Aging is natural, but looking older than you feel doesn’t have to be. From fine lines to changes in skin tone, the first signs of aging often appear in our mid-20s when collagen production begins to slow. The good news? With the right daily habits and proven ingredients, you can keep your skin looking radiant, firm, and youthful for years to come.
At The Aesthetic Center, we believe anti-aging skincare should be simple, effective, and tailored to you. Here’s how to build a routine that works—starting with the essentials and evolving as your skin’s needs change.
1. Wash with a Gentle Cleanser
Cleansing your face in the morning and evening helps remove makeup, oil, pollutants, and bacteria. Use a gentle, low-pH cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin’s moisture barrier and avoid harsh ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate. Harsh or frequent washing can strip moisture, causing dryness and irritation. We recommend the ZO® Skin Health Gentle Cleanser, as it effectively cleanses without compromising the skin’s natural hydration.
2. Use a Chemical Exfoliator
Regular exfoliation helps slough off dead skin cells that accumulate more quickly with age. It is best to avoid harsh physical exfoliators, such as sugar scrubs and cleansers with beads. Instead, opt for a chemical exfoliant, such as glycolic acid or lactic acid, like the Exfoliation Accelerator from ZO Skin Health. Start slowly with one to two times per week.
3. Treat with Vitamin C and Vitamin A
Vitamin A and C are two of the most effective anti-aging ingredients to look for in skincare products. In the morning, apply a serum with Vitamin C to brighten the skin and protect against environmental stressors. At night, opt for retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives) to help boost collagen production, improve skin texture, and encourage cellular turnover. Both ingredients can cause sensitivity when first introduced, so it’s best to build up usage gradually. Try following the 1-2-3 rule: use them once a week for the first week, twice the second, and three times the third, adjusting as your skin tolerates. These two ingredients are gold standards in anti-aging skincare, and when used consistently, they deliver amazing results.
4. Don’t Skip Moisturizer
Moisturizers help seal active skincare ingredients and protect your skin barrier. Look for formulas with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to help retain moisture. Your skin type should also guide your choice. For individuals with oily skin, opt for lighter, gel-based moisturizers that won’t clog pores. For dry or mature skin, choose richer, cream-based formulas to help provide deeper hydration.
5. SPF is Non-Negotiable
Daily sunscreen use is one of the most powerful tools for preventing premature aging. UV exposure is responsible for a majority of visible aging, including wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of elasticity. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days or in the winter. Protecting your skin from UV damage allows all your other products to work more effectively and helps preserve your skin’s youthful appearance.
6. Maintain Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Skincare products and maintenance can only do so much, as your skin reflects your overall health. Supporting it from the inside out with healthy habits can make a difference. Prioritize good sleep, stay hydrated throughout the day, manage stress effectively, avoid smoking, and limit your intake of processed sugar. These habits promote regeneration, reduce inflammation, and enhance the long-term results of your skincare efforts.
7. Routine Treatments
Sometimes we do all the right things to prevent ourselves from aging, but wrinkle lines still appear. Consider incorporating professional treatments into your routine. One of our most popular anti-aging treatments is Forever Young BBL®—a powerful light therapy that targets sun damage, age spots, redness, and uneven skin tone. This non-invasive treatment stimulates skin cells to promote collagen production and improve overall skin texture. With regular sessions, Forever Young BBL can help you maintain youthful, radiant skin when it is paired with a consistent at-home skincare routine.
A well-rounded skincare routine can make a noticeable difference, especially when it’s tailored to your skin’s unique needs. From choosing the right cleanser to incorporating powerful ingredients like Vitamin C and retinoids, small steps can lead to long-term results. Take advantage of our August special: Buy a Forever Young BBL package and get a ZO Skin Health travel size Firming Serum for FREE! If you have questions about your skincare routine, please stop by The Aesthetic Center (1605 Associates Drive, Suite 102E, Dubuque, IA) to learn more!
Sources:
www.dermstore.com/blog
www.abeautyedit.com
www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care