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How Soon Should I Start an Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine?

At a certain point, most of us would prefer to keep our age a secret. And yet, our skin has a habit of giving this secret away. But while there is no way to turn back the clock, there are several ways to minimize and even prevent the effects time and gravity have on our appearances. The question remains, though, when should you start taking these measures?

Considering that wrinkles and facial lines can begin to form as early as one’s 20s, it might make sense to start an anti-aging skincare routine during this decade of your life. Generally speaking, 21 seems to be the magic number. Is this too soon, though? What are the benefits of getting a head start on your anti-aging skincare routine? And does commencing an anti-aging routine this early really have that big of an impact on your skin in the long run?

Getting to Know Your Skin

One of the key advantages of starting to use anti-aging skincare products in your 20s is that it gives you ample time to learn which products are right (or not right) for your type of skin. Those with naturally dry skin tend to experience wrinkles and other signs of aging more quickly and severely than those with oily skin. So, if your skin is relatively dry, you can benefit the most from getting started on your anti-aging care sooner.

Of course, everyone, regardless of skin type, experiences signs of aging eventually. The key to an effective anti-aging routine is understanding your skin type and choosing your products and treatments accordingly. For instance, products containing lipid-rich oils are great for dry skin but might cause those with oily skin to break out. By trying different products in your 20s under the supervision of your dermatologist, you can properly equip yourself to fight wrinkles, lines, and pigmentation changes in your 30s, 40s, and beyond.

The Power of Prevention

Having a head start on anti-aging also helps you prevent signs of aging before they have the chance to show up. And as the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Indeed, it’s better to stop wrinkles and lines from occurring than to resort to using various wrinkle-reducing treatments after the fact, even if they are effective. Doing something as simple as wearing sunscreen every day is one way to protect your skin from aging associated with sun-damaged skin.

Beyond Reducing Wrinkles

Another reason to start your anti-aging skincare routine early? These products, methods, and treatments can benefit your skin in other ways, too. Receiving a facial chemical peel treatment on a regular basis, for instance, doesn’t just help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines — it can also reduce acne scars, heal the skin from sun damage, remove pigmentation irregularities, and more. Likewise, collagen induction therapy (CIT) methods like microneedling or laser treatments can promote the skin’s natural healing capabilities, resulting in stronger, healthier, more beautiful-looking skin overall. Even something as simple as using an anti-aging cream or moisturizer can be good for the skin in both the short- and long-term.

In short, taking steps to reduce signs of aging are often also steps to keep your skin in good shape as a whole. It’s a win-win!

The Verdict?

So, how soon should you start an anti-aging skincare routine? Once you’ve reached the age of 21, you really can’t start too soon, especially if you have regularly dry skin. Sure, your skin might not show its first major sign of aging for another 10-15 years, but acting now can mitigate those signs and make it much easier to deal with any wrinkles, lines, pigmentation issues, etc. as you continue to age with your skin. Before you commence on this journey to better-looking, healthier skin, seek advice from your dermatologist. They will help you find the right routine for your skin and adjust it as you learn what does and doesn’t work.

When you’re ready, Premier Dermatology Partners can help you create the optimal anti-aging skincare routine for your unique skin. To learn more about our providers and all the services we offer, contact us today.

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