5 age-defying skin tips for every age

We think aging is a part of everyone’s unique skin journey; growing older is something to celebrate and embrace. That’s why, around these parts, when we talk about preventing and repairing damage to the skin, we talk about age defying skincare, which is all about being confident and feeling comfortable no matter how young you are.

While it’s true that, as our body changes over time, so does our skin, plenty of “true” signs of aging are actually caused by external factors like exposure to harmful UV rays — not just our biological makeup. Maintaining a youthful appearance is a result of fostering your skin’s health, and at Curology, we think skin health should always be simple. Here are 5 quick tips on how to hone a timeless skincare routine:

1. Start wherever you are

Regardless of how old you are, the treatment of signs of aging stays relatively the same. Since prevention is always the most effective skincare, the best age-defying skincare will prolong the appearance of youth — don’t worry about what’s “age appropriate,” and just look for what brings good results in terms of your skin concerns.

On the other hand, skin after menopause can undergo changes including increased sunspots, dry or rough patches, and more prominent sagging of jaw and eye skin. Lowered estrogen levels can be a factor in these signs, but skin damage from cumulative sun exposure also plays a role, which brings us to our next tip…

Don’t forget the sunscreen!

2. Go steady with your sunscreen

We know you’ve heard this one before, but consider this: there’s a delay between when sun exposure occurs and when its effects manifest. This can be good or bad — while we may be paying for our anti-SPF ways 10 or 15 years down the line, it also means now is the perfect time to start being proactive against UV rays (if you haven’t already).

In addition to wearing sun-blocking clothing like hats and seeking shade, using a sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 should be a part of your daily skincare routine. Since so many signs of aging are actually signs of sun damage, it’s simply the best thing you can do to protect your skin.

3. Derive from Vitamin A

Both retinol and prescription retinoids are derived from vitamin A. While retinol ingredients can be found in many OTC skincare products, prescription topical retinoids are more powerful when addressing intersecting skin concerns such as hormonal acne and fine lines.

Our personal favorite vitamin A derivative? Tretinoin. Tretinoin’s strengths include its ability to prevent wrinkles, stimulate collagen growth, and fight acne. When it comes to treating signs of aging, tretinoin is arguably the best retinoid available. (Psst, if you don’t already have a dermatologist, Curology can prescribe and mail this to you.)

Start your free trial (plus shipping and handling)

In keeping with the Cult of Sunscreen, we feel we should mention that tretinoin can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. In addition to using a good sunscreen, it’s recommended that tretinoin only be used at night.

4. Thrive with Vitamin C

The litany of vitamin C skin benefits is at once exhilarating and overwhelming. Vitamin C stimulates the production of a protein called collagen, which impacts the elasticity of the skin. Basically, increased collagen makes skin stronger and fuller, and treats firmness and wrinkles by acting as a shield against anti-aging. It’s like my mom always says, vitamin C really puts the “c” in “collagen.”

While you might prefer ingesting your vitamins rather than moisturizing with them, vitamin C skincare products can seriously benefit your routine. Because this vitamin works by blocking the formation of pigment, it can enhance your protection against sun damage. For maximum benefits, try using a vitamin C serum in the morning (before your sunscreen), as well as at night.

5. Who you calling sugar, Sugar?

Although there’s theoretically nothing stopping you from donning a silk robe and eating bon bons all day, you should take your personal nutrition into account when it comes to aging gracefully. A diet high in sugar can damage elastin and collagen molecules in the skin, leading to wrinkles and sagging. It can also contribute to breakouts, because sugar consumption stimulates insulin production, which leads to increased inflammation, which, in turn, can trigger acne. While we’d never expect you to show your sweet tooth the door, if your skin is giving you woes, stop and consider if it might be caused by what you’re putting in your body, not on it.

Your Curology formula is customized for you and delivered right to your door.

And most importantly: just be yourself

We know feeling insecure in your skin can really throw you off, but we think your unique skin is what makes you an individual — and that’s something to celebrate. That’s why Curology’s dermatology providers customize formulas based on your concerns — with nothing extra. Want to see what all the fuss is about? Start a free trial of Curology and just pay shipping and handling for your first custom bottle and skincare set.

Written by

Stephanie Papanikolas