Anti-Aging Skincare Routines: What to Include at Every Age

Developing an anti-aging skincare routine can seem daunting. But it doesn't need to be. Anti-aging treatments are designed to nurture and protect your skin, helping it age gracefully. With the right products and routines, you can maintain a youthful appearance and healthy skin at every stage of life.

If you're unsure where to begin, check out our guide to creating the best regimen for you and your skin to help you age with confidence.

The 20s: Laying the foundations

Your 20s are all about prevention and it's never too early to begin an anti-aging skincare routine that will take you all the way through to your late 20s and beyond. In fact, this is the ideal time to start protecting the skin from environmental damage such as sun exposure, air pollution, and extreme weather.

Here are the best anti-aging products that should be included as part of your routine if you want to lay the foundations for great skin that lasts a lifetime:

• High SPF: Daily SPF sunscreen is non-negotiable. Sun exposure, via UVA light, high-energy visible (HEV) light, and infrared-A (IR-A) rays, is the leading cause of premature aging and early protection can prevent wrinkles, sunspots, and loss of elasticity. ZO's Triple-Spectrum Protection® products provide scientific skin defence, through physical and chemical filters, melanin, and an exclusive antioxidant complex.
• Antioxidants: These offer protection against damage by neutralizing free radicals caused by pollution, UV radiation, and other environmental stressors. It's recommended to incorporate a vitamin C serum into your daily routine.
• Light moisturizers: A lightweight hydrator will moisturize without clogging pores and help replenish the skin.

The 30s: Addressing early signs

You may start to notice the first signs of aging in your 30s. This is the time to focus on maintenance and early treatment. Establishing an effective anti-aging skincare routine for your 30s means choosing products that promote firmness and that target wrinkles. Key factors include:

• Retinol: Retinol is a highly researched anti-aging ingredient. It promotes cell turnover, stimulates healthy collagen, and reduces clogged pores and congestion. It takes time to see noticeable results and it's important to start with a low concentration to build up your skin's tolerance. Once you've built up your usage, over time you'll typically see a smoother and even complexion. ZO® Retinols are suitable for all skin types and feature scientifically proven technology that can improve skin tone and texture.
• Peptides: Peptides can boost collagen and elastin, which can aid in maintaining skin’s firmness and elasticity, helping to prevent visible sagging and wrinkles.
• Eye creams: The 30s are the ideal time to start using an eye cream or serum that targets crow’s feet, puffiness, and dark circles.

The 40s: Intensifying anti-aging efforts

The signs of aging become more pronounced in your 40s. Your skincare routine should now focus on repair and strengthening, with the best anti-aging skincare for this decade featuring a combination of powerful ingredients and treatments that work to help keep your complexion smooth and firm.

• Stronger retinoids: If you've built up a tolerance and your skin can handle it, consider upgrading to higher-strength retinoids to improve skin texture and reduce wrinkles.
• Hyaluronic acid: The powerful hydrating properties attract moisture to the skin, increasing elasticity and helping to plump fine lines.
• Niacinamide: A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide helps to reduce the look of discoloration and strengthens the skin barrier. It can also help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.
• Firming creams: These are considered one of the best anti-aging products as they promote skin tightening. Look out for ingredients such as peptides and collagen boosters.

ZO® anti-aging products are designed to target the visible signs of aging and feature a combination of creams, serums, and high potency retinol treatments to improve firmness, texture, and tone, whatever your skin type.

The 50s and beyond: Nurturing mature skin

As you enter your 50s and beyond, the skin becomes thinner, more fragile, and less able to retain moisture. This is the time to focus on deep nourishment and protection.

The best anti-aging skincare for your 50s includes products and ingredients that combat dullness and promote hydration. You might also want to focus on the neck as it's common for this area to begin to show signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

• Rich moisturizers: Incorporate heavier, rich creams to restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture. These can help restore the appearance of fragile skin.
• Brightening agents: Ingredients like vitamin C and tranexamic acid can help combat age spots, discoloration, and dullness, contributing to a brighter complexion.
• Collagen-boosting treatments: Look for anti-aging treatments that stimulate collagen, which helps boost skin strength and elasticity.

Develop an effective anti-aging skincare routine with ZO

Whatever your age, it's never too early (or late) to begin your anti-aging skincare routine. Find the best products for your skin type with the ZO® Regimen Finder tool then choose our Skincare Subscriptions so you'll never run out of your ZO® anti-aging favorites, plus you'll receive 5% off + free shipping with every subscription delivery.