A person’s skin type often determines how one cares for and enhances their appearance. Certain products work better on dry skin than combination and oily complexions may demand cosmetics suited for the job. And when it comes to aging, your skin type doesn’t sit out of the game. Use these specialized skincare strategies to nourish, restore, and revive your unique skin type throughout the aging process.
1. Combat and Prevent Stubborn Wrinkles
Often one of the first visible signs of aging, wrinkles shed light on your worries, expressions, and even joy. However, while an exuberant smile is lovely in the moment, the lines that remain aren’t always wanted.
Wrinkles appear with repetitive expressions, like smiling or furrowing, and they can be more prevalent among certain skin types. Individuals with dry or sensitive skin retain less moisture, which can lead to more visible wrinkles. Those with oily and combination skin produce more sebum, which can put off the onset of wrinkles. However, wrinkles won’t stay at bay for long, eventually, the skin’s cell structure will weaken with age.
Boost collagen production with tretinoin cream, a retinoid available in varying concentrations. Tretinoin increases cell turnover, meaning your body regenerates newer, brighter skin faster. Those with more sensitive or dry skin may see great results without irritation with a lower concentration. Individuals with normal, combination, or oily skin can often handle a higher dose.
With consistent use, many enjoy an overall brighter complexion, which can result in a more youthful appearance. Apply tretinoin cream at night, following all product application instructions, especially regarding sun protection. Those using tretinoin should always apply sun protection due to the increase in photosensitivity.
2. Lessen the Appearance of Discoloration and Uneven Skin Tone
If you’re thinking about anti-aging products, it’s likely that you also spent your youth without sun protection. Tanning beds, tanning oil, and laying out were once part of the cultural experience of summer. But in adulthood, the ill-informed sun choices begin to show on your face, neck, and chest.
Sunspots, discoloration, and uneven tone quickly age your appearance. While makeup can mask some discoloration, getting to the source of the issue and restoring your skin is the goal. Thankfully, there are many products suitable for all skin types that can help.
All skin types will benefit from exfoliation, but how you apply it and what type you’ll use differs. Physical exfoliation entails using a tool or substance to physically slough off dead skin cells. This approach can range from very gentle to more abrasive, meaning the skill of the applicant is extremely important.
Those with sensitive skin may try dry brushing, applied to clean dry skin in circular motions. People with non-sensitive skin can use this technique daily, while those with sensitive skin should target twice-weekly sessions. This chemical-free approach pairs nicely with chemical exfoliants, which use the power of acids to brighten and tighten skin.
Lactic acid is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin and won’t cause redness or irritation. For other skin types, alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid work together to loosen and dissolve tired skin cells. Follow exfoliation sessions with serums and spot treatments to take advantage of fresh skin that’s eager to absorb powerful ingredients. Tretinoin also comes into play for evening skin tone, as it’s shown to be effective for dark spots and melasma.
3. Pump Up the Volume Lost With Time
Buccal fat removal may be popular among the younger set now, but facial volume is essential for graceful aging. As the skin’s cellular structure loses elasticity over time, fat volume decreases, too. The combination of weakening skin and fat loss can result in a sunken, sallow appearance.
Extreme measures aren’t required to regain lost facial volume that comes with age. Individuals with all skin types can benefit from facial exercises, which focus on building up small facial muscles. Similar to other strength training, improving muscle volume fills out otherwise sunken areas, creating an attractive, fuller look.
Establish a skincare routine that ensures your skin is well-moisturized and able to retain moisture all day. Look for daily moisturizers with ceramides, a naturally occurring fatty acid that helps strengthen skin’s moisture barrier. Ceramides are gentle enough for every skin type and are noncomedogenic, meaning those with oily skin shouldn’t fear breakouts.
Treatments with hyaluronic acid plump skin cells, improve elasticity, and lock in moisture. As a natural substance, it’s safe for all skin types and can be used morning and night. If your skin is more acne-prone, it can also benefit from hyaluronic acid’s efficacy in skin repair. Used with exfoliation and retinol, it can improve the cycle of cell turnover and reveal bright, tight, and smooth skin.
Support Your Skin Type’s Needs With a Holistic Approach to Anti-Aging
Understanding your skin type is a lifelong endeavor, especially considering the skin’s ability to change over the years. Determined by your sebum production, your skin type is a culmination of your hormones, environment, and habits. Support your external anti-aging efforts with self-care, nutrition, and wellness choices.
Hydrate skin by committing to a healthy diet prioritizing whole foods and less processed items. Get double the benefit by choosing foods with high water content, which makes hydration less of a chore. Healthy habits plus the right products can combat signs of aging and leave you looking more youthful.