When it comes to finding an anti-aging plan that will preserve your skin for years to come, the current state of your skin must be considered. Rather than slathering on any anti-aging product, make sure what you opt for is compatible with what your skin needs.
Not all products are the same, especially when it comes to those that fight aging. When a product is tagged as “anti-aging” it typically means that it contains active ingredients that have a proven track record at slowing or reversing the signs of aging. “In general, the ingredients used in anti-aging products are pretty much the same, but the formulations may vary, and you may need to make adjustments according to your skin type at a certain age,” says New York dermatologist Robyn Gmyrek, MD.
If you have sensitive skin:
Some of the best ingredients for anti-aging may be too harsh or too irritating if you have sensitive skin. Ingredients, such as AHAs, glycolic acid and retinoids, can disrupt your skin’s protective barrier, leaving you red, itchy or broken out. Instead, choose more gentle ingredients such as vitamins C or E, or their botanical counterparts.
If you’re worried about breakouts:
When it comes to tackling acne and anti-aging, many patients veer toward combating breakouts and therefore neglect their anti-aging efforts. The reason: The more visible problem at hand takes precedence. So, when faced with both, do you have to choose one over the other? Absolutely not. You can treat both as long as you use the right ingredients. “Glycolic acid, retinol and AHAs are effective for treating both acne & anti-aging, so you get a double-duty effect,” says Dr. Gmyrek.
