I can’t tell you how many thousands of dollars I’d have saved if I’d made a simple anti-aging skincare swap sooner
A 39-YEAR-OLD woman has revealed the skincare staples she swears by for slowing the signs of aging.
She confessed to having regretted the amount of money she spent in her younger years buying ineffective products.
She shared her beauty regimen on Reddit’s 30 Plus Skincare forum in response to a user asking how to target wrinkles and dark under-eye circles.
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
The woman said “high-quality” sunscreen and prescription tretinoin have been essential for helping her to defy the signs of aging.
“I can’t tell you how many thousands of dollars I’d have saved if at 32 (now 39), I’d just pared down my routine and spent the money on a few office visits to a dermatologist,” she said, writing under the handle ToteBagAffliction.
Having recommended “strong” SPF and tretinoin, she shared several budget-friendly skincare products.
“The rest of my routine is boring and affordable, but I’ve come to really love removing my SPF and makeup with Albolene, cleansing with CeraVe foaming, and moisturizing with Vanicream,” she said.
“I have the face version and the regular tub, and I think the regular tub is where it’s at.
“For a fun/treat step, I love a facial mist or a hydrating sheet mask, but I haven’t had either of those in a long time because of budget constraints, and my skin looks the same.”
She said lifestyle habits that protect the skin from photodamage and a healthy diet are also necessary to focus on for a youthful appearance.
She recommended limiting alcohol intake, sugar, and processed carbs, and getting adequate sleep.
“Consider getting some UPF sun protective items if you have a sunny commute to work or if you’re outside a lot,” she added.
“I have fingerless gloves for driving and a parasol for walking from my car to my office, both from Coolibar, and they’re great!”
BEAUTY BELIEVERS
Many people upvoted the post to show gratitude for the anti-aging tips and other Redditors revealed they also have a similar skincare routine.
“Sunscreen, tretinoin, drinking water, using a good quality moisturizer,” one person said.
“I have a baby face, so I’m kind of starting on 2nd base though.”
“Tretinoin, Korean SPF, Vitamin C Serum, any good moisturizer,” another said.
“I layer Cerave and Vanicream, LED Mask, and Hyaluronic capsules taken daily to help with the dryness from the tret. I have better skin at 43 than I ever did at 23.”
Buy it now
*If you click on a link in this article, we may earn affiliate revenue.
Supergoop PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50, $15.98, Walmart
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer, $12.97, Walmart
Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser, $9.74, Walmart
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, $3.97, Walmart
A third commenter confessed they regret only becoming “strict” with sunscreen in their 40s and shared their favorite beauty brands.
“Wish I had been more proactive about it when I was in my teens and 20s!” they said. “I didn’t care and thought I was invincible and would look young forever.
“After that, consistent use of active ingredients. Retinol or tretinoin, vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, exfoliants, and growth factors.
“Active ingredients like these are the only products you need to invest your money in.
“When it comes to moisturizers you don’t need to pay a lot. You can buy the cheaper versions at the drugstore. The effects are the same.
“Also try to use non-foaming cleansers. Again, they don’t have to be expensive.
“Some brands I like for active ingredients that aren’t terribly expensive are Drunk Elephant and Sunday Riley.”
How does sunscreen prevent aging?
Dr. Michael Aziz, an internist and the author of the upcoming book The Ageless Revolution, explained how sunscreen prevents aging.
“Sunscreen protects your skin by acting as a barrier against harmful UV rays,” Dr. Aziz told The U.S. Sun.
“There are two main types of sunscreen ingredients: mineral and chemical.
“Mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide form a physical shield, reflecting UV light away from the skin.
“Without SPF protection, your skin may develop uneven pigmentation in an effort to shield itself from the sun’s rays, leading to potential sun damage such as sunspots and premature aging.
“Using sunscreen is essential to prevent this and maintain healthy skin.”