Anti-Aging Guide: Products, Treatments, Home Remedies and Tips

• Anti-aging is a term used to describe products, treatments and procedures that slow or reduce the signs of aging on the body.
• Topical agents can improve skin’s texture and tone for a younger appearance.
• Noninvasive cosmetic treatments can offer temporary results, while surgical procedures can provide more dramatic and permanent results.
• Home remedies and preventative lifestyle measures can slow the development of skin aging.

Aging is an inevitable part of life that takes place due to the gradual deterioration of the body’s cells and organs. Aging affects the skin’s structure and physical appearance due to a variety of influences; an effective anti-aging skin care regimen can work to delay these effects.

A combination of anti-aging skin care products, treatments and lifestyle strategies will slow the signs of aging, encourage smooth, supple skin and encourage a more youthful appearance.

Understanding the Aging Process

As the body ages, an event known as cellular senescence occurs. This is the process by which cells gradually deteriorate in structure and lose their ability to divide and multiply.

At the same time, the physiology of the cells gradually changes and the collagen within decreases. Collagen is the protein found throughout the body’s soft tissues and is responsible for maintaining the structure and suppleness of the skin. As it degrades from the age of 25 onward, the skin undergoes significant visual and textural changes.

In addition to being influenced by many internal factors, such as hormones, metabolic processes and genetics, skin aging is also affected by external factors such as air pollution and sun exposure.

Sun exposure

Harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun damage the elastin fibers in the skin and cause them to break down, negatively impacting skin texture and appearance. Damage appears as wrinkles, age spots, discoloration and increasingly dry and lax skin. These effects gradually worsen over time, becoming more noticeable.

Aging skin

Through the gradual deterioration of the body’s cells over time and an overall decrease in collagen production, skin will gradually change in structure and physical appearance, especially on sun-exposed areas. Common signs of skin aging include the following:

Sun exposure

• Age spots
• Blotchy complexion
• Leathery-looking skin
• Roughness

Collagen loss

• Deep wrinkles
• Loss of elasticity resulting in sagging
• Loss of firmness

Sun exposure or collagen loss

• Discoloration
• Dryness
• Dullness 

Can Skin Aging Be Stopped?

Aging cannot be stopped, but its effects can be slowed by targeting certain mechanisms of the aging process. Combining a well-structured daily skin care routine, anti-aging products, appropriate sun protection and healthy lifestyle habits can all work together to fight against the signs of aging.

Noninvasive procedures carried out on an occasional basis can also help dramatically improve skin’s texture and tone. Such procedures include laser treatments, microdermabrasion, fillers, botox and chemical peels.

Importantly, taking anti-aging skin care measures early on in life will aid in delaying the onset of skin aging.

Can skin aging be reversed?

With the help of surgical procedures, signs of skin aging can be effectively reversed. Facelifts and brow lifts can correct skin sagging, loss of firmness and deep wrinkles. These procedures often require downtime and can be quite expensive, but their results are dramatic and long-lasting.

Topical Anti-Aging Ingredients

Specially formulated topicals can smooth the skin, fade discoloration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The two types of nutrients most commonly included in these products are antioxidants and cell regulators.

Antioxidants protect the skin from stress caused by sun exposure, air pollution and a weakened immune system. Cell regulators slow cellular death, which help to preserve a youthful glow and a smooth, supple texture.

Antioxidants

Products containing antioxidants such as vitamins C, B₃ and E are effective in reducing collagen degradation.

Vitamin C stimulates the enzymes that support collagen production and has an anti-aging effect in concentrations of 5–15%. Vitamin B₃ is similarly effective when used in 5% concentrations.

Vitamin E is anti-inflammatory and also encourages new cell growth in concentrations of 2–20%. Its effects are not as potent as vitamins C and B₃, so it is most effective when used in combination with these other vitamins.

Cell regulators

Vitamin A derivatives and polypeptides are types of cell regulators commonly included in anti-aging products. They function by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin fibers.

Vitamin A (retinol) is currently the most used anti-aging agent due to the positive impact it has on collagen metabolism. It significantly reduces the appearance of premature signs of aging, such as loss of elasticity, pigmentation issues and fine lines.

Polypeptides (or oligopeptides) have similar effects. This type of ingredient is composed of amino acids, which support collagen and elastin production and help your skin appear more smooth, supple and youthful.

Other ingredients to look for

Three additional ingredients that function differently from cell regulators and antioxidants are commonly included in anti-aging products. These include the following:

• Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a protein that stimulates cell renewal and collagen production; it strengthens skin elasticity, reduces inflammation and softens wrinkles
• Alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) exfoliate dead skin cells and encourage healthy, supple skin with improved texture and appearance
• Equol is a hormonal compound with antioxidant effects that supports textural improvements in aging skin.

Anti-Aging Treatments and Procedures

There are many noninvasive treatments available that can reduce mild signs and effects of aging including microdermabrasion, laser treatments, chemical peels, fillers and botox injections.

Surgical procedures such as facelifts and brow lifts are more permanent, and can minimize the appearance of more severe effects of aging. 

Laser treatments

Laser skin resurfacing procedures smooth the surface of the skin and improve suppleness and texture. These treatments apply pulses of light energy to the skin’s surface which stimulate collagen and elastin production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Laser treatments can be divided into two main categories; ablative and nonablative. Ablative treatments function by removing the surface layers of skin; nonablative treatments penetrate directly to deeper tissues. 

Although laser treatments are expensive, they usually yield quick and effective results. Improvements are typically noticeable less than a week after treatment and may continue to become apparent for 1–2 months thereafter.  Several sessions are usually needed for more dramatic results to develop.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing procedure in which the facial skin is physically exfoliated with a textured metal tool. This stimulates collagen production and cell turnover, resulting in textural improvements. Treatments tend to be inexpensive and typically cause little irritation.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels involve the application of an acidic substance—usually glycolic or lactic acid— to the face in order to completely exfoliate the surface skin. This treatment stimulates collagen production and evens out skin tone, enabling a more youthful appearance.

A variety of acids and other chemicals may be incorporated into chemical peel solutions. They can be formulated to specific issues such as age spots, wrinkles or other skin concerns.

Fillers

Cosmetic fillers are injectable compounds that restore lost tissue volume due to collagen degradation. Their effects typically last between six months and a year, after which they are absorbed into the body.

Botox

Botox injections are used to eliminate wrinkles around and between the eyes, and across the forehead. Botox solutions are composed of purified toxins that prevent the muscles from contracting under the skin. This smooths the appearance of wrinkles for up to four months.

Surgical procedures

Facelifts are surgical procedures that include skin tightening and the repositioning of muscle and fat in provide a more youthful appearance. They are best suited to those aged 40–70, who still have some elasticity in their skin.

A facelift procedure usually lasts 2–6 hours. A follow-up appointment 2–3 weeks after the procedure will allow your doctor to check on any bruising or swelling, and remove stitches.

Brow lifts correct sagging skin on the forehead, eyebrows and upper eyebrows. The surgery takes less than two hours to perform, requires only local anesthesia and causes minimal side effects.

Both procedures can be performed at the same time for more dramatic results.

Anti-Aging Home Remedies

The body synthesizes collagen from dietary protein, which can be obtained through a healthy, balanced diet. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, magnesium and zinc can be obtained from fruits and vegetables.

Superfoods, those rich in a wide variety of nutrients, can support the overall health of skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Include these foods in your diet to benefit from their anti-aging effects:

• Artichokes
• Avocados
• Chia seeds
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Oatmeal
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Sweet potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Walnuts

Anti-aging supplements

Another option to consider is anti-aging supplements. The following are plant-based, organic and suitable for vegans and vegetarians, and will provide the body with the vitamins and minerals required for collagen production:

• Coenzyme Q10
• Collagen peptides
• Heliocare
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Zinc 

Tips to Reduce and Prevent Signs of Aging

Signs of aging often develop due to a combination of sun damage, unhealthy lifestyle habits and poor skin care. Apply sun protection, avoid cigarettes and reduce alcohol consumption, eat a balanced diet and maintaining a consistent, skin care routine to dramatically reduce your risk of developing premature signs of aging.

Sun protection

Spending time in the sun without proper protection is the leading cause of premature skin aging. To avoid this, it is important to protect your skin from the sun every day in the following ways:

• Use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when outdoors
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, specifically after swimming or sweating
• Remain in the shade when possible
• Wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when in the sun for extended periods

Avoid tanning beds, as the UV radiation they emit can age and damage the skin in the same manner as sun exposure. Self-tanners offer a safer alternative.

Lifestyle changes

Smoking has a detrimental effect on the immune system and gradually increases oxidative stress in the body. Over time, this can lead to wrinkle formation and a dull complexion.

Heavy alcohol consumption has a dehydrating effect on the body that can affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture and lead to dry, lax skin in the long term. Alcohol also has a harmful effect on the immune system which can contribute to premature signs of aging. Consume in moderation to protect your skin health.

Eat a well-balanced diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables, and reduce your intake of sugar and carbohydrates to help prevent premature skin aging. Drink adequate amounts of water daily to ensure your skin stays hydrated and supple. Regular exercise and good sleep hygiene will also support your immune system, circulation and skin health.

Consistent skin care

It is important to adhere to an effective skin care routine that addresses your skin’s needs. Always be sure to select products formulated for your skin type for the best results.

Avoid the use of products containing artificial preservatives and fragrances. These can cause inflammation and may accelerate skin aging.

1. Wash your face twice a day using a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type; avoid harsh cleansers that may strip moisture from the skin and cause or worsen dryness
2. Apply a toner to help rebalance your skin’s pH after cleansing; if you are using a very gentle cleanser with a low pH, a toner may not be necessary
3. Use a gentle chemical exfoliant to remove damaged skin cells and encourage the growth of healthy, supple skin. Glycolic and lactic acid exfoliants are well suited for aging skin.
4. Apply an anti-aging serum that contains retinoids or vitamin C to stimulate collagen production and reduce the deteriorating effects of oxidative stress.
5. Apply moisturizer to keep your skin moisturized and encourage a smooth, supple texture.
6. After a daytime skin care routine, always apply sunscreen before going outdoors.
7. At the end of a nighttime routine, apply an eye cream to reduce the appearance of undereye wrinkles and dark circles.

Takeaway

Aging is an unavoidable biological process that occurs due to various internal and external factors: the gradual loss of collagen, sun exposure and oxidative stress brought on by pollution, smoking, and exposure to UV radiation. Over time, aging negatively affects the texture and appearance of the skin.

Integrating anti-aging skin care products into your daily routine will help improve the texture and appearance of aging skin, and preserve a youthful complexion. Common ingredients in these products include antioxidants and cell regulators, which function by slowing cellular death.

Noninvasive cosmetic procedures such as laser treatments, microdermabrasion, fillers, botox and chemical peels can temporarily address signs of aging, including wrinkles and age spots. Surgical procedures such as facelifts and brow lifts can provide more dramatic and long-lasting results.

Regular sunscreen application, a healthy lifestyle and a consistent, well-structured skin care routine are steps you can take to combat the signs of aging. Adopt these protective measures early in life to help slow the effects of aging in the long term.