There are two causes of skin aging: intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic aging is due to natural, time-related changes and those that are dictated by genetics. Extrinsic aging is caused by external factors, such as accumulated exposure to UV rays, free radicals generated by pollution, and other environmental aggressors along with lifestyle factors such as diet and tobacco that contribute to oxidative stress. Anti-aging skincare can help improve the appearance of both intrinsic and extrinsic aging.

It’s never too early to start using anti-aging skincare products and wearing sunscreen (even as a child) counts. Anti-aging skincare can be tailored for your skin’s needs at any age—and be adjusted as needed. Preventative and corrective anti-aging strategies are part of the same continuum of skin health strategies.

The essentials of any effective anti-aging skincare routine at any age include a cleanser, topical antioxidant, moisturizer, and daily sunscreen. From there, you can add on to these anti-aging skincare basics to customize a regimen that addresses your unique visible age-related changes as they arise. Some may benefit from anti-aging skincare products like eye creams and targeted treatment serums as early as the late-20s or 30s, while others may prefer to wait until later. Your approach to aging will evolve as your signs of aging appear – gradually over time.

Although it is impossible to go back in time, an effective anti-aging skincare regimen can provide significant improvement in visible signs of aging. A combination of anti-aging skincare and professional, office-based treatments and procedures can provide even more dramatic results. Anti-aging skincare continues to play an important role before and after undergoing cosmetic surgery as well. An anti-aging regimen can be preventative, corrective, or maintaining.