There has never been a time as chockfull of anti-aging products and procedures than the present. All of our options can make you feel more empowered if you’re searching for ways to make your skin look its best, but these options can also make it confusing to adopt a skincare routine that works for you and doesn’t blow your budget out of the water.
These six popular skincare products and treatments for your face are often cited as among the most effective for boosting collagen production, protecting collagen and your skin barrier, and helping to hasten skin cell turnover for smoother, more hydrated skin. There is no one approach that can work miracles, but if you’re looking for ways to up your skincare game, start by considering these six products and procedures.
Microneedling
Microneedling is an in-office procedure in which a trained dermatologist uses a micro needle to create micro-injuries in the skin. These tiny injuries stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture (including helping to reduce pore size). Microneedling can also even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation, while allowing for better product absorption, which helps active ingredients like vitamin C and retinol penetrate more effectively.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals by neutralizing them, which can help protect your skin from environmental damage from UV rays and pollutants. In serum form, it can promote skin barrier healing, increase hydration, and stimulate collagen production. It is recommended that you use a stable form of vitamin C, keep it out of direct sunlight (which can break down the active ingredient), and always apply sunscreen after its topical application in the morning.
Retinol
Retinol is one of the most effective skincare ingredients on the market — and one that is backed by scientific studies. This vitamin A derivative promotes more rapid cell turnover so that old skin cells are replaced by new ones, creating a smoother complexion. It also evens out skin tone, boosts collagen production, helps keep acne under control, and can brighten your skin. If you’re new to retinol, start off slowly. Speak to your dermatologist about the most effective dosage for you and make sure you use a hydrating moisturizer afterward to combat the drying effects of retinol.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency treatments like Thermage, Ultherapy, and Radiofrequency Microneedling stimulate skin tightening to address loss of collagen, elastin, and laxity by heating the deeper layers of the skin to help promote collagen production. These treatments vary on how deep the heat penetration is placed, so you can expect different results from each, and although you can sometimes see immediate results, the full effect of this treatment is usually not apparent for a few months. It’s also critical that you seek a provider who has a lot of experience with radiofrequency, as these machines in the wrong hands can cause adverse reactions like the loss of volume and facial fat.
Peptides
Peptides are one of the latest and greatest skincare ingredients that is being touted as excellent for collagen production. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can reduce inflammation, brighten skin and even skin tone, improve skin elasticity, and repair the skin barrier so that it helps retain moisture and can fend off environmental triggers that compromise your skin. You can find peptides in certain serums and moisturizers.
Sunscreen
The positive effects of all other skincare products and procedures are rendered moot if you aren’t wearing sunscreen each day. The most damage to your skin is done by UV light, and a few bad sunburns can seriously compromise your skin. It’s important to wear an SPF of 30 or higher each day and to re-apply it if you’re spending time outdoors every two hours, or sooner if you are swimming or exposed to water.
