When to Start Using Anti-Aging Products – Best Age
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Last updated on April 6th, 2025 at 08:50 pm
One question I frequently get is, “When should you start using anti-aging products?” The short answer: it’s never too early to begin. Starting anti-aging products early in your skincare routine helps your skin perform at its best for longer. By introducing these products at the right time, you can maintain your skin’s youthful appearance and delay the signs of aging.
My previous blog post focused on anti-aging foods, this serves as a foundation for the prevention of premature aging. If you have not read it yet, then I suggest you read it before commencing with this post.
The skin in itself does a whole lot of functions that we are barely even aware of. It self-regulates, renews, protects from toxins, maintains moisture content, and regulates skin tone. But as aging progresses, the skin forgets this and starts to fall short of its job. That is why we need to remind the skin to remember its functions with a skincare routine. Let’s find out when to start using anti-aging products and the best age to begin for your skin.
Teens to Early ’20s
At this tender age, your skin is already doing its job meaning it is self-exfoliating, renewing, and independent. So you do not need to burden your skin with any step 10 anti-aging skincare routine. Just maintain a simple and gentle skincare routine, this serves as a preventive measure and does wonders to your skin.
Look for products that are mild and gentle for your skin. Just having a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreens and maintaining good diets and habits is enough to start your anti-aging skincare routine.
Cleansing
The golden rule when it comes to cleansing is to be as gentle as possible. Use lukewarm water when bathing, and ensure your bar soap is gentle as possible. Then select a cleanser that is gently and close to your skin’s natural PH. I recommend Etude House – Soon Jung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser.
Moisturize
Most of the time, we often forget to moisturize and this is an important step that should not be missed. This step helps the skin to remain hydrated and stay moist. You don’t need thick moisture, just a gel water-based moisturizer is enough. You can find a really good one at Neutrogena hydro boost line.
Sunscreen
When it comes to the primary anti-aging skincare routine, you would agree with me that it all starts with sunscreens. Sunscreens block both UVA and UVB light which interacts at different layers of the skin. UVA penetrates deep into the dermal layer of the skin meaning they affect both epidermal and dermal layers while UVB affects the epidermal layer where skin cell renewal takes place.
For that reason, selecting a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB light is highly recommended. You can go for sunscreen of at least 30 SPF of which my favourite is the Supergoop SPF 50 lotion
The late ’20s – early ’30s
At this age, stress level becomes so high, that you barely sleep enough. You might even maintain a poor diet and forget to apply sunscreens because there is always a rush to get things done as fast as possible. Hyper-pigmentation and sunspots are more noticeable. Also, the skin becomes dryer and dull due to lack of oil production and the skin defence mechanism is weakened
This is the best time to start introducing antioxidants, chemical exfoliants, and moisturizers into your anti-aging skincare routine. You may also want to introduce niacinamide, although this step is optional
Antioxidants
The body already has a natural defence mechanism to protect us from free radicals and sunburn but as we age this defence mechanism slows down due to stress. Therefore, using antioxidants orally and topically is a good start. For the topical application of antioxidants, the most potent and effective is vitamin C. However, there are other antioxidants such as CoQ10 and alpha-lipoic acid you can start with such as The Inkey List Q10 face serum
Moisturizer
Look for moisturizers with humectants such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, sodium lactate, honey, and propylene glycol. A humectant acts exactly like a sponge, it draws water from the atmosphere into your skin. To get the most out of humectants, it is a great idea to start with hydrating serums because serums contain active ingredients that penetrate the skin more than the normal moisturizer. One of my favourites is The Inkey List Polylutamic acid
Chemical exfoliants
The skin appears dull because the skin needs help to remove dead skin cells. Therefore, the application of chemical exfoliants will take the skin back to normalcy and help to look rejuvenated and fresher. Applying exfoliants may be addictive so it is recommended to exfoliate once or twice a week to avoid over-exfoliation. My favourite chemical exfoliant at the moment is the Krave Beauty Kale AHA
Protect the skin barrier
The skin barrier must be protected at all costs because the natural moisturizing factors such as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids are decreasing. These three soldiers are important to prevent epidermal water loss from the skin and protect the skin barrier from damage. You should start introducing moisturizers with ceramides and oils rich in linoleic acid.
The Late ’30s and Above
During this age, the body begins to undergo several significant changes that affect the hormones in women and men. For women, the reduction in estrogen levels takes place while testosterone levels in men are decreased. These significant changes pave the way for the skin cells to slow down. As a result, collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid within the dermis break down.
These significant changes become more noticeable in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, and saginess. Therefore you might need to start applying some active ingredients to remind the skin cells of what it is capable of. This is a great time to start incorporating vitamins and peptides into your skincare routine
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Retinol is the most studied vitamin with FDA approval in the treatment of wrinkles. I would highly recommend you read my post on “The beginner’s guide to retinol“. Since Retinols can be irritating to the skin, it is always a good idea to start with a low percentage and then move your way up as your skin starts to adapt. You may also want to go for other retinol derivatives that act exactly like retinol with little to no irritation.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoids 2% is a good start
Vitamin b3 (niacinamide)
Niacinamide has lots of benefits; it helps to increase ceramide production, boost collagen and elastin, and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation amongst other things. You can call Niacinamide “Mr Incredible”.
If Retinol irritates your skin then Niacinamide has a cooling and soothing effect. This makes it a perfect pair for Retinol.
You can apply Niacinamide on your skin days before retinol to prep your skin for Retinol. If you would like to use them at the same time, it’s better to apply niacinamide first (water-based) before Retinol (oil-based) at a five-minute interval.
The ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zine 1%
Vitamin c (ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is very important when used before applying sunscreens in the morning. Research has shown that using sunscreens reduces only 55% of free radicals. That is why the addition of vitamin C right before sunscreens protects a greater amount of free radicals than sunscreens used alone. Also, the addition of vitamin C serums stimulates collagen in the skin. Since vitamin C is very unstable and highly sensitive to oxygen, it is best to store it in a place with little to no light.
Conclusion
Starting an anti-aging skincare routine early is the key to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or beyond, choosing the right products for your age and skin type can help your skin perform at its best. Remember, it’s never too early to start taking care of your skin. I hope you found this post helpful—thank you for reading!
Photo by Anna Shvets from Pexels
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Very useful informations,the skin is the largest organ so skin care is extremely important🤗
Thank you so much 💜
So true! Rayo, you are doing amazing work! Thanks for sharing your wonderful posts ❤️. Just want to add my 2 cents. After having used some anti-aging creams for years I decided to move on and I got Tretinoin Cream 0.02%. Just for anti-aging. I have dry, sensitive Rosacean skin and I can’t tolerate many actives so I knew there was a possibility my skin would not like Retin-A. However, knowing it’s the best anti-aging treatment out there, I just wanted to try and see. So happy 😊 I Googled ‘Ret247get’ and got it. I really love my Tretinoin Cream. It works and it’s cheap. I’d say don’t waste $$ on overhyped and ineffective “anti-aging” creams. Try Tretinoin but be very careful. Vitamin A acid is very powerful and you really have to build up very slowly. Be patient. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Tretinoin doesn’t work overnight and it isn’t a miracle worker. It takes at least 1-2 months to notice real benefits. Last but not least: it’s not for everyone. Some people just cannot tolerate it so they would have to use other anti-aging treatments/actives like vitamin C. And/or another form of Vitamin A like Retinol or Retinaldehyde. Maybe less potent, but still effective.
Thinking of using jade roller now.very useful and informative post 💜❤️❤️
Thank you, so glad you found it helpful 💜
Thank you for all the great tips. I know that I need to focus on my skincare MUCH more – currently I will use a facial cleanser to wash it some days (I can’t even stick with that) and I don’t even take time to moisturize. I know, it’s bad… This is definitely something that I want to make a priority moving forward. I’ll be checking out your recommendations!
I’m so glad my post helped you to reflect, it’s makes me happy. Thank you so much for reading
Skin care is super important and I’m slowly getting better at it. I know I need to focus a lot more on it and as you said at the end, it’s best to start as soon as you can. I LOVE that you share so many helpful tips. I always take them onboard, and this post is great because it’s useful for all ages. Brilliant post, thanks for sharing x
Amazing, I’m glad you found it helpful. Thank you so much 💜
Great break down of skin care by age. Need to pay more attention to that.
Absolutely loved reading this! Although I’m in my early 20s, I try my best to take care of my skin. I definitely want to try a chemical exfoliant. I’ve always heard about it, but never comprised to try it! So, this post was a good reminder.
Thank you for sharing.
Much love always,
GABBY | http://www.gabbyabigaill.com
I love that you have broken this down by years, so that younger people can become more aware of what they can do to help their skin as they move forward with life. I love the cool feel and benefits of the jade roller. 🙂
This is such a great post, very interesting to know!!
Luci x – https://www.lucibarker.co.uk/
Thank you 💜
These are amazing tips! I’ve only recently started focusing on SPF and I wish I started sooner! Thanks so much for sharing x
Interesting article! Helpful info and unlike how you broke it down.
Now there’s a self-care action I need to take more:( somehow my skincare routine is always the first to go when things get hectic in my life, but when I do actually take the time – oils are my favorite thing, it always feels like I am pampering my skin. Thanks for the great tips.
So it’s not too late for me at 34? I do a bit of skincare to be fair, I must be a modern man 😃
It’s great, love it when men take care of their skin and no, you are not too late 💪🏽☺️
Its really interesting seeing how the type of moisturisers, exfoliats and antioxidants you use varies with your age and hormonal activity, with skincare routine becoming harder work and lasts longer. You covered it with a lot of depth and I’ve definitely felt I have learnt a few things here or there to step up my skincare game
Johnny | Johnny’s Traventures
https://johnnystraventures.com
Thank you so much John, I’m so glad the post made you step up your skincare game 💪🏽
You always give such good tips. I need to start introducing a chemical exfoliant to my skincare routine, pronto. I’ll check out the one you recommended.
Thank you for the compliment 💜
I’m in the late 20 category so thank you for these tips! Although I don’t get MEGA stressed and I definitely get enough sleep. I also never sit out in the sun but always wear suncream if I do – I’m far too pale not too! But I’m definitely going to think about taking better care of my skin!
Oh, this is awesome. You are among the lucky few who are not so stressed in their 20’s. Glad you are paying attention to your skin 😍.
This is such an informative post! I think as you get older, you do start paying more attention to your skin, I know I have anyway. Definitely taking more action in making sure that my skin is protected and well moisturised, especially as I am in the late 20’s – early 30’s bracket.
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
The skin does start getting complicated as we age and it’s important to look after it. I’m glad you taking steps in the right direction. Thank you for reading
Great information!! I wish I would have paid more attention to my skin in my younger years, but at least there’s still something I can do about it now. 🙂
Yes, it is never too late to start 💜
Great information as usual. Thank you!
Very informative! I am in my late 20’s now and for the past year or so have been trying to take better care of my skin, though sometimes I don’t pay attention to it as much as I should! Sunscreen is one thing I have gotten into the habit of applying, since I tend to get a lot of sun (or at least before quarantine!) but I will have to try some of the moisturizers and antioxidants as well. Thanks for sharing!
It is so important to take care of your skin upfront! Oooh! Totally agree with sunscreen. Retinol works really well! Thanks for sharing all of these products!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Great post 👌🏾
Thank you for sharing 😊
Thank you ☺️
I’m totally useless at this sort of thing! I have wondered what retinol was, it’s something I have come across before. I really needed a prompt to start looking after my skin, so thank you for the push xxx
I wish I had read this in my early 20’s, thank you so much for sharing!
Lindifique
This is such an interesting post! I don’t know very much about skincare so this was really helpful!
Amber – The Unpredicted page
This is such a helpful post to share! Thank you for sharing all your tips!
I was cursed with very dry skin from an extremely young age so I’ve pretty much followed an older skincare routine my whole life. Dehydration lines creep in if I’m not loading up on my acids and a heavier oil is essential for me x
Sophie
Thanks for this, it was really interesting!
Lauren | https://www.laurenyloves.co.uk/
Great tips! Thankyou for the info x
Very helpful post, thank you for the tips! I am 43 and loving that The Ordinary retinoid. Now on a summer break from it and back on it again in September.
Oh that’s great 💜. I’m glad The Ordinary Retinoids is working well for you
I have always wondered when I should start anti aging products. I am in my mid 20s and feel like its too early but I guess no harm! Thanks for sharing
Yes no harm at all, it’s always a good idea to start as early as possible. I’m glad the post was helpful 💕. Thank you for reading
I’m in my early 20s and will definitely be looking into your product recommendations! Want to make sure my skin is as healthy as possible 🙂
This is such a helpful and informative post. I love that you’ve split it down into age groups. It meant I could find mine easier and read about some of the extra things I should be doing.