How to Start an Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine

Believe it or not, it’s never too early to start thinking about putting together an anti-aging skin care routine. And while it’s easy to believe that mature skin corners the market on anti-aging skin care, the earlier you start, the better. In fact, there are certain steps you can take—and skin care products you can use—that will actually help reduce the look of early signs of aging (i.e., fine lines and wrinkles) and protect against certain visible aging cues. Below, find nine anti-aging steps you can incorporate into your skin care routine starting right now. 

ANTI-AGING ROUTINE STEP #1: USE A DETOX CLEANSER

When it comes to starting an anti-aging skin care regimen, cleansing your skin twice a day—morning and night is a great place to begin. This beauty essential works to remove impurities from skin, and depending on the formula you use, you can tackle dull-looking skin, which is a trait of aging skin. This is where the  L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser can work its magic. Formulated with three-pure clays and enhanced with charcoal, this cleanser purifies the surface of your skin of dirt, oil, and pollution. As a result, skin is left with a clean, clear, and brightened look.

In the morning, squeeze the facial cleanser into your hands and add water to transform it from clay to mousse. Gently massage the facial cleanser onto your face in circular motions, avoiding your delicate eye area. Then, rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

ANTI-AGING ROUTINE STEP #2: DON’T SHY AWAY FROM EXFOLIATION

Next up: exfoliation! While you may think that exfoliation is optional, this step should always make the cut in your anti-aging skincare routine. Exfoliation helps to slough away dead skin cells that have built up on the surface of skin. In turn, this helps you sport a more radiant and youthful glow, which is just what you need. Keep in mind, some people can exfoliate daily, while others may only need to use one once or twice a week. Pay attention to how your skin responds to see what’s best for you. 

As for what to exfoliate with? You can’t go wrong with a face scrub! Try using the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Cocoa Scrub, the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Smooth & Glow Grapeseed Scrub, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Kiwi Scrub, or L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Resurface & Energize Kona Coffee Scrub. All of which are formulated with three-pure sugars that effectively remove dirt, oil, and debris from skin for a smooth and polished finish. 

To use, smooth a small amount of your face scrub of choice with dry fingers onto clean, dry skin. Massage the face scrub over your face with wet fingers, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

ANTI-AGING ROUTINE STEP #3: MAKE FACE SERUM YOUR BFF

You can never go wrong with adding a face serum into the mix. Known as a lightweight moisturizer, this essential helps to address a variety of skin care concerns, like early signs of aging. Not to mention, it’s a great way to give your skin a dose of TLC without the fuss. Have your pick of some of our favorites below.

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Want to up the ante on hydration? This face serum is just the ticket! Formulated with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, this serum absorbs quickly to help replenish the skin’s protective moisture barrier for a radiant appearance. And in just two weeks, fine lines and wrinkles are reduced, leaving you with visibly plumped skin. 

To use, smooth two to three drops gently over your freshly cleansed face and neck until thoroughly absorbed. Use morning and night for desired results. 

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum: Formulated with 10% pure vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, this serum boosts radiance and neutralizes free radicals that lead to skin aging. We also love that this formula is fragrance-free, paraben-free, mineral oil-free, dye-free, allergy tested, and non-comedogenic allowing it to be super gentle on your skin. 

To use, every morning and evening, apply a dime-sized amount to your fingertips and smooth over the face and neck, making sure to avoid the eye area. In the a.m., be sure to follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen for maximum sun protection. 

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum, 0.3% Pure Retinol: Determined to reduce the appearance of visible signs of aging? It’s time to get acquainted with this retinol serum. Formulated with our highest concentration of pure retinol, this potent offering fights key signs of aging like wrinkles and works to smooth and brighten your complexion for a luminous finish.

To use, start by applying two to three drops to clean dry skin twice a week during the first week. Week two, use every other night. Week three, use nightly if your skin can tolerate it. In the a.m., follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect skin. 

ANTI-AGING ROUTINE STEP #4: MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE

No matter what skin type you’re working with, it’s essential to moisturize your skin morning and night. After all, dry skin can become your new normal as you get older. Show your skin the attention it deserves with the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin. All three moisturizers are formulated with aloe vera water and hyaluronic acid, that come together to provide skin with continuous hydration. 

ANTI-AGING ROUTINE STEP #5: DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR NECK

While you may make it a point to keep your face properly hydrated, you don’t want to forget about your neck, hands, and other areas of skin! These areas that you might forget to moisturize are prone to showing signs of aging, so it’s important to take action. Add an all-over balm to your routine, like the L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey All Over Balm - Face/Neck/Chest/Hands. Formulated with manuka honey extract and nurturing oils, this balm instantly wraps skin in soothing moisture for a healthy, youthful-looking glow. 

ANTI-AGING ROUTINE TIP #6: ADD AN EYE CREAM TO YOUR REGIMEN

Think you’re too young to start using eye cream? Think again! Even if your complexion is completely free of wrinkles and other signs of aging, there’s still reason to apply eye cream daily. The truth is, the skin around your eyes will be the first spot to show your age, making an early introduction of eye cream a must. As for what to use, the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream helps minimize the appearance of dark circles and crow’s feet with continued use over time. 

Apply it in small dots around your eye and pat—don’t rub—it in until absorbed, morning and night. When you’re applying eye cream, be gentle, as the skin around your eyes is thinner than the skin on the rest of your face. Too much tugging could have an adverse effect—potentially causing wrinkles.

ANTI-AGING ROUTINE STEP #7: WEAR BROAD-SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN DAILY

We can’t share talk about anti-aging skincare products without highlighting sun protection. When you spend prolonged periods of the time in the sun without wearing protection, it can lead to damage—which can lead to visible signs of aging down the road, like dark spots and fine lines and wrinkles. What’s more, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you can get burned even on cloudy days. A broad-spectrum sunscreen can help protect against both UVA rays (the ones that cause damage) and UVB rays (the ones that cause burns). 

The Food and Drug Administration recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and reapplying it every two hours. There are other steps you can take to stay sun-safe as well. Try to avoid the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), wear UV-blocking sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat, and seek shade as much as possible—especially if you are out during those peak hours.

Sunscreen should be the final step in your morning skin care routine, after facial cleanser, toner, face serum, and moisturizer. However, if you want to pare down your routine, reach for a moisturizer formulated with broad-spectrum sunscreen—just remember to reapply every two hours.

The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30 is formulated with glycolic acid, vitamin C, and Pro-Retinol, in addition to broad-spectrum SPF 30. Not only does it help protect against the sun’s aging UVA/UVB rays, but the hydrating moisturizer also works to correct the look of dull, uneven tone. Immediately after using skin will look brighter, while dull, uneven tone is renewed with continued use over time. 

ANTI-AGING ROUTINE STEP #8: USE A PEEL PAD AT NIGHT

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, your skin rejuvenates itself while you sleep—meaning that nighttime is a great time to use targeted skin care products. Beyond fine lines and wrinkles, dull, uneven tone can make skin look older. And as your skin’s natural ability to shed surface dead skin cells declines with age, dark spots and uneven tone become more visible, leaving skin looking older and duller. Enter the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads. They’re formulated with glycolic acid to help gently yet effectively resurface dull, uneven tone. Plus, the multi-ply textured pads also physically exfoliate dead skin cells. Immediately, skin will look brighter, while skin tone will look more even with continued use.

Just smooth a pad gently over cleansed skin before bed. Since alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, be (extra) sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning and take those other sun protection measures we told you about earlier.

ANTI-AGING ROUTINE STEP #9: REACH FOR AN OVERNIGHT MASK

By now, you likely know that keeping your skin moisturized is key for any anti-aging skincare routine. And while you may rely on the essentials to get the job done, they’re not your only line of defense. That’s right, adding an overnight mask into the mix will do your skin justice. While there are plenty of benefits to overnight masks, some formulas also work in your favor to tackle your aging skin concerns. Case in point: the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Overnight Mask. Formulated with Pro-Retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, this pick works to visibly reduce wrinkles, firm, and brighten skin while you get your beauty sleep.

Next up: Ready for a full-on anti-aging skin care routine? Here’s The Best Skin Care Routine for Aging Skin.