It is Masterclass time again! I am beyond excited to discuss today’s topic: aging, fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, sagging skin…how do we treat it? How can we prevent it? As with all masterclasses, be sure to start with my skincare 101 blog first to get started with the basics. This masterclass guide will show you what serums, oils, and face mask add-ons to incorporate into your routine to fight aging no matter your age!
*Disclaimer: As I cannot see, touch, or feel your skin, it is difficult to provide the best recommendations. I do my best by supplying numerous options, but it takes time to discover what works best for your skin. If more personalized advice is desired, please contact me!*
Recognizing Aging Skin
First, defining what aging skin is can make all the difference in your perspective on treating it. Technically speaking, it is differences in the skin’s composition over time due to the body getting older. Some physiological changes in the skin include the cell turnover rate decreasing, collagen and elastin production decreasing, the epidermis beginning to thin, and a loss of fat.
Aging is usually marked by fine lines and wrinkles, loose or sagging skin, loss of hydration and glow, thin skin, as well as uneven skin tone and dark spots. You may be looking for all encompassing aging treatments, or wanting to target a specific condition.
You may think that noticing these changes can take until we are 60+ to notice, however changes in the skin begin to occur as early as your 20s!
In my opinion, wrinkles and lines aren’t a bad thing at all. They aren’t the end-all be-all of desirable skin. We recognize signs of aging in skin as bad because it is not shown to us as desirable by society. It can be daunting to think you need so many products and treatment creams to look a certain way. Many times, getting better looking skin is achieved by treating the loss of healthy hydration that occurs as we age. Skin with wrinkles, fine lines or crows feet can be healthy, plump and have a gorgeous dewy shine! So, focus on improving the health of your skin just as much as improving the appearance of fine lines, dark spots or loose skin.
THE MOST IMPORTANT TREATMENT FOR AGING IS…
Sunscreen. We all need it, every day of the year…especially when it comes to anti-aging! According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, photo damage accounts for 90% of visible changes to the skin. Need I say any more?
Don’t waste money on aging treatments if you aren’t wearing daily sunscreen!
This image is of a truck driver, where for 30 years one side of his face was constantly hit with UV rays. See the difference it made in his skin?!
Serums for Aging Skin/Anti-Aging
What are serums?
Serums are water based products to target a specific skin condition or type. They absorb into the skin quickly and can be gel-like, sticky, or feel almost like water. Typically, they are applied first after cleansing and before your moisturizer. When it comes to preventative aging or working on current aging conditions, consult my table below for some of the best ingredients:
| Ingredients to look for: |
| Retinol |
| Ceramides |
| Glycolic Acid |
| Hyaluronic Acid |
| Growth Factors or Stem Cells |
| Vitamin C |
| Peptides |
| Niacinamide |
| Alpha-Lipoic Acid |
| ALL antioxidants |
You can choose an exfoliating option, or hydrating one instead. This choice largely depends on your skin type! I am going to provide options for both. Only use one exfoliating option in your routine.
My Pricing Guide for All Budgets
| $ | $$ | $$$ |
| $1-$20 | $21-$49 | $50+ |
*Although many anti-aging skincare products cost a lot of money, you can absolutely have an effective routine on a budget. Many of these preventative aging skincare items drive up the price with vague claims of treating wrinkles. Some expensive products are worth it, but many are not!*
Best Exfoliating Serums for Aging Skin:
$ The Ordinary Alpha Lipoic Acid: potent 5% formula to target aging and give the skin a natural glow, use 1-2 weekly and may increase over time
$$ Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum: powerful serum with pure ascorbic acid to improve collagen production and brighten the complexion, improves effectiveness of sunscreen, use daily
$$ Paula’s Choice RESIST Intensive Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum: uses Vitamin C, retinol, and antioxidants to combat various signs of aging, has soothing properties and can be used by most skin types, but start slow and increase frequency over time
$$$ Herbivore Prism 12% AHA + 3% BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum: this potent serum not only effectively exfoliates below the surface of the skin, but also uses plant extracts to soothe and calm. Great for wrinkles and dark spots! Use 1-2 times a weekly and may increase over time
Best Hydrating Serums for Aging Skin:
$ The Ordinary Hyaluronic + B5 Gel: since loose or dull skin often begins to present itself as we age, adding a humectant is key! This pulls in moisture into the skin and helps to plump and hydrate, use once or twice daily on damp skin before creams or oils
$$$ Allies of Skin Triple Hyaluronic Antioxidant Hydration Serum: this serum is a splurge but it incorporates so many powerful, wrinkle-fighting ingredients: niacinamide, antioxidants, resveratrol, stem cells, peptides AND hyaluronic acid! Use daily
Oils for Aging Skin/Anti-Aging
What is a facial oil?
Facial oils are oil based serums that are packed with ingredients to hydrate and improve skin conditions. Oils are meant to be more occlusive and applied last in your routine, or they can be mixed in with your moisturizer. Oils not only have potent anti aging ingredients, but also give that youthful glow that many of us are seeking.
Best Oils for Aging Skin:
$ The Ordinary 100% Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil: rosehip is potent in Vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant to help improve the look of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Use daily
$$ Face Theory Lipade Q10 Booster Serum: works directly to improve collagen production using echium oil, improves fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dryness. Use daily on damp skin
$$$ Elemis Superfood Facial Oil: includes 9 superfood oils to hydrate and give the skin a natural radiant glow, antioxidant rich formula to improve the strength of the skin, use daily
Masks for Aging Skin/Anti-Aging
Why Face Masks Help
Face masks are a great supplemental product to use 1-3 times weekly. There are a few ways to approach the face mask option. You can choose a peptide or collagen rich formula to complement your daily serums/oils, or you can focus on hydrating and plumping the skin- a key to youthful skin. Here are a few different options:
Best Face Masks for Aging Skin:
$ Fourth Ray Beauty Soak it Up Hydrating Mask: uses hyaluronic acid, marine algae, aloe and Vitamin E to deeply moisturize and plump the skin. Use 2-3 weekly or as needed for dry and dehydrated skin
$$ Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Neck Gels: I always advise applying every skincare product down the neck and chest, but if you want to target the neck area specifically, try these! Uses collagen and niacinamide to treat sagging skin and wrinkles, use weekly or as needed
$$$ Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Face Mask: a cult favorite by many, this mask provides antioxidant benefits of Vitamin B and honey to hydrate, soothe and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, use 1-2 weekly (note- does have warming effect)
$$$ Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Mask: incorporates Vitamins A, C, E and linoleic acid to improve the appearance of aging and photo damage. Includes powerful peptides and botanical extracts, this mask is worth the money if you want an effective anti-aging mask option! Use 1-2 weekly
Facial Massage for Improving the Skin
Another amazing technique when it comes to aging skin actually just involves using your hands! I have spoken about at home facial massage before and how it can improve the skin health and appearance. This is a totally free option that I recommend to improve collagen production, tone and texture of the skin, plumpness and hydration!
Read my blog showing a demo face massage, jade roller, and gua sha!
Class Wrap-up
Overall, we know that aging inevitably affects all of us. Through numerous products costing upwards of $100 claiming to reverse aging, it can be so difficult to know where to begin. Remember this: sunscreen is your best friend and consistency is KEY!
Nothing is a quick fix, but professional treatments can greatly improve the skin if that is an option for you. Even if you are getting professional treatments, home care accounts for 80% of treating any skin condition. So, always perform your skincare routine and try some of these recommendations to get that gorgeous glow. Aging is never an excuse to not love your skin!
Which of these products are you looking to try out? What are your thoughts on anti-aging skincare? Let me know!
I need to try the neck gel! Great information. Love the price symbols!
I am sure the neck gels would be a great addition to your routine! Plus, a fun way to enjoy a spa day or night in!