As you get older, your skin’s needs change. For some people. What was once a constant battle with oily, acne-prone skin has turned into an all-out war against dryness and flakiness. For others, wrinkles and fine lines have become their core skincare concern. Over time, your body will produce less collagen and fat, leading to thinner facial skin that can develop those wrinkles and lines you’re trying to combat. Other factors, such as smoking and excessive sun exposure, can exacerbate the issue. However, there are a few key ingredients and products you can begin incorporating into your skin regimen today to improve elasticity and slow down the appearance of aging skin.

Retinol

Retinol is perhaps one of the most popular ingredients for anti-aging products. Retinol, a type of vitamin A, is a retinoid that encourages skin cell production. This ingredient is usually incorporated into a skincare routine as a cream or serum. Retinol works as a chemical exfoliant, which means it helps slough away dead skin cells and clear debris from pores, revealing bright, fresh skin in its wake. 

Though retinol should be incorporated into your nighttime regimen, it isn’t an overnight fix. You should use retinol consistently to get the results you want. As with every new ingredient or product you try, do a patch test on your arm first to see how your skin reacts. From there, use retinol every two or three days, only increasing frequency as your skin becomes more familiar with the product.

You should also avoid the following products on the days you use retinol-based creams and serums:

• Vitamin C;
• Alpha or beta hydroxy acids;
• Benzoyl Peroxide;
• Waxing products.

Keep in mind when using any vitamin A-based product that routine sunscreen usage is an absolute must. Chemical exfoliants tend to make you more photosensitive, which can increase UV damage and leave you more prone to sunburns.

Bakuchiol

Have you had a poor experience with retinol in the past and are looking for an alternative? Derived from the Indian babchi plant, bakuchiol contains key antioxidants that protect your skin against free radicals, while also promoting skin cell turnover and diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Studies have shown that routine bakuchiol usage aids in wrinkle and dark spot reduction similarly to retinol, all without the stinging and skin scaling side effects commonly associated with retinol usage.

Since bakuchiol provides exfoliating benefits much like retinol, you should avoid using any AHA/BHA products with this to prevent over-exfoliation. On the other hand, using ultra-hydrating ingredients like plant-based squalane, alpha arbutin, and hyaluronic acid can reinforce the positive effects of bakuchiol

Vitamin C

Vitamin C offers powerful antioxidant benefits that can strengthen and protect the skin. As you get older, your skin has a harder time protecting itself against UV damage and environmental stressors. Using vitamin C regularly can help your skin defend itself against this environmental damage. Vitamin C is also great at brightening your complexion and relieving your skin of dullness. 

You may have also noticed that, over time, your skin simply doesn’t heal like it used to. Since vitamin C is fantastic at boosting collagen, which binds skin cells together, using this ingredient in your skincare regimen can aid in wound recovery.

Visit Sweet Nothing Spa for Anti-Aging Facial Treatments!

At Sweet Nothing Spa, we offer a variety of facials that can help you achieve a more youthful, supple glow. Treatments like our Derm Renewal Peel use a collection of AHAs and amino acids to remove dead skin and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Other treatments, like our Botinol Ultimate Anti-Aging Facial, give non-invasive, botox-like results, with no needles necessary! Book your appointment with us today!