When to start using anti-aging cream?

As age advances, not only does health decline, but signs of aging also appear on the skin. To slow this process, consider using anti-aging creams. But at what age should we start? Find out in the following article.

Signs of aging skin

Aging is a natural process that humans cannot prevent or alter. As we age, the body’s ability to regenerate and produce collagen and elastin decreases, resulting in less elastic skin. This explains the appearance of wrinkles, sagging, and drooping skin. Additionally, decreased immunity makes the skin more susceptible to damage from dust, bacteria, and sunlight. Over time, this can lead to the formation of age spots, freckles, and pigmentation issues.

Reports indicate that men tend to age slower than women for two reasons. Firstly, men have thicker skin on their forehead by up to 25%, delaying the onset of wrinkles compared to women. Secondly, men have more collagen, and the aging process progresses slower.

Some signs to recognize aging skin include:

• Dry, flaky, dehydrated skin: Over time, the body’s oil glands produce less oil, leading to imbalanced and dehydrated skin prone to flakiness and wrinkles.
• Blurry wrinkles: Reduced collagen levels cause the skin to contract and quickly form wrinkles and deep grooves, particularly in areas like the forehead, around the eyes, mouth, and neck.
• Dark spots, pigmentation: Weakened skin is more susceptible to damage from sunlight, resulting in the appearance of dark spots, freckles, and pigmentation. As age increases, the density of dark spots may spread across larger areas of the face.
• Sagging, drooping skin: Loss of collagen and elastin leads to loose, less elastic skin. This results in sagging and drooping skin, particularly in areas like the forehead, eyelids, cheeks, chin, and neck.
• Vulnerable skin, visible blood vessels: Aging skin is more prone to damage and irritation from external factors.
• Especially on the cheeks and chin, visible thin and easily broken blood vessels may appear. Additionally, the skin is at risk of various skin conditions such as inflammation, thickened cornified epithelium, and cysts.

At what age does skin begin to age?

Many believe that skin starts aging when entering middle age, around 40-45 years old. However, research suggests that signs of aging may start as early as age 25, with subtle warning signs becoming noticeable.

As collagen and elastin levels decline, signs of aging become more prominent with age. By age 30, skin texture begins to change, becoming less smooth and radiant, with enlarged pores and fine lines appearing. In the 40s and beyond, signs of aging become more pronounced, with wrinkles, crow’s feet, dullness, and age spots becoming increasingly apparent.

At what age should you start using anti-aging cream?

To minimize and prevent early signs of skin aging, it’s best to start using anti-aging cream as early as possible. Depending on your age range, you should choose different creams with various ingredients and functions.

In the 20s to 30s:

This is the perfect time to start incorporating moisturizing creams into your daily skincare routine. At this age, the main skin concerns are typically acne, with skin firmness and elasticity still maintained at a high level. However, it’s still advisable to choose anti-aging creams focused on moisturizing to protect the skin from environmental damage.

In the 30s to 40s:

During this period, the skin experiences a decrease in collagen and elastin levels, marking the beginning of the aging process. Besides moisturizing creams, it’s essential to upgrade to products that can reduce wrinkles. Additionally, incorporate skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E, AHA/BHA, Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, and Ferulic Acid.

In the 40s to 50s:

As you enter your forties, more signs of aging such as wrinkles, crow’s feet, age spots, sagging, and dullness become apparent. Hormonal changes also occur during this period. Therefore, it’s crucial to apply deep moisturizing and anti-aging creams. Consider using specialized creams for dark spots, pigmentation, reducing dark circles, and eye bags. Prioritize natural extracts and gentle pH formulas to avoid skin damage.

Besides using creams, consider beauty treatments such as machinery or filler injections for skin rejuvenation.

Over 50s:

This phase marks the peak of skin aging, with signs becoming more pronounced and widespread. Skin loses elasticity, wrinkles deepen, and pigmentation issues become more prominent. Similar to the 40s to 50s phase, opt for specialized anti-aging creams and gentle, natural extracts. Avoid high pH concentrations, alcohol, or harsh cleansers that may cause severe skin damage.

Anti-aging creams suitable for each age range

Here are 5 anti-aging creams suitable for different age ranges:

For ages 20s to 30s:

• Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream: Targets early signs of aging with moisturizing and firming properties.
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel: Provides intense hydration while helping to maintain skin elasticity.

For ages 30s to 40s:

• L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Face & Neck Cream: Helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and firm up sagging skin.
• RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream: Contains retinol to address fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture.

For ages 40s to 50s:

• Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Crème: Targets multiple signs of aging, including loss of firmness and uneven skin tone.
• Skinceuticals A.G.E. Interrupter: Specifically formulated to combat the visible signs of aging caused by advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.s).

For ages over 50s:

• La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizing Cream: Provides deep hydration and helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
• Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched: Addresses multiple signs of aging, including deep wrinkles and loss of resilience.

For all ages:

• Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Daily Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30: Offers sun protection and helps reduce the visible effects of elastin and collagen loss.

What if anti-aging cream doesn’t work?

This is a common issue when using anti-aging creams without seeing any improvement. When faced with this problem, consider the following:

• Identify the specific skin issues such as wrinkles, dark spots, dryness, or acne.
• Check if the product’s ingredients and benefits are suitable for your age and needs.
• Review the brand of the product to avoid counterfeit or expired creams.
• Ensure proper application of the product; using too little or too much can affect its effectiveness.
• Incorporate skin protection measures like sunscreen and protective clothing while using the product.
• Evaluate lifestyle habits and nutrition for overall skin health.
• If none of these reasons apply, consider switching to a different anti-aging cream. Additionally, seek advice from dermatologists or skincare specialists for proper diagnosis and timely treatment.

Combining Anti-aging Cream with Other Nutrients

In tandem with skincare products, combining anti-aging cream with other nutrients can enhance treatment effectiveness and improve skin condition.

Sunscreen combined with Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant known for brightening the skin and inhibiting melanin production. Moreover, it stimulates collagen production, reducing wrinkles, and protects against UVA and UVB rays. Combining Vitamin C serum with sunscreen enhances free radical neutralization, maximizing sun protection.

Hyaluronic Acid combined with Retinol

Combining Retinol with Hyaluronic Acid boosts moisturizing capabilities and fortifies the skin barrier. Retinoids tighten pores, control sebum production, and remove dead skin cells. However, using Retinol alone may lead to dryness and peeling. Hence, pairing Retinol with Hyaluronic Acid balances skin moisture, preventing dryness and wrinkles.

Apply a thin layer of Hyaluronic Acid before Retinol for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Avoid combining Retinol with AHAs to minimize irritation and redness.

Peptide combined with Retinol

Besides Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol can also be combined with Peptide in evening skincare routines. Peptides moisturize, stimulate protein synthesis, and improve skin firmness. When combined, Retinol and Peptides penetrate deeply into cells, enhancing skin elasticity.

Moreover, Peptide ingredients soothe irritated and red skin. Apply Retinol first, then follow with Peptide cream.

Niacinamide combined with BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)

BHA works by cleansing the skin, unclogging pores, and addressing issues like acne and blackheads. Combining BHA with Niacinamide helps balance moisture levels, repair damaged skin, reduce pigmentation, and fight against acne. Additionally, using these two ingredients together enhances skin protection and creates a barrier against UVA and UVB rays.

Scientific Lifestyle to Combat Premature Aging

Natural aging, also known as intrinsic aging, can occur as early as age 20 if proper skincare and anti-aging measures are neglected. Skin aging can be influenced by factors such as age, genetics, diet, and unhealthy lifestyle habits.

To prevent and slow down premature aging of the skin, consider the following points:

• Apply sunscreen daily, ensuring application 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours to maintain skin protection.
• Avoid stimulants such as alcohol, tobacco, and prohibited substances, as they accelerate aging, causing wrinkles and dullness.
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals from vegetables, fruits, and avoid processed foods, spices, and fats.
• Exercise regularly to improve blood circulation, boost the immune system, and detoxify the body.
• Use moisturizer daily, especially for those with dry or flaky skin. Those with oily or combination skin should also use moisturizer to balance pH levels and control excessive oil secretion.
• Stay hydrated by consuming 2-2.5 liters of water per day, ensuring skin remains hydrated, avoiding wrinkles, and promoting toxin elimination.
• Keep hands and items in direct contact with the face, such as hats, towels, masks, and makeup tools, clean to prevent bacterial infiltration and acne formation.
• Prioritize the use of natural, safe, and gentle skincare products. Avoid products with excessively high pH, alcohol, detergents, and fragrances that may irritate and damage the skin.

Read more: Tips for Improving Sagging, Wrinkled Skin

Aging, dull skin can make you appear older and diminish your confidence. Therefore, to combat the aging process, it’s essential to use skincare products as early as possible. Also, remember to follow our website weekly to stay updated on helpful information and tips for maintaining youthful, radiant skin!