When is the right time to start using anti-aging and wrinkle creams?
“The most important product you can use every day for anti-aging is SPF,” says Dr. Grossman, adding that you should reapply SPF throughout the day because “UV exposure is the single biggest cause of extrinsic aging in humans.”
And for those “fortunate enough to avoid teen or young adult acne,” Dr. Grossman says, “I try to start taking anti-aging ingredients in your early 20s. This is the biological time when you start to see a decrease in collagen in the skin, so that’s usually when I intervene. Sometimes, people start to see thinning of the skin under the eyes at an earlier age. In that case, I might recommend an anti-aging eye cream.”
However, she advises caution, saying that many anti-ageing products “are made for older people and are very moisturising products. In some younger people they can cause acne so generally younger people shouldn’t use them.”
What is the best way to apply anti-aging and wrinkle creams?
“In general, it’s best to use any product sparingly, except for SPF, which you should use liberally!” explains Dr. Grossman. “Always follow the manufacturer’s advice, and remember that a little goes a long way in most cases. When applying, make sure your skin is clear of the product. Put a small amount into the palm of your hand and dot the four cardinal quadrants of your face, blending in small dots. Use small dots for more active ingredients and products, and larger dots for anti-aging moisturizers.”