I have noticed that more and more people around me are starting to worry more about getting older now that we are hitting our late twenties. We are starting to notice our first little wrinkles (thinking that maybe it’s time to start Botox). Or that a filler like Juvederm might soften the deepening parentheses around our mouths. However, is this worry and anxiety that we are experiencing premature? What should you really be worrying about at your age?

20’s. This is when you are still trying to deal with that persistent teenage acne and yet you might begin to experience some hyperpigmentation (darkening spots and patches in your skin) from sun damage. To handle your breakouts, most dermatologists would prescribe a retinol such as Retin-A. You also want to use a cleanser that contains acne fighting ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid (I prefer salicylic acid). One of the most important things you can do is to wear sun block. If you are using acne fighting medications, it can make your skin even more sensitive to sun exposure. Sun block protecting you from UV A and UV B radiation is the best way for you to prevent premature aging! If you love to party, you should also use a facial serum to help combat free radicals (like the ones you get from drinking or smoking). Don’t forget to drink lots of water stay hydrated!

30’s. This is when most people begin their Botox regimen, even though the wrinkles you see may not be permanent yet. Botox can be used as a preventative treatment to keep wrinkles from forming as a result of repetitive muscle motion. For example, just about everyone gets wrinkles in the forehead when raising the eyebrows, but when relaxing your eyebrows, do you still see them? Botox will prevent those wrinkles from forming when you aren’t raising your eyebrows. Discoloration of the skin may also start to become an issue during this time. All those times you skipped the sunscreen when you were younger add up and can start to show on your face. You will also need to start exfoliating more regularly (the Vivité Exfoliating Facial Cleanser is one of my favorites). Your skin’s natural exfoliation process slows down when you hit your 30’s. Start a glycolic peel regimen (professional ones are the most effective) as well to help exfoliate, even out your skin tone, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles!

Remember, these are probably the most basic and general things that you should be doing. For a more in-depth discussion about what you need individually, you can schedule a consult at the Chow Center for Facial Plastic Surgery. Stay tuned next week for anti-aging for your forties and fifties!