you want ingredients that can help boost collagen production or reduce the appearance of pronounced fine lines. Some of the most beneficial ingredients for aging skin include:
- Ceramides
- Vitamin C
- Niacinamide
- Azelaic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Lactic acid
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycolic acid
3. Try Retinoids
Turning 50 brings a whole new set of “surprises” thanks to menopause and a change in estrogen levels. That could spell trouble for your skin and you might experience a loss of collagen, which leads to sagging skin along the jawline and around the eyes. Sunspots caused by years of sun exposure doesn’t help matters much, but using retinoids can help regenerate skin cells and keep them active to give your skin a refreshed look. Use retinol only at night since the skin naturally regenerates at night — the retinol will simply aid in the process.
4. Consider More Drastic Solutions
Once you reach your 60s, your skin might be completely unrecognizable to you and you might start considering more drastic solutions when it comes to skincare. While moisturizing and using retinol and vitamin C might work well for you in your 50s, you might find that it’s not working as well in your 60s. Microneedling and dermarolling are both common procedures that help boost your collagen and soften and smooth rough, dry skin.
Caring for Aging Skin Effectively
Caring for your skin as you age is important if you want to look your best no matter what age you are. That means finding the right anti-aging skincare routine and the right products and ingredients to help you combat wrinkles and fine lines. So start looking for the right sunscreen, finding products that’ll help reduce wrinkles and pronounced fine lines, adding retinoids to your skincare routine, and considering whether you want to take a more drastic approach to skincare.