When it comes to anti-aging skincare after 40, many dermatologists emphasize that moisturizing, adding sunscreen and hydrating are key for producing less wrinkles and maintaining a youthful glow. With so many products out there each advertising different skin benefits, it may feel confusing or overwhelming to know where to begin in your skincare journey, so we reached out to experts for tips and recommendations. Both explain how consistency is crucial for radiant skin, and by not forgetting a step in your morning routine (which should already include cleansing, adding moisturizer and sunscreen). We spoke with skincare experts Dr. Michele Koo, board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon and Melissa Urban, licensed esthetician, to learn more about one vital anti-aging, wrinkle-smoothing morning step!
Why You Should Make A Habit Of Vitamin C Serum Every Morning
Along with sunscreen and moisturizer, countless skincare experts advocate for the daily use of vitamin C serum in your morning routine— a step that should follow cleansing and precede any other product application. With its plethora of anti-aging effects like reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that has the ability to brighten your complexion and aid sun-damaged skin over time with much-needed moisture after 40.
"Incorporating a vitamin C serum is a wonderful addition to your daily anti-aging regimen," Urban explains. "This is perfect to use after cleansing and toning, and also adds some additional antioxidant protection," she says, suggesting to look for a vitamin C serum "that contains hyaluronic acid to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles."
Koo agrees, adding that this serum is imperative for aging skin health and will work as a team with the other products you already use. "A vitamin Serum used every day is essential to start the day for barrier protection to slow and minimize fine lines and wrinkles," Koo says. She notes that vitamin C serum products work best with a "cleanser made for your skin type to thoroughly clean yet not strip your skin" and with a moisturizer that "preserves your skin barrier and ceramide layer."
Overall, visiting your dermatologist can help you find specific products for your skin type— whether it's oily, dry or combination, but vitamin C serum is a recommendation everyone should consider for its anti-aging effects. When it comes to nighttime skincare routines and habits to preserve your current look, both experts encourage using products with hyaluronic acid, as Koo says "a spritz of hyaluronic acid will protect and rescue stressed skin, thereby reducing wrinkles and preventing fine lines."
