6 Signs of Aging and Expert Advice On How to Address Them

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles are inevitable with growing older, but it’s up to you and your current habits to ensure you’re not getting them prematurely. Skincare.com consultant Dr. Jeanne Eyde warns against the skin side effects of smoking and encourages getting a good night’s rest, preferably on your back. This can help eliminate sleep lines and creases from forming.

Of course, what’s a healthy skin care regimen without adequate sun protection? Dr. Eyde recommends avoiding the sun and using a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen followed by a topical antioxidant, like vitamin C. If you need a helping hand in choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen, we share our top five sunscreen recommendations here.

Dark Spots

It’s not hard for dark spots to make a home on your complexion—acne scars, hormonal fluctuations, and sun exposure are just a few common culprits to blame. That said, it’s likely you’ll come into contact with discolored marks on your skin somewhere down the line. And when that day comes, know that it’s not impossible to help reduce their appearance. Dr. Eyde recommends, “dark spot correctors, along with exfoliation and powerful antioxidant combinations” to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.” Dark spots come in all shapes and sizes, but if you struggle with melasma specifically, Dr. Eyde recommends turning to chemical peels and visiting your dermatologist for assistance.

Crow’s Feet

The delicate skin on our eye contour is one of the first places to show signs of aging—crow’s feet being one of them. As a refresher, crow’s feet are the little lines that appear around the outer corners of the eye. Triggers include anything from lack of sleep to the ticking hands of time, thus making them an incredibly common concern. The best thing you can do—aside from getting the recommended number of hours of shut-eye—is to ensure this area stays hydrated. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Dry skin shrivels plump skin cells, which can lead to premature fine lines and wrinkles.” Turn to hydrating eye creams that offer anti-aging benefits. We share a few of our favorites, here.

Dullness

Between dead skin cell build-up to dehydration, a lackluster complexion is a skin concern we’ve all seen at one point. The goal is to have skin that exudes brightness and radiance. If that idea sounds far-fetched, think again. There are plenty of over-the-counter products that introduce immediate radiance, including retinol. “Retinoids can help with anti-aging by improving cell turnover of the skin,” Dr. Eyde says. “This not only improves dullness of the skin, but also the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.” If you’re new to the world of retinol, read some helpful tips before taking the plunge.

Editor’s note: Keep in mind that retinol can cause sensitivity to the sun. Use it with diligence! For best practices, apply retinol at night and follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen during daytime hours.

Dry Skin

Skin that feels rough in texture is not only uncomfortable, but also accentuates the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Though sometimes we find that even after moisturizing our skin daily it still feels dry. If this is an issue you run into often, it’s possible you aren’t moisturizing at the right time. The trick is to apply moisturizer within 5-10 minutes of cleansing or hopping out of the shower, while your skin is still slightly damp. 

Sagginess

Battling a saggy skin appearance isn’t easy, but the right topical ingredients can make a world of difference. A popular solution? Hyaluronic acid, which is a substance that naturally occurs in our own bodies. According to the Cleveland Clinic, hyaluronic acid can be found in our tissues and in layers of our skin, and as we age, our hyaluronic acid quantities start to decline. This causes our skin to lose the essential hydration that promotes a full, youthful-looking appearance. To restore plumpness, Dr. Eyde recommends turning to topical formulas that contain the potent ingredient.