The passage of time is inevitable, and our skin bears this sentiment pretty well. Over the years your skin has seen it all – it has stuck with you through teenage acne, dry skin winters, and the oiliest of summers.
You’ve poked and prodded your face, went through a questionable DIY face mask phase, and exfoliated to the gods. Now, you’ve now reached the age where it’s a good idea to start prepping for visible wrinkles and fine lines. Your skin deserves a little bit of tenderness, and with the help of a proper anti-aging cream, you can relieve your skin from years of environmental stress and collagen loss.
So, how exactly can you incorporate an anti-aging cream into your daily skincare routine, and does it truly have the power to stop time in its tracks? Let’s review all the benefits of this miracle product and see how you can achieve the look of everlasting youth.
What Is an Anti-Aging Cream?
Anti-aging creams are specialized facial moisturizers that aim to lessen the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. These creams are formulated with ingredients that firm and plump the skin, reduce the appearance of pores, and even out the complexion. The goal is to protect, repair, and revitalize, which is essential for keeping people guessing about your true age.
Benefits of an Anti-Aging Cream
- Increases skin elasticity
- Diminishes wrinkles and fine lines
- Boosts skin radiance
- Helps your other products do their job!
- Keeps skin hydrated
- Reduces discoloration and hyperpigmentation
Best Anti-Aging Cream Ingredients
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring group of polysaccharides that work to hydrate and cushion, making this ingredient a perfect component for anti-aging products. When used in skincare, this ingredient aids in the healing process, giving irritated or acne-plagued skin a chance at a speedy recovery. Products containing hyaluronic acid should be applied to slightly damp skin for the best results, as it helps your skin lock in moisture for a well-nourished, long-lasting glow.
- Peptides: Peptides, which are also called polypeptides, are amino acids that form proteins necessary for optimal skin health, such as collagen, which consists of three polypeptide chains. As you age, your skin does not produce collagen at the rate it used to, so incorporating peptide-rich products into your skincare regimen is a must. Your skin barrier will also thank you for regular peptide use, as it corrects previous damage that may release the moisture your skin desperately needs.
- Niacinamide: Also known as nicotinamide, this ingredient is a form of Vitamin B3 that helps construct proteins in the body. Niacinamide is often used in acne treatments and serums due to its ability to shrink the appearance of pores. It also has the ability to restore your lipid barrier and eradicate discoloration, making it a complexion superhero.
How to Apply Anti-Aging Cream
In order to get the most out of your anti-aging cream, it’s important to make sure you are layering each of your products correctly during your skincare routine. Some creams are formulated specifically for daytime or nighttime routines. Our Up The Anti Anti-Aging Night Cream should be applied in the evening, giving the product time to assist in lipid barrier function and collagen-building.
You should be gently dabbing the product into your skin to avoid stretching and stressing sensitive areas. Pay close attention to the areas that need the most attention, such as your forehead, and be sure to spread the product evenly and gently. Over time, you will notice a true luminosity blooming in your skin, something that will last a lifetime with maintenance and care.
Tips for Fine Line and Wrinkle Prevention
- Wear your sunscreen: Sunscreen is a lifesaver in more ways than one. Not only will it lessen your likelihood of developing skin cancer, but its UV protection properties will preserve the state of your skin, shielding you from premature signs of aging.
- Avoid rubbing your face: Yes, working your products into your skin takes some work, but the process shouldn’t be abrasive. When applying cream and serums, pat the product into your face first to avoid excessive manipulation. Areas of your face such as the skin around your eyes are extremely delicate, and stretching that skin will exacerbate the look of lines and wrinkles.
- Stick to a routine: Consistency is key. Staying true to your regimen protects your skin, period. Make sure you are removing all traces of sunscreen and makeup at night, and stick with the treatments and products that work best for you. Experimenting is one of the best parts of skincare, but try not to overdo it. Do a patch test before fully investing yourself in any product, and give your skin time to get used to things before changing up your routine too quickly. If you don’t, you may get stuck in a cycle of treating and creating skin issues.
- Stay hydrated: Hydration is super-duper important, and no, a glass of water with your weekly batch of Sunday mimosas is not enough! On average, you should be consuming around three liters of water a day. Not only will you feel incredible, you’ll look like it too. Your skin will sport the most decadent glow once you properly hydrate yourself, and that alone is enough to start turning back the clock.
- Get your beauty sleep: You work hard, but pulling an all-nighter isn’t the healthiest of habits. Setting a bedtime for yourself and reducing your screen time before bed will help usher you into the deep sleep your body requires. Studies have shown lack of sleep can force your cells to age much quicker, so committing to a full 8-hours every night will keep your mind, body, and soul feeling younger, longer.
Though we don’t always recommend these heavier kinds of butter for face application – after all, they contain heavy oils that could occlude the skin and cause acne or congestion – we do recommend them for the hands. For one, hands don’t have the same break-out risk. Plus, they need that extra oil when they’ve dried out.
FAQs
How often should I use an anti-aging cream?
Use your anti-wrinkle cream every night for the best results.
When should I start using anti-aging products?
You can start using these products as early as possible, but many people choose to begin around their early 20s. This allows you to get ahead of the wrinkles so you do not have to take an aggressive approach to the problem in the future. At the end of the day, preventative treatments will save you loads of time and money in the long run, as corrective treatments and procedures can be much more invasive and expensive.
Should I always use moisturizer and anti-aging cream at the same time?
Even though it is not 100% required, you can definitely use both in your routine. Those with dry skin can always benefit from an extra blast of moisturizing goodness. You should use your anti-wrinkle cream first and then top it with your moisturizer. Avoid mixing products unless the directions say it is okay. Instead, layer them! Many products are formulated to be layered, and you may be lessening the intended benefits by mixing things up.
For layering products in the warmer months, consider applying a base layer of gel moisturizer before following up with a natural anti-aging cream.
Whether you’re somebody with mature skin or you’re transitioning from adolescence to full-blown adulthood, it is never too early or too late to give your skin the attention it’s been craving. Take it from us – pampering yourself with a lush anti-aging cream for just a few minutes a day is so worth the picturesque skin you will have for years to come.