Starting an anti-ageing skincare routine can be overwhelming as there are so many different products in the market. From trying to find what products you need and how often you need to use them, this can cause even more of a headache. Let us simplify this process for you!
Read ahead to find out how you can build an anti-aging skincare routine with its three important components (diet, exercise, and products) from start to finish.
Where do I begin?
Do your research
In this ‘Age of Information,’ there is barely anything we do without doing some research on it first. And your skin is definitely not something you want to take any chances with. So before starting an anti-ageing skincare routine, you should
- learn the science behind anti-ageing,
- survey the types of skincare products available, and
- go through unsponsored reviews of skincare products.
There are countless sources you can consult including medical websites, books by experts, skincare blogs, YouTube channels, and skincare groups on social media.
However, the internet is loaded with contradictory and biased information on skincare, so it is crucial to be selective about the sources you consult. One excellent source of information on skincare is a dermatologist, also called a “skin doctor”.
Visit a dermatologist
While it’s important to gain background information, Google can’t make you an expert on skincare. It’s a good source of tips for younger looking skin, but you need a dermatologist to safely implement those tips.
Your dermatologist will take into account your concerns, age, medical history, skin type, routine, budget, and other relevant factors to help you create an anti-ageing skincare routine that works for you.
In addition to a skincare routine, your doctor will also help you choose medical treatments such as facial injectables for specific problems like wrinkles. To learn more about injectables for wrinkles, click here.
What are the fundamentals of an anti-ageing skincare routine?
The three important pillars of an anti-ageing skincare routine are diet, exercise, and skincare products. Let’s discuss each of these in detail now.
Diet
Food not only acts as a fuel, but it also determines the long-term health of your body, including that of your skin. Eating unhealthy foods — such as those with a lot of sugar, processed carbohydrates, and trans fats — can make your skin look older.
Fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, can make your skin look healthier and younger for longer. According to researchers, nutrition is key in retaining your youthful glow.
Some skin-friendly foods you should incorporate into your diet include:
- Healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, avocados, and nuts
- Fatty fish such as salmon
- Antioxidant rich foods including green tea, berries, and dark chocolate
- Leafy greens such as kale and spinach
- Supplements such as collagen
Exercise
The benefits of exercise for health are widely known, but its effects on skin health aren’t discussed as much as they should be. Exercise makes an essential component of your anti-ageing skincare routine.
It has been shown to keep your skin younger by promoting the release of toxins through sweating and increasing cell growth and replication, which slows down the aging process.
High intensity interval training and endurance workouts are especially good at slowing down the aging process. You may also want to consider adding face yoga and exercises to your routine to keep the skin on your face young and supple.
Skincare products
In addition to lifestyle changes, skincare products also make a fundamental part of an effective anti-ageing skincare routine. Because the skin is a sensitive organ, your skincare routine should be created in consultation with a dermatologist, taking your specific concerns into consideration.
According to Dr. Ashley Magovern, dermatologist and founder of Manhattan Dermatology in New York, your skincare routine should have three basic steps: cleansing, treating, and moisturizing.
Cleansing and moisturizing are self-explanatory, but you might be confused about what “treating” involves. Treating your skin means using products with active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C that can help give you the desired results.
Your daily anti-ageing skincare routine should contain the following products:
Cleanser
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser, which cleans your skin without stripping it off its natural oils. You should cleanse both in the morning and at night, to take away all the makeup, grime, and dirt that has accumulated.
Facial Mask
Facial masks are essential for maintaining healthy skin. Begin by cleansing your face to rid it of impurities. Applying the mask evenly allows it to work its magic, deeply cleansing pores, eliminating excess oil, and delivering essential nutrients. This process leads to improved hydration, enhanced elasticity, and a radiant complexion. Regular use of facial masks addresses specific skin concerns, making them a crucial component of any rejuvenating skincare routine.
The mineral-rich content provides a refreshing sensation, leaving your skin noticeably revitalized. Make the Firm + Balance Mineral Mask a staple in your skincare regimen for a radiant and healthy glow.
Toner
A toner is not essential, but it is a great product to incorporate into both your morning and evening skincare routines to refresh your skin and maintain its pH balance. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, consider a toner with anti-acne ingredients like salicylic acid.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, you would be better off with a hydrating toner.
Serum
Serums target your specific skincare concerns. One example is retinoids. They are derived from vitamin A and trigger your body to make more collagen, which maintains your skin’s elasticity and firmness. Retinoids are introduced gradually into your anti-ageing skincare routine as their potency can cause irritation.
Remember to consult a dermatologist to help you chart out how to incorporate retinoids into your skincare routine.
Alternatively, you may opt for a vitamin C serum, which helps reverse a lot of the damage your skin gets from pollution and the sun.
Moisturizer
Moisturizers should be incorporated into both your morning and night routines as it not only keeps your skin hydrated but also strengthens its barrier. It is normally applied after active ingredients such as serums.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be worn religiously, even if you’re staying indoors. UV rays from the sun (which can penetrate through windows) can cause lasting skin damage and promote fine lines and wrinkles.
A broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen should be the last step in your anti-ageing morning skincare routine to combat solar damage. Here are some more anti-ageing practices to adopt.