How to Build an Anti-Aging Skincare Routine

Want to stay young forever -- or at least, as long as possible? The best way to do that is with an anti-aging skincare routine filled with high-performing, active ingredient-loaded skincare products.

Here's how to build an anti-aging routine to stop the clock and treat existing signs of aging.

#1: Wash With a Gentle Cleanser

Cleansing is an important part of any skincare regimen. It removes dirt, bacteria, oils, and makeup, leaving your skin fresh, clear, and more penetrable to serums and lotions. 

Opt for a gentle cleanser to preserve your skin barrier and prevent it from dehydration. Avoid cleansers containing harsh ingredients like sulfates which can dry out the skin and mess with your skin's pH. 

You actually don't need a cleanser with active ingredients, since those ingredients won't be on your skin for long. Simply select a cleanser that's as natural and gentle as possible to preserve skin integrity and prevent dryness.

Cleanse morning and night. 

#2: Use a Chemical Exfoliant

As you age, dead skin cells aren't replaced by fresh cells as quickly, leaving your skin more prone to dullness. Exfoliating is key for buffing away dead skin cells and keeping skin glowing and youthful.

Chemical exfoliants are the best for dissolving the bonds between skin cells and allowing other skincare products to absorb more effectively. Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, are the best for maturing skin. Some examples of AHAs include glycolic acid and lactic acid. You will find these in serums, toners, and peels.

In addition to brightening and tightening the skin, AHAs are also effective at fading hyperpigmentation. 

Exfoliate 2-3 times each week. 

#3: Pat on Your Anti-Aging Serums

Rubbing in anti-aging products can cause friction and break down collagen in the skin, leading to premature creases and lines. When applying anti-aging creams, oils, and serums, make sure you pat them on rather them rub them in. 

"This technique is more gentle because it doesn't tug or pull at your skin, and has the added bonus of helping with blood circulation," says Glow Recipe co-founder and co-CEO Sarah Lee. "It also ensures even distribution, which means that you're getting the most out of your skincare, and is especially important around the delicate eye area, where patting is the priority." 

To get the most out of your topical treatments, gently pat products into the skin, starting from the inside areas of your face moving outward. 

#4: Use these Active Ingredients

The best anti-aging ingredients to look out for are vitamin A (aka, retinol), vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid, AHAs, and vitamin C. In addition to increasing collagen production, they also act as antioxidants, protecting the skin from environmental aggressors and fighting off free radicals.

Retinol is a gold-tier ingredient for treating and preventing signs of skin aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. You will find it in may wrinkle creams, eye creams, and anti-aging serums. However, it's not so suitable for sensitive skin types, as it can be quite irritating. Bakuchiol is an excellent alternative for people looking for something gentler.

Hyaluronic acid is a powerhouse hydrating ingredient that nourishes dry skin and retains moisture for hours of hydration. 

#5: Moisturize!

With age, the skin produces less sebum, leaving it prone to dryness. According to dermatologists, one of the biggest reasons for fine lines is inadequate skin hydration. That's why it's so important to make moisturizing part of your daily skincare routine.

Look for a moisturizer that contains humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and occlusives like jojoba oil and argan oil to seal in moisture and prevent water evaporating from your skin. Ingredients such as peptides and ceramides are also helpful for reinforcing the integrity of the skin.

Your skin needs moisture every day. Aim to apply a lightweight face cream or oil after washing your face to prevent moisture loss and promote day-long dewiness. 

#6: Always Wear Sunscreen

The sun is the biggest culprit of premature aging. That's why SPF is a crucial step in an anti-aging skincare routine.

"Sun exposure depletes the collagen in your skin and can cause issues with pigmentation," says licensed esthetician Shani Darden.

Use a lightweight sunscreen with SPF 30 to protect your skin from UV rays and prevent the risk of sun damage and premature aging. Or SPF 50 if you're really fair! Wearing sunscreen every day also protects you from uneven skin tone, dark spots, and rough skin texture. 

Some experts say using broad-spectrum SPF in tandem with vitamin C serum can boost sunscreen's protective abilities. And remember, even when it's cloudy, you should still be slathering on the SPF!

BEST ANTI-AGING SKINCARE PRODUCTS

Now for the best anti-aging serums and face masks...

Glow Bundle

Use this velvety, bakuchiol-packed jelly mask alongside the flash-absorbing Glow Serum to refresh the face and leaving it looking glowing. Glycolic acid and bakuchiol join forces to buff away dead skin, spur cell turnover, and protect skin from environmental stressors, delivering a youthful, radiant complexion.

Get it here.

Tighten Bundle

A face mask and serum duo formulated with red microalgae and alpha hydroxy acids. These ingredients work in tandem to boost collagen production, reduce wrinkles, and dissolve dead skin for a firmer, plumper, perkier complexion.

Get it here.

Smooth Bundle

This two step routine relies on the anti-aging powers of vitamin C and vegan collagen to thicken the dermis, combat fine line formation, and give the appearance of smoother, dimple-free skin. It's perfect for anyone who wants the effects of retinoids without the unpleasant side effects!

Get it here. 

From your mid 20s, collagen production reduces and it continues reducing with each passing year. Frankly, the sooner you start an anti-aging skincare routine -- the better!

The good news is, following an anti-aging routine isn't complicated nor is it expensive. With the addition of a few active ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and AHAs, you can achieve smooth, ageless skin -- and maintain it for many years to come. 

The secret is to stay consistent with your routine.