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When to Start Using Anti-Aging Products

Dr. Amy Yuan
| January 25, 2023
Fact-checked by:
Marisa Garshick MD
, Board Certified Dermatologist

If you’re on a quest to restore luminous skin, you may have accrued a makeup bag of products to accomplish everything from staving off wrinkles to enhancing hydration.

Whether you’re a novice or an expert in the world of skincare products, the question of when to start using anti-aging products is complex. Is it ever too early to attempt to defy age?

Let’s dive into these questions and more so you can make confident skincare investments, like a personalized skincare set, to build an effective anti aging skincare routine.

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When Should I Start Using Anti-Aging Products?

The answer may surprise you, but experts recommend that you should start using anti-aging products in your mid-20s—or around the age of 25, to be exact [1].

However, this is also the time where we layer makeup products that can clog pores. You might wonder, “Does makeup age your skin?” and the answer is complicated. Rather, it’s the ingredients in makeup that can negatively affect our skin if it’s not properly removed with a facial cleanser

If you’re presently in your 20s, you may scoff at the idea, as you might be enjoying all of the marvels of youth, from skin that easily retains moisture to a smooth, supple complexion. These qualities are due to two vital proteins: elastin and collagen. Both of these proteins do wonders for your skin, such as [2]: 

  • Providing the skin with structural integrity [3]
  • Giving the skin extra elasticity and bounce 
  • Plumping the skin with a youthful smoothness [4]
  • Helping prevent the skin from sagging and wrinkling

At what age does your face change the most? We all age differently, however our production of collagen and elastin tends to decline once we hit 25 [5]. At this age, you might not see the signs of aging—such as fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots—but weaving in ultra-nourishing, protective products at this age may help you ward them off and soften the appearance of aging later in life.

Do I Need Specific Anti-Aging Products in My Mid-20s?

If you’re constantly asking yourself, “Why is my face aging so fast?” look at your daily habits and time spent in the sun. There’s other factors that can also accelerate the appearance of aging. If you do decide to invest in anti-aging products in your mid-20s, bear in mind that just because the product lists “anti-aging” on the label, doesn’t mean the product is going to work effectively. 

Instead, pay attention to the product’s ingredients. 

Here is your master list of ingredients to look for that contain the promising potential to press pause on the clock.

A Quality, Broad-Spectrum SPF

A Quality, Broad-Spectrum SPF

Whether you’re 27, 47, or 67, an SPF moisturizer is crucial; indeed, most women in their 50s and older wish they had forced their younger selves to use SPF religiously to decelerate the aging process [6].

Why? Because sun damage is the #1 reason our skin starts losing its youthful exuberance, and 80% of the signs of aging can be attributed to spending unprotected time in the sun [7]. 

Vitamin C

The Skin Cancer Foundation asserts that one of the best ways to shield your skin from external damage is by applying a vitamin C serum before you slather on your morning SPF [8].

In addition to halting premature aging, vitamin C—no matter your age—can:

  • Promote collagen production
  • Help repair damaged skin and cartilage 
  • Reduce redness and inflammation
  • Balance an uneven skin tone
  • Minimize the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles

Find products like daily moisturizers that contain this powerful vitamin. By using a daily moisturizer or eye cream infused with vitamin C, you can help your skin stay hydrated all day and protect it from the damage of UV rays.

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Hyaluronic Acid

Like collagen and elastin, you naturally manufacture hyaluronic acid—a superb humectant that helps hydrate your skin and keep it healthy. Its primary function within the body is to help the skin hold onto moisture, which is a cornerstone of smooth skin [10].

Additionally, hyaluronic acid may [11]:

  • Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles 
  • Decrease the appearance of redness or uneven tone
  • Prevent and/or help treat dermatitis: a skin condition causing dryness and irritation

Hyaluronic acid is a must in your daily skincare routine. Find it in moisturizers, serums, or creams to boost your skin with a hydrating barrier. 

How Late Is Too Late to Use Anti-Aging Products?

If you’re a few years or a few decades past the age of 25, there’s no time like the present to begin treating your skin with love and affection, whether it’s through amping up your use of quality moisturizers or weaving retinol into your beauty routine [12]. 

Just be sure to use products that agree with your skin and are appropriate for your skin type. Visit a board-certified dermatologist who can advise you on the best system for your skin.

Amplify Your Skincare Routine At Any Age With PROVEN Skincare

Speaking of products appropriate for your skin type, you can find those—plus anti-aging ingredients—in spades at PROVEN Skincare. 

PROVEN infuses each and every product with the best ingredients possible, so that you can trust every product you’re putting in your makeup bag (and on your face). But we also know that the one-size-fits-all approach isn’t logical for skincare, as every skin is different. That’s why we formulate your regimen’s ingredients uniquely for you. 

To get started, take our quiz and tell us about your skincare concerns. In turn, we’ll provide you with a list of ingredients best suited for your skin type and a regimen of products designed to help you achieve your most radiant skin at any age. 

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