Want youthful, radiant skin? Try these 7 expert-approved anti-aging skincare steps that deliver real results. Simple, science-based, and effective.
Aging is a part of life, but there is no reason your skin has to reflect this. Through the right skincare routine, you can slow the aging process, decrease fine lines, restore firmness in your skin, and bring back your youthful glow. This guide is for everyone in their 20s who is just beginning the process or 50s trying to reclaim some visible signs of aging.
We are going to go through a detailed overview of the 7 best anti-aging skincare routine steps based on recommendations from dermatologists, beauty experts, and research based on scientific evidence.
Step 1: Gentle Cleanser – Start With a Clean Slate
Cleansing is where the fun begins! As you age, the skin’s surface becomes thinner and loses moisture more rapidly. Therefore, it is important to ditch the harsh soaps once and for all. You now require a gentle and hydrating cleanser to complement restoring and using moisture to recapture the lustrous skin you once had.
What to Look For:
Sulfate-free cleansing formula. Sulfates strip the oil from your skin
pH-balanced, this will greatly help you maintain a healthy skin barrier
Contains humectant ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid
Recommended Products:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating cleanser
Professional Tip: Use lukewarm water to cleanse, not hot! Hot water strips moisture from your skin, creating the potential for irritations and dehydration.
Step 2: Antioxidant Serum — Protect Your Skin from Damage
Free radicals are one of the biggest causes of premature aging. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Niacinamide, and Ferulic Acid neutralize free radicals.
Importance:
Brightens dull skin
Diminishes dark spots
Improves collagen production
Serums I recommend:
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (derm-favorite!)
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Apply in the morning on clean skin. Apply moisturizer and sunscreen.
Step 3: Moisturizer — Hydrate & Plump Skin
As you age, you lose hydration and elasticity. A quality anti-aging moisturizer replenishes hydration, diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, and improves barrier function.
Key Ingredients to Look For:
Hyaluronic Acid for heavy hydration
Peptides for collagen stimulation
Squalane for a better skin feel
Ceramides for skin barrier support
My Recommendations:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
Pro-Tip: Moisturizer is much more effective on damp skin.
Step 4: Retinol or Retinoid – The Gold Standard of Anti-Aging
What would an anti-aging routine be without a retinol, or a retinoid—both vitamin A derivatives that are more than likely to visibly diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Benefits:
Increases cell turnover
Helps with rough texture
Helps minimize pores and acne
Improves overall skin texture
Best For:
30’s and above or those just starting to see signs of aging
Product Recommendations:
ROC Retinol Correxion Night Cream
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in squalane
Prescriptions for tretinoin (for more advanced signs)
Caution: Use a low percentage and begin every 2-3 nights with a moisturizer afterwards.
Step 5: Eye Cream – Focus on Fine Lines & Puffiness
The skin under the eyes is the thinnest section of your body and usually the first to begin showing signs of aging. A specific eye cream will help diminish crow’s feet, puffiness, and dark under eyes.
Look for Ingredients Like:
Caffeine to reduce puffiness
Peptides and Retinol to attack fine lines
Niacinamide or Vitamin C to diminish dark circles under the eyes
Dermatologist-Recommended Eye Creams:
CeraVe Eye Repair cream
Olay Eyes Retinol 24
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
Tip: Use your ring finger to tap, not rub.
Step 6: Sunscreen – Your best anti-aging tool
If you are going to follow one step from this entire list, make it this one – sunscreen. The number one cause of premature aging is sun exposure. Regular use of an SPF can prevent both wrinkles and dark spots, as well as skin cancer.
Essentials:
Broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher
Non-comedogenic for daily use
Tinted sunscreens provide added protection from visible light
Best Anti-Aging Sunscreens:
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60
Neutrogena Age Shield SPF 70
Daily Task: Wear sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. Reapply every 2 hours if you are in the sun.
Step 7: Weekly Exfoliating – Unlock Your Best Skin
Excess dead skin cells can leave your skin looking dull, while also accentuating the appearance of and emphasizing wrinkles. Exfoliation simply helps you remove dead skin cells and stimulate collagen growth.
Use either:
AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid, for dull skin
BHAs like salicylic acid, for clogged pores and oily skin
Enzyme exfoliants like papaya or pineapple for sensitive skin
Top Choices for Exfoliating Products:
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Tatcha The Rice Polish
Reminder: Limit your exfoliating ritual to about once or twice per week so that you don’t take away all of the beneficial natural oils in your skin.