As you age, your skin care needs change. When you're young, you can get away with a basic regimen of cleansing and moisturizing, but as you grow older, additional products are necessary to keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant. 

If you've reached the age where anti-aging products are becoming important to you, here is some advice for selecting the right products.

Sunscreen is Essential 

Sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare regimen and is particularly important for those with aged skin. As you get older, your skin becomes more vulnerable to sun damage due to reduced collagen production, thinner dermal layers, and a decrease in blood supply to the skin. This can lead to an increase in wrinkles and age spots and an increased risk of developing certain forms of skin cancer.

Applying sunscreen daily can help reduce sun exposure's effects on aging skin. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects from UVA, which is the long wavelength, and UVB, the short wavelength rays. 

Additionally, make sure your sunscreen has an SPF rating of at least 30 or higher to adequately protect your skin. Be sure to apply the sunscreen generously and evenly all over your body, including the face, arms, legs, and neck, before going outside.

Also, regularly reapply sunscreen throughout the day to maintain adequate protection from the sun's rays — especially if you are swimming or engaging in other outdoor activities where you may be sweating or getting wet. 

For extra protection against premature aging caused by too much sun exposure, try wearing wide-brimmed hats or clothing designed with UPF, the ultraviolet protection factor.

Using these simple precautions and sunscreen can help keep your skin looking younger and healthier for years.

Retinoids Help Stimulate Cell Turnover 

As your skin ages and becomes thinner, it starts to lose its elasticity and is less able to produce healthy new cells on its own. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that help exfoliate the outer layers of skin while stimulating cell turnover beneath the surface. This process reveals fresh new cells that look brighter and more youthful than older cells on the surface of your skin.

Retinoids also increase collagen production, which boosts skin firmness while softening wrinkles over time. You could apply a retinoid cream or serum to your skin a few times a week, but be sure to start off slow and gradually increase the usage as your skin becomes acclimated to the product. Just be sure to use a gentle formulation since retinoids can be irritating if used too often or in too high a concentration.

For more information on skincare products for aged skin, contact a professional near you.