Many of us dream of having flawless, youthful skin but let’s be real – fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity come for us all eventually. There is pressure for women to appear younger, leaving many Americans in fear of aging. Luckily, we have some good news.
There is no shame in getting older, but a well-structured skincare routine can work wonders when it comes to slowing down the signs. And when it comes to maximizing your anti-aging efforts, layering your skincare products correctly is everything. Not only does it ensure that each product does its job, but it also helps your skin absorb all those line-fighting ingredients.
Ready to learn how? Let’s break down the perfect anti-aging skincare routine step-by-step.
Cleanse and Prep
It all starts with a clean canvas. Whether day or night, the first step in any skincare routine is cleansing, and when you’re targeting aging skin, you want to be gentle.
Opt for a hydrating or soothing cleanser that removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping away your skin’s natural oils. Harsh cleansers can leave your skin feeling tight and dry – no good for keeping wrinkles at bay. Look for ingredients like glycerin or ceramides to keep your skin soft and balanced.
After cleansing, pat your face dry with a clean and soft towel, but leave it slightly damp. Why? Damp skin helps your anti-aging skincare products absorb better, making them more effective in the long run.
Apply a Toner
Toners aren’t just for acne-prone teens anymore. A hydrating toner will balance your skin’s pH and give it the first hit of moisture it needs before applying more active ingredients. Look for options packed with antioxidants and soothing agents like green tea which hydrate and protect your skin from environmental stressors that can speed up aging.
You’re setting the stage for those hard-working serums to penetrate more deeply and do their thing.
Target Specific Concerns
Now it’s time to get down to business and target those specific anti-aging concerns. This is where your serums come into play that are designed to penetrate deep into your skin to deliver results. The key here is to layer them correctly – start with lightweight, watery serums, and work your way up to thicker formulas.
For brightening and fighting free radicals, you’ll want to focus on Vitamin C. Retinol is great for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, while peptides can help boost collagen and firmness. Apply one serum at a time and give each one a minute or two to fully absorb.
Lock in Moisture
To seal in all those powerhouse serums, you need a rich moisturizer that locks in hydration and supports your skin’s barrier function. Look for formulas with hyaluronic acid (to draw in moisture), ceramides (to repair the skin barrier), and peptides (to promote firmness).
The final in your anti-aging routine is applying sunscreen. If you’re not wearing SPF 30 or higher, you’re leaving your skin vulnerable to UV damage.