Wrinkle prevention at all ages

Looking for a skincare regime that will help fight fine lines and wrinkles, but don’t know where to start? Worried about the creases that have cropped up around your neck and chest? You’re not alone. The problem is, the skincare market is flooded with information—some of it contradictory—so sorting through it all can be overwhelming.

The truth is, not all routines work for all skin types, and something that clears your complexion at one age may also clog your pores at another. One biggest factor to consider is your skin’s stages of aging.

Scientists at the Beijing Technology and Business University categorized skin aging into four main stages. We’ve outlined them below, as well as recommendations for how best to treat existing fine lines and wrinkles, delay the onset of new wrinkles, and nourish your skin at any age.

STAGES OF SKIN AGING

Stage 1: Incubation Period (Ages 18–30)
Wrinkles are still a thing of fairy tales. Hormonal changes and increased sebum production in the teens and early twenties can lead to increased breakouts, so over-moisturizing may be comedogenic (pore-clogging).

TIPS: Wash your face up to twice a day, especially on days when you wear makeup. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, try a cleanser with salicylic acid. Moisturizing isn’t vital, so if you have problem skin, skip the heavy creams. But don’t forget an SPF!

Stage 2: Aging Occurrence Period (Ages 31–42)
The skin naturally starts to thin out and the skin barrier becomes weaker. This means decreased protection against UV rays. Collagen flexibility and volume starts to degrade, leading to the appearance of fine lines. The skin’s regenerative processes also begin to slow down.

TIPS: Hyaluronic acid to promote cell renewal is crucial during this stage. Vitamin C will also prevent age spots caused by sun exposure. And as always, sunscreen is a must.

Stage 3 Rapid Aging Period (Ages 43–47)
Loss of water-binding ability and fibrous structure in the dermis and decreased micro-circulation lead to a rapid onset of wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, nasolabial folds, neck and chest.

TIPS: Antioxidants are key. Research on skin aging published in the Journal of Dermatoendocrinology shows that vitamins C, B3, and E are the most important antioxidants for skincare because they have a small molecular weight and can therefore penetrate the skin barrier more effectively. In particular, niacinamide, a form of B3, can help smooth out some fine lines and wrinkles. Now is also a good time to introduce retinol into your regime, if you haven’t yet.

Stage 4 Stable Aging Period (48–60+ years old)
Reduced lipid production and reduced immune function lead to extreme skin dryness and increased infection.

TIPS: Your skin can be very sensitive during this stage. Moisturizers and gentle cleansers should be the center of your routine. Hyaluronic acid and retinol products can also help restore moisture and fill in some wrinkles.

SKINCARE FOR ALL AGES

Sounds complicated, we know. But no matter what stage of aging your skin is in, luckily, there are some very simple solutions that can help treat and prevent wrinkles around the face, neck and chest at any age.

Natural Silk Sleep Mask

The amino acids in natural silk nourish and moisturize the skin, improving elasticity and preventing fine lines and crow’s feet from forming. It also does the double duty of protecting the delicate skin around the eyes from the morning sun’s rays. And the extra ZZZs you’ll get from sleeping in longer will do wonders for your complexion! Add this to your regime early and the effects will multiply over the years.

Pillow Bra

If you have curves, this will be your best friend in the fight against cleavage wrinkles. The pillow sits between your breasts and holds them in place, preventing the soft tissue from falling to one side and forming creases as you sleep. The soft cotton backing provides comfort, while the foam ball filling promotes airflow and the luxurious French lace adds a touch of elegance and sensuality.