Can skincare truly help with signs of aging, or is it all just marketing? Dr. Anthony Nuara, MD PhD FAAD is here to answer your burning questions about using skincare to fight the effects of aging on the complexion. 

What is Aging? 

Aging, in its simplest form, is more trips around the sun. I find that humorous because the sun is a big part of what we talk about in skin aging.  

We can loosely break skin aging down into intrinsic and extrinsic causes. The intrinsic causes happen when our cells slow down. As we age, our cells make less collagen and elastin (the structural proteins of the skin), as well as fewer glycosaminoglycans (the body’s natural moisturizers), all of which can lead to sagging, wrinkles, dryness, and other visible signs of aging. We also experience natural loss of the fat pads (particularly in our face), and our hair becomes thinner and finer, as well.   

We can control signs of intrinsic aging to some degree through good nutrition and products that help restore collagen and support hair growth. The deeper lines and changing fat pads are where your board certified dermatologist can help with treatments like botox and fillers.  

Protecting against signs of extrinsic aging is on you. The sun is the big culprit here, causing damage to the skin that results in pigmentation, redness, cancers, and increased loss of collagen and elastic tissue. Environmental free radicals also contribute to signs of aging. The Foundation Skincare Spectrum Supplement was designed with antioxidants and vitamins that help fortify the skin and defend against sun and environmental damage from the inside. With that, continue using SPF daily for an extra layer of defense. 

Is it Possible to Slow it Down? 

Yes, one of the best things you can do to slow down the formation of signs of aging is create an effective skincare routine (and be consistent with it). Photoprotection is key, so wear a good sunscreen with an SPF 40 or higher on a daily basis, and reapply throughout the day. I like the formulas from Simpli Skin MD and EltaMD. 

In addition to getting nutritional support through effective supplements like Spectrum, I also recommend using topical products that boost collagen to help counteract the natural decline in collagen production. Solutions that restore glycosaminoglycans and moisture are also essential. We’ll dive into specific ingredients and products below. 

How Skincare Can Help the Signs of Aging

Ingredients

There are some key topical ingredients that can help maintain a youthful complexion and reverse some of the effects from both intrinsic and extrinsic causes. 

Retinoids: Retinoids help encourage skin cell turnover and promote collagen synthesis, and are considered the gold-standard as far as topical anti-aging ingredients go. A high-quality option is our Foundation Skincare Night Renewal Cream, which is made with Granactive Retinoid, an effective ingredient that is less irritating than traditional retinoids.   

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws moisture to the skin and locks it in. Daily use of a hyaluronic acid solution (such as our Foundation Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Lotion) will help ensure the skin stays well-hydrated, even as the skin becomes drier as we age. 

Niacinamide: Niacinamide can help repair visible damage (including pigmentation) from extrinsic causes. Our Foundation Skincare Niacinamide Lotion has a potent 10% concentration of this ingredient. 

Azelaic Acid: Azelaic acid (which is found in our Azelaic Acid 14% Cream) helps brighten and fade the appearance of pigmentation for a more even skin tone. 

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an important proponent when it comes to reducing the signs of aging (as found in our Vitamin C Lotion 20%). Vitamin C boosts collagen production, firming the skin, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and sun damage.

Product Type 

Serums and lotions can both be formulated with potent concentrations of effective active ingredients, so this comes down to preference. Many of our Foundation Skincare formulas have a lotion base to help keep the skin moisturized as the active ingredients get to work. As well, the lotion base helps evenly distribute the active ingredient on the skin.  

Application

The main rule you’ll want to keep in mind is to apply your formulas in order from thinnest to thickest. This will allow your thinner skincare products to effectively penetrate the skin. During the day, sunscreen should be the very last product you apply before your makeup.

Building Your Anti-Aging Skincare Routine

We may not be able to turn back time, but skincare can help. It’s never too early to start caring for your skin, and proactively help delay the signs of aging from appearing. Creating an anti-aging skincare routine with effective, proven solutions is the best way to help slow down (and in some cases reverse) signs of aging.