Preventative Measures
top anti-aging products and lucky number 20
In 2020, we’re all about preventive measures— am I right? Social distancing, proper sanitation (which should have always been a thing— ew), mask and gloves attire…thriving! Well, let’s talk about more exciting preventative measures: skincare edition.
Remember when you turned 25 and everything went downhill? Started noticing fine lines, maybe some hyperpigmentation that is no longer considered “cute little freckles” and your metabolism went to crap? Same, same. (for those who are not yet 25… listen up and take notes!)
Number one anti-aging product: SPF. This should be a no brainer, right? Unfortunately, it’s not! So many people, especially those who want to be tan hawt babes are worshipping the sun rather than SPF. Studies show that daily use of sunscreen, even when indoors, slows down the aging process.
Wear sunscreen every.single.day. Even when you’re inside, UV rays can shine through the windows. Summertime, wintertime, indoors or outdoors… Wear it! I apply my face sunscreen to my face, neck and any chest area that is exposed as well as my ears. Reapply accordingly and wear that embarrassingly huge hat of yours!
Second anti-aging product: Retinoid aka fountain of youth. "Oh, but I’m not old enough to be using a retinoid. That’s like for people my mom’s age..." No ma’am, no ma’am. Not only are retinoids great for anti-aging, they are also great for acne-prone skin.
Did you know that your collagen production starts decreasing at age 20? No bueno. In the skincare world, we usually start recommending retinoids (for anti-aging purposes) around age 25 but truly, if I could go back, I would have started them when I was 20!
Find a retinoid that you can eventually tolerate nightly. If you can use prescription strength only a few nights a week, use something more gentle on the alternating nights such as Retivance. It is a retinaldehyde which is stronger than retinol but weaker than a Retin-A. It is gentle enough to be used on your face, neck, chest, under your eyes and upper orbital bone. If you are a retinoid newbie— start with Retivance and there will be no looking back. It’s the best!
Third anti-aging product: Vitamin C. I recommend using a medical grade Vitamin C serum if at all possible but if you have sensitivity to L-ascorbic acid (main ingredient in the serum), there are alternatives! Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects against free radical damage. Google free radicals if you don’t know what they are and then you’ll have your “ah-ha” moment.
Vitamin C usually comes in strengths of 10%, 15% and 20%. 15% is usually good common ground for most people. 10% being for more dry, sensitive skin and 20% for acneic, oily skin. I’m acne-prone but I use 15%. I will eventually try building up to 20%. If you do have a sensitivity to Vitamin C serum (causes you to breakout), you can try a Vitamin C lotion. I recommend Revision Skincare.
*the neck is always more delicate than our face. My neck can’t tolerate Vitamin C serum so I use Vitamin C lotion on my neck.
Apply Vitamin C morning and night. More on Vitamin C to come in future posts.
My last anti-aging product suggestion is a simple one: glycolic acid. My favorite active ingredient in skincare is glycolic acid. It is the exfoliation qweeeen. While you don’t want to over exfoliate your skin, there are plenty of products with mild glycolic acid in them such as toners and cleansers that can be used daily. If you want something more powerful, peel pads from brands such as Bare, ZO Skin Health, SkinBetter and m61 are great at-home chemical peels.
Glycolic acid (up to about 2-3%) can be tolerated daily for most people. Peel pads usually contain about 10-15% and are to be used 1-3x/week.
Remember when applying skincare, your face ends at your boobs (apply to face, neck and chest)!
*note: glycolic acid (well, really, all of these products) can create sensitivity, dryness and irritation of the skin. It is best to ease into these products (start by using them about once a day, 3 times a week). Be sure to get a consultation or do your research before purchasing all products.
