Sunscreen
Dr. Karam makes a point of warning us that if we aren’t using sunscreen and avoiding UV rays on the face, we might as well NOT spend money on other ingredients. Nothing ages the skin as fast and consistently as repeated UV exposure. It can cause fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, red spots, and a thinning of the skin. The simple solution is one many of us ignore though: sunscreen should be worn on the face each day, even in the winter. And don’t be shy when it comes to SPF protection — choose an SPF 30 or higher and re-apply it every two hours if you plan on being outside.
Retinol
Retinol is one of the most studied skincare ingredients that has been proven effective for anti-aging purposes. Over time, those who use retinol maintain thicker skin than those who do not. Using retinol daily, at night, is your best bet. If you find retinol irritates your skin, try using it less often or finding one you can tolerate. These stimulate collagen at the cellular level and help break up brown spots, as well. Make sure you’re using SPF in the morning, especially when you use retinol at night.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, when taken topically, stimulates collagen and helps decrease discoloration like brown spots. You can use vitamin C and retinol together or break them up by using Vitamin C in the morning. Alternatively, you’ll be able to find plenty of nourishing moisturizers that also contain vitamin C.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid acts like a sponge, drawing water in and trapping it to make your skin look and feel plumper and more moisturized. Whereas retinol and vitamin C are long-term solutions and it takes time to see their results, HA gives you instant gratification. It can also help minimize the appearance of fine lines and adds much-needed moisture back to mature skin.
Niacinamide
This vitamin B derivative is a godsend if you have red, sensitive skin. It curbs inflammation, improves the look of pores, and boosts your hydration levels. It even helps your skin absorb active ingredients, making it a great step to add to your skincare routine prior to vitamin C or retinol serums.
These five ingredients are considered essentials in skincare. You can find them in a number of price points and they’ll help mature skin look supple and healthy.