Is anti-aeging skin care a lie?

[KissKiss29]

I'm 29 and I have never cared about my skin... up until now. I have a few dark circles and I don't know what to do about them!

I've thought about starting some kind of skin care but I am hopeless. I'm not the type of person to think long-term so I think I need some convincing.

I want to know if anti-age products worked for you? I know you will never truly know, but just going off of a feeling, what do you think? :/

My mum has amazing skin and has never really used any products. I normally have great skin, but postpartum it's gotten a bit wrecked with the hormone changes and tiredness.

@OriginalFloorboards
A lot of people use subscription services like Skin and Me or Dermatica. I got mine from Tretinoin World. Tbh though, even though I built up over a couple of years with various strengths of retinol, I could still only use Tret a couple of times a week so I've gone a step down to a retinAl which I'm very happy with.

I'm inclined to agree that genetics plays a large part. I don't have temperamental skin and have used many differenet moisturisers over the years from what is expensive to me to the excellent value Superdrug Naturally Radiant skincare.

I have never smoked and my face hasn't had too much sun on it, so my take on it is no smoking and plenty of SPF. I am near retirement age and have been told that I don't look old enough.

I would also like to know how important toner and serum are please.

@Justleaveitblankthen I agree- I take supplements too -

I've always looked younger, purely down to genetics. I don't use any anti-aging creams, only wash with basic soap and water, and use basic moisturiser (cheapest Nivea, one pot lasts me a couple of years) maybe once a week when I'm putting make-up on. I now almost 50 and people peg me at 36/7. Which isn't to brag as I'm no pin-up, but just to bolster the genetic argument. And staying out of the sun, I've never been a sun worshipper.

Twenty-nine seems super young to be worrying about aging skin. Course they want women to start spending money on it as young as possible but it really shouldn't be on your mind till middle-age at least. Just keep healthy generally and don't worry too much about it.

I think tretinoin and spf is all you really need and a good diet, don't bother with over the counter creams, there's not enough in them to do anything other then moisturise, don't get me stated on charlotte tilbury magic cream,

over the counter retinol creams

Factor 50 for the day, tretinoin at night. That's it for me.

Healthy diet, hydrate, avoid sun uva/uvb with SPF cream, don't smoke.
Good genes..... which you can't pick.

Most products don't do anything. If they do do something, they probably come with side effects that you don't want, like photosensitization.

The skin is as organ, and unless there's an actual pathology, it functions best when you adopt a healthy lifestyle and then pretty much leave it alone. So all the usual boring stuff: diet, exercise, sleep etc. Get the right amount of sun for your overall health (this is very much NOT zero) but be careful not to overdo it.

I do wear makeup sometimes, and then will use a "minimal" cleanser to remove it (few ingredients, no perfumes) and a similar moisturizer. I use SPF if UV levels are high and I'm going to be outside for a significant amount of time. That's it. Anything more than that has typically made my skin worse rather than better.

I'm not against anti aging products in principle. If there's something that really works, no side effects, and affordable, then someone please tell me what it is, I'll happily use it.

In the meantime, if there's one thing I could make my younger self understand, it's how little I care about having a few wrinkles, now that I'm older. Its really just not a high priority. Focus on your general health and invest the money you would have spent on anti-aging products in a high interest savings account.

I agree about genetics, also I think diet and lifestyle play a part (along with keeping out of the sun). The skin is an organ that is designed to keep things out. Anything that could penetrate the skin would have to be classed as a drug and regulated.
You can however make the top surface of your skin look better for as long as you use a moisturizer etc.

Long term, staying out of the sun helps. I used to spend loads on skin care but now mostly use oils, coconut or almond for cleansing and moisturising, wish I'd started years ago!

AHH thanks everyone! I think I should start with eating better and exercising. I think I'll be more thankful for those habits in the long run!

I did just sign up to skin+me quite frantically though! It's a trial month so I'll see how that goes!

Definitely think it’s a combination of genetics, lifestyle (diet, hydration, sleep, no alcohol or smoking etc), and good quality skin-care.

Skin care - it depends on your skin type I think. I have oily skin. I use a glycolic or salicylic face wash, vitamin c serum, b5 serum and spf for the day, and same face wash and retinol at night time.

I occasionally treat myself to hydrafacials or micro needling through out the year.

Yeah I think a lot of it is just clever advertising and hype. It's very unlikely your skin can do much with anything it absorbs on only a very superficial layer.
Retinol is crazy - can't imagine rubbing something into my face that is so damaging to skin that it makes you far more sun sensitive and increase risk of skin cancer. I would rather have a few fine lines and wrinkles.
Not smoking, good diet and exercise and probably genetics is the biggest factor.

Apart from the scientifically proven ones already mentioned, I think so. In fact, I even wonder if some of the creams with vast lists of ingredients might actually later be found to be harmful or carcinogenic.

Retinol is crazy - can't imagine rubbing something into my face that is so damaging to skin that it makes you far more sun sensitive and increase risk of skin cancer. I would rather have a few fine lines and wrinkles.

I thought Retinol increased cell turnover in the skin?

It helps unclog pores. Retinol also exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a fresher, plump appearance.

People wear Spf religiously who use it because if you're increasing cell turnover there's zero point if it's going to get sun damaged, it would directly counteract what you're doing.

Retinol has been used for years in acne medication - it's been studied for a long time way before it started to he anti aging focused

I don't believe in anti-aging creams and I don't use them, but I do look after my skin. I've been doing it since I was 16 (now 54) when my mum taught me to cleanse, tone and moisturise.

I think I have good skin for my age, and I get told that I look a lot younger and that I have amazing skin, as in few to no wrinkles. I don't think any cream has done this for me though. I don't smoke but don't drink loads of water, and I drink alcohol.

From what I have observed and experienced, you can't really alter your skin or face that much unless you spend loads on surgery. What you can do is make the most of your own skin and everything else.

I think you need to find what works for you. I honestly believe that if someone washed their face with a mild soap, then put Vaseline on it for 50 years, they would have the best version of their skin. Just by doing SOMETHING, rather than no care at all, is enough IMO. By the way, that example is from someone who did this who had beautiful skin at age 90. Your skin is unique to you. Find what it loves. Mine loves oil.

I think I am a bit obsessed with my skin in that, I'm glad I don't look older than my years, so I am going to try and keep it that way. In the past I've tried it all; Creme de la Mer, Olay, Clarins, Clinique, Environ and all the ones from Boots/ Debenhams etc. which I think are the worst for your skin; Clarins, Clinique, Este Lauder. The only one of these I liked was Environ and I don't use this now.

My skin routine is now; La Roche Posay face wash, toner, serum (Vitamin C at present) and moisturiser in the morning and at night I am using Skin and Me (Tretinoin) followed by any moisturisers that I was sucked into buying in a weak moment, which were a waste of money that I am trying to use up. I totally rate La Roche Posay, Skin and Me, and I will swap out the serums and return back to Trilogy Rosehip Oil when they are used up.

I think it's good,to be concerned about your skin

I have a dd your age and I often gift her products as I think it is so important

I think it is genetic but screens don't help

I agree the protect and perfect serum is great.

I also use clinique City block daily and have since about your age. My skin is in good condition. Don't forget spf year round

Thanks for the thread OP.

I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s posts and learnt a lot. I’m outdoors a hell of a lot with three horses and dogs. I’ll definitely try the tret as I’ve slight acne (prone before in my younger days) with peri and age 50 although I look OK I’m aware of wrinkles coming. Used retinol but thinking of stepping up.

Could anyone advise a light-ish factor 50 for daily use? Given I’m prone to spots and outbreaks I can’t really use thick creams. I’m also quite tight on a budget (my horses get everything they want and need and I’m left strapped!). Is there such a thing or are they all thick?

Many, many thanks in advance everyone.

@OriginalFloorboards I really hate the greasy feel of sunscreen and I find it makes me spotty - I've tried loads - but I watched some You Tube tutorials recently and this one from Numbuzin was recommended as very lightweight and non-greasy. I had to order it from Stylevana (based in Hong Kong) but it is very reasonable and I find it really good so I'll definitely be ordering it again. It took about two weeks to come. I think Asian people use more water-based sunscreens which is why they feel less claggy.

https://www.stylevana.com/en_GB/numbuzin-no-1-clear-filter-sun-essence-spf-50-pa-50ml.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&sonid=110519&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=18011882063&utm_term=&utm_content=110519&device=c&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9rSoBhCiARIsAFOiplm_yBz3i5RU1noczbZoM4yQ9K14s2qVzttPh3tO-9cUtmUFdSnWTl4aAtC_EALw_wcB

I understand your concern about your skin, especially with postpartum changes. Starting a skincare routine doesn't have to be daunting. Here are some quick tips:

1. Begin with Basics: Start with a simple routine - cleanse, moisturize, and use sunscreen during the day.
2. Consider Anti-Aging: Anti-aging products with ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid can help over time, though results aren't immediate.
3. Consult a Dermatologist: If unsure, consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.
4. Be Patient: Skincare takes time. Stick with your routine, and you'll see improvements.
5. Genetics Play a Role: While genetics matter, you can enhance your skin's condition through proper care.

Remember, skincare is a form of self-care, and it's never too late to start. Good luck on your journey to healthier skin!

I agree with the above posters' concerns about tret and similar. My understanding is that they thin the skin so that you are then dependent on SPF for normal skin protection. I'm fundamentally uncomfortable with that. What if there are SPF supply issues in the future, or if I simply can't afford it? Will I just stay indoors? I have a functioning skin barrier at the moment and I'm loathe to mess that up unless there's a medical reason.

As for increasing cell turnover, I'm not sure what the long term consequences of that are either. I spent some time on Google scholar but couldn't find anything much on the long term consequences of retinoid use. If anyone has links feel free to share - I'd happily use retinoids if I was confident in their safety, as they do seem to be effective. But for the moment I'm holding off.

Yes, most of it is a complete lie. A lie to extract money from the vain.

except keeping your skin protected from the sun. That makes a difference.

Most of it is down to genetics and then to a lesser extent lifestyle.

I have pretty good skin but then so did my mum. Also we both have pale skin so have always had to slather ourselves in SPF 30+

Drink loads of water.

Don't smoke.

Then choose a cleansing / moisturising routine you can afford. I flit around on my moisturiser but I love, love, love Ultrabland from Lush!!

tretinoin accelerates cell turnover but this doesn't mean it thins the skin. but it's a common misconception. in fact tret increases collagen production which will actually thicken the skin.