Aging can bring mixed feelings—some signs appear slowly and gracefully, while others may require more attention. Often, early use of topical treatments—starting as early as your 20s—is considered the first line of defense.
اضافة اعلان
The first step to aging gracefully, beginning in your 30s, is protecting your skin from sun damage. Daily use of a broad-spectrum, high-protection sunscreen is essential.
According to Dr. David Lortscher, a dermatologist and founder of the teledermatology clinic Curology,
"People start to notice signs of aging in their 30s and 40s as the skin’s natural renewal cycle begins to slow down, leading to discoloration, wrinkles, sagging, and reduced collagen production."
Key Interventions
According to Healthline, skincare in your 40s often focuses on topical retinoids, topical vitamin C, or minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Lortscher often recommends prescription formulas containing vitamin C and retinoids. These two ingredients are backed by decades of research and clinical trials.
Retinoid creams, like tretinoin, are known to:
Stimulate collagen production
Prevent and treat existing wrinkles
Fight acne if it appears during this stage
Light Sensitivity Warning
However, a word of caution about retinoids: they cause photosensitivity, making daily use of a full-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher non-negotiable.
Even if you’re not using retinoids, sun protection is critical at this age.
Most retinoid creams require a prescription, though some have been approved for over-the-counter use.
Topical Vitamin C
If retinoids are not well tolerated, topical vitamin C is an excellent alternative.
According to Dr. Lortscher, vitamin C helps:
Boost collagen production
Smooth out wrinkles
Repair oxidative damage, lighten hyperpigmentation, and fade acne scars and sunspots
