When Should You Start Using Anti-Aging Products

Not all women *want* to go under the knife and today there are so many face creams promising firmer skin, reduced wrinkles and so much more. So, if you want to avoid or at least put off, surgical options for a bit longer, WHEN do you start using anti-aging lotions and potions?

Basically, start using products BEFORE problems start arising.

If you are not showing any signs of aging just yet – that’s great! Enjoy your skin but start protecting it. Even in winter use a sunscreen every day! It’s those UV rays that cause skin aging, they make your cells *lazy* especially the spots on your face where the skin naturally creases. To keep those cells stronger for longer use an SPF sunscreen every day, especially if you are going to be outside all day.

While skin is still young, it is good to start using some anti-aging products, but just remember you don’t need the *serious* stuff just yet. Buy a really good quality moisturiser and look for anti-wrinkle creams that contain antioxidants like vitamins E and C and apple stem cells that can help protect elastin and collagen. Lipids and Amino acids – like peptides and ceramides maintain skin’s hydration.

Exercise and getting plenty of sleep is also a great way to protect your skin, getting a good night’s sleep promotes collagen production and repairs cells. Quit smoking – smoke is filled with free radicals that damage healthy skin cells and avoid crash diets. When you lose weight too fast, you are probably shedding water and not fat and it’s that loss that shows up in your face first. Whether you are trying to lose weight or not chose a diet full of whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

If you are at the stage you are starting to see little lines and spots – don’t panic. These types of lines or spots generally appear when you are in your late 20’s to early 30’s. As your skin ages, it loses its ability to prevent moisture loss. Lotions and creams will help lock in water and prevent dehydration but serums offer a bigger punch because they are filled with active ingredients. Look for a serum that offers Vitamins E and C, green tea and acai and apply it before your sunscreen. Retinoids are proven to diminish the appearance of lines and help improve the production of collagen and elastin, shrink pores, minimise brown spots and reduce wrinkles.

Always wear sunglasses when outside, they help to protect the thin and fragile skin around the eyes. Squinting in the sun only etches those lines into the skin. Use a good eye cream morning and night. Alternatively, use a gel if creams make you look puffy.

Fight skin dryness from the inside – it’s not just from drinking water and juices and eating plenty of fruits like melon and cucumbers. Fruits and vegetables are also packed with nutrients to help strengthen your cells so your skin can hold onto the water you give it. Omega-3 fatty foods found in fish, seeds and nuts can also help keep your skin supple too.

Find creams that can help with age spots. Age spots are caused by the sun so you want to start preventing them. To lighten any existing age spots, try a brightening cream. Retinoids also help by encouraging your skin to replenish faster revealing the fresh skin cells underneath. Use brightening products in the morning before your sunscreen and retinoid creams at night time.

Stress is also a big cause of wrinkles – when you get angry you produce adrenaline and the stress hormone Cortisol which affects the firmness of your skin. If stress is an issue try meditation, yoga, walking or meeting up with a friend.

If you have wrinkles or skin issues that are already causing concern – keep up with all those healthy habits and while makeup can conceal age spots and wrinkles, the wrong makeup can pool into your flaws and make them more prominent. Try using a silicone based primer to fill in any lines and swap powdered foundations for cream or liquid formulas.

Stop being obsessive about lines and wrinkles – everyone gets them at some stage in their life. Remember if there is a flaw there now that is practically invisible nothing is going to make you happy when those real wrinkles and lines start appearing.

If you are not already using face creams, start today. Look for any creams suitable for your age group and get a head start on keeping wrinkles and lines at bay.