Less is always more, especially when it comes to beauty.
A plastic surgeon shares the common skin care mistakes that cause premature aging and the tips to follow instead.
Dr. Christopher Costa, founder of Platinum Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, spoke exclusively to The U.S. Sun about various anti-aging approaches.
He revealed that a common mistake when trying to prevent wrinkles is to wait until you’re older to neglect your skincare routine.
Dr Costa explained that many people don’t think of their skin as “something that needs to be protected long-term”.
He noted that the most common cancer in humans is skin cancer and stressed the importance of sun protection.
“Sunburn is the main cause of wrinkles and pigmentation, so sunscreen is the best preventative measure against premature ageing,” he said.
He shared another mistake that many people make without even realizing it.
“Another little-known mistake when it comes to taking good care of your skin is over-exfoliating,” Dr. Costa reveals.
“When you do that, you actually damage your skin and age it faster. You’re kind of scraping away the skin’s natural protective layer.”
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Skin care experts break down the steps you can take at any age to maintain healthy skin.
For those in their 20s, she recommends creating a routine that uses “a gentle cleanser, antioxidant serum, and lightweight moisturizer to hydrate the skin.”
He also encouraged young people not to overuse skin care products.
“There’s no need to use multiple products with active ingredients like retinol and strong acids,” he said.
“These products can actually irritate the skin and cause redness and breakouts.
“It’s like over-fertilizing a young tree; it does far more harm than good.”
Anti-Aging Tips
We also discussed how you should change your skincare routine as you get older.
“As you approach your 40s, your skin undergoes changes, including decreased collagen production and slower cell turnover,” says Dr Costa.
“To combat this, people should incorporate products that contain active ingredients such as retinoids and peptides, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness.”
He revealed the best actions to take to combat fine lines and wrinkles.
“Hydration is essential, so I recommend opting for richer moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides to keep skin plump,” he said.
As she detailed the key steps to a successful skincare routine, Dr. Costa stressed the importance of consistency.
“Ask yourself what is most practical for you and your lifestyle, and create a routine that works around that,” he advised.
“A general rule of thumb is to first thing in the morning, cleanse your face thoroughly and pat it dry.
“Then I add an antioxidant serum with vitamin C, moisturizer, and sunscreen.”
We also discussed the best times of day to incorporate certain products into your routine.
“Skin care products that contain retinoids or retinol are best used at night, as they can make the skin more sensitive to the sun,” Dr. Costa said.
“After using these products, apply a good moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.”
