[speters33]

So I turned 25 earlier this week (yay!) and I've been noticing lately that I now have wrinkles (blah). They're only smile lines, and while my boyfriend finds them cute, it disturbs me that I'm showing signs of aging in my 20's already. I am a non-smoker, use 15 spf daily and try to stay out of the sun. I do have very fair skin and freckles, however. My skin care routine consists of cleansing twice a day, toner, using Aveeno Soy moisturizer with Salicylic acid in the morning and night, nightly eye cream, a mud mask and scrub 1-2 times/per week. My question is this: Should I be using glycolic acid and retinol cream already in my 20's as a preventative measure? Or is it completely unnecessary? Do the drug store brands like Olay Regenerist really work, or should I be investing in something more expensive? Any of your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Trisha]

My personal opinion is that anti aging products will not really help to slow down the process. They only hide the lines temporarily by softening the skin or filling the wrinkles.

Everyone starts getting age lines at a different age. it just depends on your genes. The absolutely MOST important thing to slow down aging/lines/wrinkles is to protect yourself from the sun. The less time you can spend in direct sun the better for your skin. you should use a good sunblock everyday even if youre not outside much. This will help alot to keep your skin looking young as long as possible.

 

[bad cat]

I agree with Trisha. If you look at my avatar picture you'll think you're looking at someone in their 20's. Nope I'm almost 40!!

Fortunately, I got really great genes. But I also started using an SPF at a young age-actually in high school I began taking really good care of my skin. I also don't smoke or drink and don't use really invasive or harsh products either. I think Glycolic acid might be a bit too strong for someone your age.

I say keep doing what you are doing and use a higher SPF if you're out in the sun for prolonged periods of time. You can also try anti-aging products that are appropriate for your age. You mentioned Oil of Olay and many people seem to really like that line.

 

[speters33]

Thanks all. Will keep up what I'm doing and focus on protecting my skin from the sun.

 

[dtilford]

Actually, it is ok to use a Glycolic peel, EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE, it can be a good exfoliater. The other girls are right when they say it is the wrong thing to do for someone your age at this point. Also, fair skinned people have thinner skin, which means you will see lines sooner than someone with thicker skin. Genes will play a roll in how you age but not as much as you taking care of yourself now and in the future. You need to make sure you are not drying out your skin with your cleanser, also unless you are using a "special" kind of toner, it really is not nessary. Toners are known to dry the skin out more than it does any good. Go to your local esthetician and have her do a skin analysis on you.

 

[Naturally]

Sun protection! That could probably NEVER be said enough. Bump up on anti-oxidants both internally and in your night time skincare products! They can help combat some things!

Genes definitely have a roll in how your will age and definitely drink lots of water!

I think you can turn back the clock however and minimize those fine lines you already have by plumping them up with nutrients. Copper peptides work fabulously at regeneration along with a good skincare regimine!

 

[beauty_addict]

All the members have given you some great advice. My only addition is to stress that there are a lot of products that deliver immediate results, but, you have to weigh the short term results with the potential negative long term effects on your skin.

At 25 stick with using a quality all natural cleanser, toner, moisturizer (one with anti-oxidants is good) and an eye cream. A night cream or hydrating mask are also beneficial, it just comes down to how much you want to spend on skin care products. As stressed by everyone, make sure your using an SPF ? may moisturizers now come with and SPF 25 and this will save you one more step and product to buy. Diet and rest are also a key factor and don?t forget to drink plenty of water, especially in the dry winter months to ensure you and your skin are properly hydrated.

 

[dtilford]

That is great advice beauty addict!! The ONLY thing I want to add is that you do not need to put a SPF of higher than 15 on your face (in the way of moisturizer) because it can actually burn the skin. When you are doing it for special reasons, like being at the beach or at the pool, it is fine but for everday it is too much.

 

[Evoli]

I'm 21 and I already notice faint smile lines!! Yikes! My older sister is 23 and she doesn't have them at all.

I suspect sleeping on my face and putting my hand on my chin while studying contribute to them.