6 Anti-Aging Tips for Beginners

Almost everything is intimidating when you’re just starting out—and learning about anti-aging is no exception. Thankfully, we won’t make you figure it out all on your own. Whether you’re in your early 20s and want to add a few preventative steps to your skin care routine or you’re in your 40s and have neglected to prevent visible signs of aging—like wrinkles and dark spots—in the past, we’re here to help you learn a little anti-aging 101. Read our six beginner tips and we’ll have you well-versed in anti-aging skin care in no time.

Beginner Anti-Aging Tip #1: Be Diligent About Sun Protection

We can’t talk about anti-aging without delving into the topic of sun protection. Let’s get it out of the way right at the top: Sun protection is an absolute must. Regardless of skin tone, climate, age, or anything else, everyone needs to take protective measures—and those go beyond wearing sunscreen. Yes, you should wear sunscreen every day—the FDA recommends wearing sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 daily (and that sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours) but there’s more to be done. The FDA also encourages avoiding the sun during its peak hours (from 10 AM to 2 PM), wearing protective clothing and accessories (long sleeves, sunglasses, and broad-brimmed hats), and spending time in the shade when outdoors. Don’t worry, we think you can handle it—and your skin will certainly thank you.

Beginner Anti-Aging Tip #2: It’s All About the Eyes

I spy, with my little eye...under-eye wrinkles! Like us, you may have noticed the first signs of aging around your eyes. This tends to happen since the skin surrounding your eyes is extra thin and delicate. That means you’ll want to pay a little extra attention to your under-eye area, using a dedicated eye cream or treatment every day. We suggest the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Eye Gel, which is formulated with manuka honey—an ingredient with quite a bit of buzz at the moment. The gel formula de-puffs and leaves skin looking more youthful. To give it a try, use the rollerball wand to massage the product under your eyes, then pat—don’t rub—with the pads of your fingers.

Beginner Anti-Aging Tip #3: Moisturize to the Max

It doesn’t matter if oily skin was the bane of your existence in middle school, as you get older, your skin is likely to become dry. And while it’s important to moisturize no matter your skin type, your newly dry complexion may dictate that you need to take moisturizing to the next level. To combat dry skin, consider switching to a moisturizer meant for very dry skin, like the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water, this lightweight moisturizer envelops skin with moisture and provides comfort. Use after use, skin appears fresher, healthier, and more beautiful—yes, please!

Beginner Anti-Aging Tip #4: Don’t Forget Your Hands and Neck

So, you’re ensuring your face is hydrated, but are you forgetting about other spots? Often, the areas you tend to forget to moisturize are the spots that easily give away your true age. If you don’t want anyone to know you aren’t fresh out of college, you may need to show your hands and neck a little extra TLC. Don’t worry, it’s easy! Simply add an all-over balm to your routine—we’re fans of the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey All Over Balm - Face/Neck/Chest/Hands. Before bed, smooth the balm onto your neck, chest, and hands.

Editor’s tip: Think your hands need something more? Apply a thick layer of an all-over balm or hand cream, then slip on a pair of cotton gloves. In the AM, you’ll be greeted by super soft hands!

Beginner Anti-Aging Tip #5: Sleep Matters

When you were little and refusing to go to sleep, your parents probably told you all about the importance of beauty sleep in an attempt to get you to (finally) go to bed. Whether this was an effective technique or not, there is some truth to it. Sleep is good for you in so many ways, and that does indeed extend to your appearance. Of course, getting eight hours isn’t enough to keep you looking youthful—how you sleep is also essential. According to the National Institute of Biotechnology Information, sleeping on your side or stomach can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Basically, it’s time to become a back sleeper! It’s also a good idea to switch to a silk pillowcase, as the soft fabric will be extra gentle on your skin.

Beginner Anti-Aging Tip #6: Consistency is Key

This tip may be last on our list, but it’s certainly not least. While each and every tip we’ve shared is key in preventing and minimizing visible signs of aging, they won’t get you very far if you aren’t consistent with them. Wearing sunscreen once in a blue moon or moisturizing a few times a month may be better than nothing, but you definitely won’t see the results you’re looking for. Tackling anti-aging skin care is a bit of a commitment—since you can’t only follow these tips when you feel like it—but it’s well worth it! In fact, being consistent with a good anti-aging routine is about as close to visiting the fountain of youth as you can get.

We kept our beginner tips pretty basic, but now that you’re in the know, can we interest you in a few anti-aging hacks? Here are 6 Skin Care Hacks for Mature Skin.