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We all want youthful, glowing, radiant skin. But if you’re doing everything you think you need to be doing to maintain a fresh face, you might want to consider adding a step to your nighttime routine.
We asked two skincare experts and they both agreed that THIS is a must-do when it comes to anti-aging.
Medical esthetician and the original “skinfluencer,” Cassandra Bankson, shared her top anti-aging tips with us. “Never aging is a pretty bold statement, but the closest we can get without going under the knife would be the regular use of retinoids and sunscreen.” She explained that not only is wearing sunscreen critical to prevent skin cancer, but also to prevent the signs of fine lines, wrinkles, and overall aging. “Sun is the number one damager and ager of skin,” she adds.
So, sunscreen? Check. Now comes the essential anti-ager: RETINOL. “Retinol is an over the counter form of vitamin A, an entire family of ingredients often put into skincare that are amazing for acne, hyperpigmentation, and anti-aging.The word “Retinoid” is an umbrella term that covers all of these things: HPR, retinol, retinal, adapalene gel, and RETIN-A.” RETIN-A is the most potent retinoid you can get (it’s prescription only from the dermatologist) but, “Adding it to your skincare routine is the best thing you can do at night to stop aging in its tracks.”
Bankson adds, “RETIN-A causes skin cells to renew, refresh and turn over faster while also plumping skin, giving it a glow and stimulating collagen and elastin, RETIN-A really can’t be beat.”
Dr. Alexis Parcells, founder of SUNNIE Wrinkle Reducing Studio, also believes in the benefits of retinol when it comes to maintaining youthful skin. “Retin-A or tretinoin promotes cell turn-over in the skin and reduces fine line and wrinkles as well as inflammation and hyperpigmentation. It also increases collagen synthesis and improves the overall texture of our skin.”
While the most potent retinol options are prescription-only, there are less-concentrated formulas available over the counter. Dr. Parcells adds, “For a more potent product, see your dermatologist. Start slowly when using, which initially can cause redness, peeling, and flaking. Start by using it twice a week at night, then slowly move to every other day until your skin adjusts.”
