One of the best ways to nourish your skin and create a hydrated and youthful complexion is the development of a well-rounded skincare routine. Based on the issues you may be having with your skin, tailoring the ingredients you use on your face from day to day can help to increase the longevity and strength of your complexion for years to come.
While retinol is well known for being one of the most powerful and effective anti-aging skincare ingredients, there are other products that have proven to be just as useful in preventing signs of aging from appearing. So, we spoke with cosmetologist and clinical dermatologist Ksenia Sobchak, M.D. to find out the ingredient you should be using on your skin to maximize your youth and maintain a hydrated glow without retinol.
Vitamin C
One skincare ingredient that is significantly less abrasive than retinol, vitamin C has proven to help protect the skin from outside damage that could have led to premature aging. “Vitamin C serums can significantly improve your skin tone. Vitamin C is high in antioxidant properties that combat skin inflammation triggered by free radicals in the body,” explains Sobchak. Free radicals are responsible in part for the breakdown of collagen in the skin, so fighting back against their damaging effects with vitamin C will improve your skin’s texture down the road.
Much like retinol, vitamin C serums can also have a profound effect on re-upping collagen within the body which will boost the elasticity and youthful appearance of your skin. “Regular use of vitamin C serum increases collagen production, improving the skin texture and treating conditions such as dark spots, pigmentations, fine lines, wrinkles, and sunspots, which can contribute to aging,” adds Sobchak. “It also prevents skin damage by UV rays.”
A big part of preserving your skin throughout the years is keeping it safe from outside factors, and preventing sun damage and the effects of free radicals will ensure a smoother and more even complexion. However, staying consistent with your application is one of the most important ways to actually see results out of your skincare routine. “I recommend you apply the serum twice a day. Skin improvement can be noticed after 2 weeks of constant use,” says Sobchak.
Although vitamin C should not be the only ingredient you rely on to turn back the clock on your skin, pairing this powerful serum with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and a good sunscreen will make all the difference in keeping your skin healthy, hydrated, and wrinkle-free for years to come.
