Anti-Aging How-To

3 Easy Anti-Aging Steps Anyone Can Do

Dermatologists see myriad of skin issues ranging from cancer to chronic disease to acne to cosmetic treatments.

One of the most common questions we get is, “What is the best anti-aging routine for my skin?”

Here’s my no-frills answer to that one: Everyone’s skin is different, so in order to design the most ideal regimen for your particular skin, you should visit a dermatologist for an individualized plan. BUT, there are some basics that any anti-aging routine should include.

If you do nothing else, following these three recommendations is a great start in your youthful journey:

• SUNSCREEN. You knew that would be #1 on any dermatologist’s list. Sunscreen starting in childhood is ideal, but for most people asking about anti-aging routines, that ship has sailed! Fear not though, it’s never too late to prevent ongoing and future damage. A broad spectrum sunscreen (covering BOTH UVB and UVA rays, not all of them do!) with SPF 30 for daily use, SPF greater than 45 for any time you’ll get over 30 minutes of sun per day. We will discuss sunscreen specifics another time, just the basics for now!
• RETINOID. Over the counter versions are plentiful, look for “retinol” or “retinaldehyde”. Prescription retinoids are available from your dermatologist, but I typically recommend an over-the-couter cream first, to get used to it. Once your skin is “retinized,” it will tolerate a stronger version with a lot less peeling and redness.
• GLYCOLIC ACID. Usually in the form of a cleanser, toner, or in your moisturizer. Oh, the stinging! So worth it!

So that’s it! Simple as 1-2-3.

Certainly depending on your skin type, pigment, amount of sun damage/pigmentation/wrinkling other beneficial products and procedures can be recommended. I personally like Vitamin C products, various moisturizers and exfoliants, chemical peels, botulinum toxin injections (like BOTOX®), filler injections, and laser depending on your particular concerns.

I recommend making a separate appointment for an anti-aging discussion, as trying to fit it in with your annual skin check can result in an incomplete or rushed plan!

About the author

Anna Edhegard, MD

Dr. Edhegard is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in adult medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. A native North Carolinian, Dr. Edhegard trained at both Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, despite the schools’ bitter rivalry! She’ll always be a Blue Devil at heart. After residency she practiced dermatology in Washington, DC. As an army wife, she followed her husband to Anchorage, Alaska for his military posting starting in 2014, has been practicing dermatology in the “frozen tundra,” and loves every minute of it! An Alaskan baby boy is eagerly awaited in December 2015. See all of Anna's articles.