18 Doctors Share the Number-One Anti-Aging Tip They Always Tell Their Patients

Apply, Apply, Apply

“Many patients don’t realize that UV light will penetrate clothing and most bathing suits. Applying sunscreen in the summer over your face is crucial, and probably the most important powerful long-term anti-aging tool. But, you should also apply it over body scars from recent surgeries such as tummy tuck and breast lift scars.”—New York plastic surgeon Daniel Maman, MD

Energy Stimulation

“Anti-aging can begin at any age with collagen regeneration. Our collagen breaks down and is rebuilt regularly. When we are young, this process goes unnoticed, but as we age our collagen starts to get replaced with less youthful products like elastin. The newer, energy-based technologies and collagen-regenerating injectable stimulants have taken anti-aging to new heights, allowing collagen to be recreated at all levels of the skin—even on bone—allowing us to mature agelessly.—New York dermatologist Orit Markowitz, MD

The Perfect Mix

“Integrating a skin-care ritual as a part of your daily healthy habits can elevate skin resilience and youth. This version of a skin-care routine can be embraced as a mindful moment of peace, pleasure and graceful transformation for the skin and mind. As we practice this moment of self-care through skin care, we savor the sensual (aromatic, textural and visual) aspects of products as well as awareness of the ingredients and their skin benefits. This cosmetic holistic philosophy is termed Stamina Synergy.”—Davie, FL dermatologist Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD

Eye Spy

“One of the most overlooked anti-aging strategies is the use of quality sunglasses that block both ultraviolet and infrared rays to prevent premature aging of the eye’s lenses.”—Eugene, OR plastic surgeon Mark Jewell, MD

Daily Prevention

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so I recommend all my patients to use sunscreen daily and reapply it throughout the day. This way they can delay premature aging like brown spots and wrinkles and prevent skin cancer.”—Miami dermatologist Annie Gonzalez, MD 

Fight Puffiness Before It Starts

“I tell my patients with undereye bags or dark circles to take an oral over-the-counter oral antihistamine like Claritin or Zyrtec every day to diminish swelling and vascularity (or discoloration) under the eyes. However, it is important to differentiate the antihistamine from a decongestant. The latter (decongestant) is like speed—it will make the user hyper and could be addictive.”—Washington, D.C. dermatologist Tina Alster, MD

Balancing Act

“A balanced lifestyle with adequate amounts of sleep, exercise (including yoga and meditation), tretinoin cream and sunblock.”—Duxbury, MA plastic surgeon Christine Hamori, MD

Bright Defense

“Be sun-smart at as young an age as possible. Nothing looks more beautiful in your 50s than sun protection in your 20s. Also, gentle, subtle, small refinements over time go a long way towards aging beautifully and authentically. This is never about chasing lines, it’s about tearing down the anti-aging sentiments and being pro aging-beautifully.”—New York dermatologist Doris Day, MD

Protect and Serve

“There are so many anti-aging recommendations I could give, but the universal tip I share with all of the patients at my practice is to wear a physical sunscreen with at least 30 SPF 365 days a year. In addition to skin cancer, the sun is the number-one cause of early aging. Without daily sunscreen use, the time, money and energy people put into building extensive skincare routines and getting professional treatments are a waste. My new Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 ($42) uses a chemical-free, fragrance-free, non-nano zinc formula to gently blend into all skin tones without causing added redness or irritation—a great everyday option.”—New York dermatologist Dennis Gross, MD

All Eyes

“My one anti-aging tip would be to not rub your eyes—not ever. The eyes have the thinnest skin on the body and rubbing them constantly can make them sag and droop even faster than gravity, your genetics, and even a lack of sunblock! When your eyes are itchy, use ice, have self-control and do not rub. If you have allergies, take an over-the-counter antihistamine. But, do not rub and do not itch your eyes and your eyes will look younger, have less dark circles and look less saggy.” —Montclair, NJ dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD

Start Early

“My biggest anti-aging tip is using daily moisturizer with a strong SPF and applying it year-round. I also recommend starting a neurotoxin in your early 30s. Now that I am 48, I don’t look at my skin and wish for more wrinkles! I am glad I stopped them in their tracks over a decade ago.” —Prospect, KY dermatologist Tami Buss Cassis, MD

Rewind Time

“Although it’s been around for over 20 years, a neurotoxin such as Botox Cosmetic, Jeuveau, Xeomin or Dysport is really the first beauty tip I offer to most of my female patients and to some of my male patients. A quick 10-minute treatment can wind the clock back five years almost overnight.” —Newport Beach, CA plastic surgeon Sanjay Grover, MD

Straight Shot

“My one anti-aging tip is that nonablative lasers like Laser Genesis can be used very frequently. Twice monthly visits to the medical spa for a laser facial like this will keep your skin looking glowy and youthtful for a long, long time.”  —Nashville, TN plastic surgeon Daniel A. Hatef, MD

Get Glowing

“Pretty starts on the inside. One of the key changes that happens in our skin as we age is the decline in collagen and hyaluronic acid production. I recommend that my patients include collagen and hyaluronic acid-rich foods and supplements in their diet so they can combat the aging process right at its source!” —Johns Creek, GA plastic surgeon Myla Bennett, MD

Sit Back

“Lax skin makes us all look older, so keeping your skin snug is the ultimate anti-aging tool. We have Evolve and Evoke, which can be used to non-invasively tighten the skin of the face, neck and body to keep you and your skin looking young.”
—Fort Meyers, FL plastic surgeon Ralph R. Garramone, MD

Block it Out

“My one anti-aging tip is this: Never skip your sunscreen! Even if it’s cloudy or you’re not planning on going outside. Use SPF every day, without fail. Those damaging rays sneak in through every window—your skin will thank you when it doesn’t look older due to sun damage.” —Atlanta plastic surgeon Carmen M. Kavali, MD

Eat Right

“If I had to give one anti-aging tip, it actually wouldn’t be a treatment, it would be to focus on your lifestyle. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Practicing a healthy diet with vegetables, fruit, nuts and lean protein is a good place to start. Also, drinking a lot of water, using sunscreen, exercising daily and avoiding excess alcohol and tobacco will contribute to a better aging process.” —Woodbury, NY oculoplastic surgeon David Schlessinger, MD

Sleep Tight

“Facial lines, creases and sagging are inevitable with aging. Over the years, I have observed that sleeping patterns and some seemingly harmless habits can influence the severity of these facial lines and skin laxity. Sleeping on your back to avoid having your face firmly up against a pillow, as well as steering clear of gum-chewing, are a couple of simple things that can slow down the aging process.” —Boca Raton, FL oculoplastic surgeon Steven Fagien, MD