Recently, many young starlets have publicly revealed that they use anti-aging products. Three weeks ago, 21 year-old Vanessa Hudgens admitted that she uses anti-aging products as a prevention mechanism, saying, “You might as well start now, put a little lotion on rather than having to get wrinkles. I think it’s smart to start soon. It’s a good beauty tip”. This begs the question – at what age should you start using anti-aging products? What products does your skin really need as you go from 20 to 30 to 40 and beyond?
I personally promote a strategic, science-based approach to selecting skin care as you age. With that in mind, below is a comprehensive (and hopefully fascinating) overview of your key skin changes and primary skin care needs as you age.
In Your Twenties: Prevention
If you are in your 20s, you should approach skin care with prevention in mind. The twenties is not yet time for aggressive wrinkle treatments that modify skin physiology; it is too early to tinker with cell growth rate or aggressively stimulate collagen. Therefore, highly potent anti-aging products with ingredients like retinoids (e.g. Retin A), DMAE or Idebenone are generally inappropriate.
