You don’t have to be in your late 30s or 40s to start using anti-ageing products. Skin care, for dermatologists, should start as early as when you’re in your teens or 20s. Why? Prevention is the best approach to looking after your skin, keeping wrinkles and dark spots away. And keeping your skin at its best state begins by practising everyday care based on your skin type.
Matching Skin Types to Habits
People with sensitive skin need to follow a different skincare routine than those who have dry or oily skin. Following teh right routine will mean better results. When you’re not certain about your skin type, consult with a dermatologist. Your dermatologist will prescribe the appropriate routine as well as the products you’ll need to maintin your skin.
When you already know your skin type, all you have to do is choose products that are formulated for your skin type. Anti-ageing skincare brand, ELEMIS, for instance, has a facial wash for people with sensitive skin. The brand also has a facial wash suitable for daily use, which means it may be mild enough for most skin types.
If you have oily skin, you’ll need a gentle facial wash. You’ll want to wash not more than twice a day. And look for products that are non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores. If you have dry skin, you’ll need a gentle cleanser as well and slather on moisuriser after washing your face.
If you have an oily T zone with normal to dry cheeks, then you fall under the combination skin type. For this skin type, you’ll need a facial cleanser, scrub and moisturiser. The scrub allows you to exfoliate at home; you’ll need to slough off dead skin cells, which tend to make your skin look dull. Then you’ll need an oil-free moisturiser.
But whether you have dry, oily or combination skin, you’ll want to follow certain skincare habits to prevent the early signs of ageing.
The Essential Skincare
An essential in every skincare routine is suncreen. You should use it every day on your face, neck, and any exposed area on your skin to protect against the harsh rays of the sun. Doing so reduces your risk of developing sunburn and keeps your skin safe from UV rays. Choose sunscreen products that have broad-spectrum protection, which means it has UVB (i.e., ultraviolet B, which is responsible for skin cancer and promotes premature ageing) and UVA (i.e., ultraviolet A, which causes premature ageing) coverage.
But don’t just slather on sunscreen; try other forms of sun protection, like a wide brimmed hat.
Next, keep the wrinkles at bay by applying eye cream. Because the skin around the eyes is thinner than everywhere else, it needs extra care, and the right eye cream can promote collagen and elastin that tighten your skin.
Then, cut out habits that age you faster. These include smoking, sleeping for a few hours, leading a sedentary lifestyle and not taking off makeup at the end of the day.
Age doesn’t matter in developing your skincare routine. You should start as early as possible and only use products that match your skin type for best results. Taking care of your skin early keeps it healthy and youthful even as you age.