Anti-Aging Skin Care: How to Best Care for Your Aging Skin
As we age, our skin undergoes various changes which can result in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, roughness, dryness, loss of volume, and thinning of the skin (1,2). By following our five top tips and maintaining a good skin care routine, you can help reduce the appearance of some signs of skin aging and keep your skin looking healthy.
What is the best skin care for aging skin?
Our skin changes with age due to a number of factors, including exposure to UV radiation, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices such as diet, alcohol, and smoking (2,3). In addition, a natural aging process takes place and our skin’s natural barrier doesn’t work as well as it used to. Skin cells produce less collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which are essential for maintaining the skin’s structure, hydration, and elasticity. As a result, the skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic and firm, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles (1,2).
To slow down the effect of aging, a good skin care regimen tailored to your skin type is essential. An effective routine can help to keep your skin hydrated, and help to reduce the signs of aging. Look out for anti-aging skin care products that help to improve skin elasticity and resiliency.
Starting a good anti-aging skin care routine early in life can help establish healthy habits that will benefit your skin for years to come. However, even if you haven't paid much attention to your skin in the past, it's never too late to start (3). By taking care of your skin later in life, you can still help to slow down the aging process and keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
Anti-aging Skin care tip 1: Gently cleanse
As we age, our skin’s surface tends to experience a build-up of dead skin cells. By including gentle exfoliation into your anti-aging skin care routine, you can help improve skin texture and thus help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (2,4).
It's important to choose an exfoliator that's gentle enough for your skin type, as harsh scrubs can cause irritation and damage (4). The clinically proven Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub is a great option, as it's formulated with micro-fine bamboo particles to gently exfoliate without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. It's perfect for daily use.
Anti-aging skin care tip 2: Moisturize daily
With age, our skin’s ability to keep moisture lowers and our skin becomes drier, making daily moisturization more vital (1-3). Hydrated skin looks more youthful, and it's more resilient to environmental stressors.
To keep your skin hydrated, try Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Skin Restoring Water Gel, which is a lightweight gel moisturizer that can be used on your face and body, and absorbs quickly, providing instant, long-lasting hydration. Alternatively, Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Daily Glow Cream is a rich, nourishing moisturizer that instantly refreshes your skin, giving it a natural glow.
As a dermatologist recommended skin care brand, all Cetaphil moisturizers are also suitable for sensitive skin.
To get the most out of your moisturizer, it's important to apply it on damp skin. This helps to lock in moisture and ensure that your skin stays hydrated throughout the day.
Anti-aging skin care tip 3: Use sunscreen
Sun exposure can lead to premature skin aging and damage, including fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer. In fact, it is believed that 80% of facial aging is caused by long-term exposure to the sun. This damage is caused by UV rays, which can penetrate the skin even on cloudy days, as it reduces the amount of elastin and collagen in the skin (2). That's why daily sun protection is recommended for all skin types and colors.
It is advised to use daily sun protection with an SPF of at least 30 (2,3). Make sure to incorporate a broad-spectrum sunscreen, that offers both UVA and UVB protection, into your daily skin care routine.
A good option is Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50, which combines sun protection with hydration for healthy-looking skin. This lightweight moisturizer is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, making it perfect for everyday use. It's also fragrance-free and won't clog your pores.
Anti-aging skin care tip 4: Exfoliate regularly
As we age, our skin’s surface tends to experience a build-up of dead skin cells. By including gentle exfoliation into your anti-aging skin care routine, you can help improve skin texture and thus help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (2,4).
It's important to choose an exfoliator that's gentle enough for your skin type, as harsh scrubs can cause irritation and damage (4). The clinically proven Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub is a great option, as it's formulated with micro-fine bamboo particles to gently exfoliate without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. It's perfect for daily use.
Anti-aging skin care tip 5: Try serums
Serums are a great addition to any skin care routine as they are packed full of concentrated ingredients designed to target specific skin concerns, such as dullness, texture, fine lines or wrinkles (5).
Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Illuminating Lotion Serum is formulated with hyaluronic acid, pro-vitamin B5, and antioxidant vitamin E, and delivers hydration and brightening benefits to your skin.
Some serums can also be used on the delicate area around the eyes, which is often one of the first places to show signs of aging. Consider adding a serum like the Cetaphil Optimal Hydration Eye Serum to your routine. This serum is specifically formulated to provide intense hydration, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and diminish the signs of under eye fatigue.
In summary — anti-aging skin care
Taking good care of your skin is essential to maintain healthy- and youthful-looking skin as you age. With a good skin care routine and products tailored to your skin type, you can help keep your skin clean, hydrated, and protected from sunburn, as well as slow down and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Remember that it's never too late or too early to start a skin care routine.
1. Farage MA, Miller KW, Elsner P, Maibach HI. Characteristics of the Aging Skin. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2013;2(1):5-10. doi: 10.1089/wound.2011.0356
2. Baumann L. Skin aging and its treatment. J Pathol. 2007;211(2):241-51. doi: 10.1002/path.2098
3. American Academy of Dermatology Association. 11 Ways To Reduce Premature Skin Aging. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/reduce-premature-aging-skin Accessed May 10, 2023
4. Ganceviciene R, Liakou AI, Theodoridis A, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012.1;4(3):308-19. doi: 10.4161/derm.22804
5. McCall-Perez F, Stephens TJ, Herndon JH Jr. Efficacy and tolerability of a facial serum for fine lines, wrinkles, and photodamaged skin. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011;4(7):51-4. PMID: 21779421
