Best Anti-Aging Skincare - Nighttime Edition
Nighttime Anti-Aging Skincare – Skin cycling, anyone?
A complete guide
First things first – there is no anti-aging skincare. I hate to be the one to break this news to you, but we cannot stop the clock from ticking. But we can do things to make our skin look better and be healthier, which can slow down the LOOK of aging.
I recently saw a friend I hadn’t seen since before the pandemic. “My God, you look 10 years younger,” he exclaimed. I thanked him for the compliment and said maybe it was my longer hair or maybe he just forgot what I looked like! But I was secretly pleased, since I have put a lot of effort into my skin and getting it to a healthier place. So, what exactly have I done this past year?
Retin A
First, I started using Retin A, aka Tretinoin, consistently, beginning in January 2020. I did all my research and knew that the transition to this product can be difficult, and many people give up, or are never able to tolerate Retin A. But I was determined to not join that club.
The first six weeks I used a pea-sized amount of the cream on my face and neck, avoiding my eyes and the edges around my nose. I have rosacea on my cheeks, so I avoided that area, too. I experienced the “normal” side effect of redness and flakey skin as my skin adapted. Extra moisturizer during the day helped, and some nights I moisturized BEFORE putting on the Retin A, as had been recommended by my provider.
I started with a very low dose and after 8 months was able to increase the does to .25%, which I use four times per week on a M/W/F/Sat schedule. Does this sound familiar? It might, as it is essentially the new trend called skin cycling, which simply means giving your skin a rest day or two between using active ingredients.
Retin A is a prescription product, but if you can’t get in with a dermatologist don’t fret: there are online sources, including Agency Skincare (withagency.com), which employs practitioners via their website to help you get started. You post pictures and your medical history on their secure site, and your prescription will be mailed directly to you. Super convenient!!
Moisturizer with Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a great ingredient for brightening the skin. A lot of products use this ingredient in makeup. I prefer my skincare to stand alone, and I want my makeup to be makeup. I use the CeraVe brand PM moisturizer with niacinamide morning and evening. CeraVe has a daytime moisturizer with sunscreen, but it doesn’t contain the niacinamide, and I wear a dedicated sunscreen, so the PM formula works fine for me during the day.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
This is another buzzword in skincare and now makeup products. This molecule can hold 1000 times its weight in water, which make it great for hydrating dry skin. But be careful – your skin needs to be damp when using it as it draws moisture from the environment and potentially your skin. Be sure to top it off with a good moisturizer to seal in its hydrating effects. This ingredient is in many products, so you may already be using it. A dedicated HA serum may not be needed.
Gentle Cleanser
This was a big “aha” for me. I have oily skin, so I always washed my face with harsh, drying cleansers. This would make my skin too dry and tight. I discovered the joys of a gentle cleanser, like the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or the Neutrogena HydroBoost Hydrating Cleanser. These clean well and don’t strip the skin. My skin feels clean but not tight after use.
Sunscreen
This is not a nighttime use product, but it must be mentioned since using things like Retin A or Vitamin C require use of daily sunscreen. An anti-aging skincare routine wouldn’t be complete without it. Some experts say 80% of skin aging is from the sun. Just think – if we understood then what we know now….but it’s never too late to start wearing sunscreen daily and slow down the damage from UVA and UVB rays. My favorite daily use sunscreen is Elta MD Skincare UV Elements Broad Spectrum SPF 44 – tinted. This is such a lovely feeling mineral sunscreen, and the tint allows me to wear it in place of a dedicated foundation.
So, what is the secret to antiaging products? The secret is there is no anti-aging - the real secret is if you are consistent with the right products for your unique skin, your skin should look good for many years to come.
I hope you found this helpful. Enjoy, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen every day!
Kelly 😎
