Younger Skin in 90 Days: Ingredients
- Anne Hawes
- Jul 27, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 24, 2024
Whether you're just starting your anti-aging skincare journey or want to ensure your current regimen includes the necessary ingredients for visible changes in your skin, this post is for you. I'm 60, and I use these key ingredients in my skincare to see and feel younger.
The Cake Analogy
Think of your skincare routine like a cake recipe. A cake requires specific ingredients to turn out well. If you don't know what to include and just throw things in a bowl, you'll end up spending money on ingredients without knowing if they're right, and you'll waste time and energy without achieving the desired result.
However, if you know the four essential ingredients for a cake—flour, eggs, sugar, and butter—and use them correctly, you'll confidently create a delicious and good-looking cake. Similarly, knowing the must-have ingredients for a skincare regimen is crucial for achieving healthier, younger-looking skin.
The Three Key Ingredients
The three essential ingredients in an anti-aging skincare regimen are as easy as ABC: Vitamins A, B, and C
Vitamin A (Retinoids)
Vitamin A includes a class of compounds called retinoids. These work on both the epidermis (the top layer of skin) and the dermis (a deeper layer). Retinoids stimulate collagen production and promote the shedding of old skin cells, which can cause dullness and texture issues. By stimulating cell turnover, retinoids help you achieve smoother, fresher, and healthier-looking skin. They also address skin pigmentation, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and thicken the skin for a more youthful appearance.
There are three states of vitamin A, from least to most potent:
Retinol: A great entry-level retinoid for beginners.
Retinaldehyde: A step up from retinol, effective for more experienced users.
Retinoic Acid (Tretinoin): The most potent form, available in various strengths, typically prescribed by a doctor or through subscription services like Agency.
Vitamin B (Niacinamide)
Niacinamide helps with skin discoloration, brightens the skin, and increases ceramide production, which strengthens the skin barrier. A healthy skin barrier prevents moisture loss, keeping your skin hydrated and less dry. It also protects against environmental stressors and free radicals, which can break down cell integrity and accelerate aging.
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that works at the cellular level to restore skin cell health. It stimulates collagen production, reduces melanocyte production (helping with sunspots and hyperpigmentation), and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. According to the Cleveland Clinic, vitamin C helps build collagen, a protein that provides structure, support, and strength to your skin, counteracting the effects of aging such as crepey, saggy, and wrinkled skin.
The Importance of Consistency
Using each of these vitamins—A, B, and C—in a topical form (cream, serum, etc.) every day is crucial. If you do this consistently for three months, you will see results. I recommend taking pictures on day one and at 30, 60, and 90 days to track your progress. This visual tracking will help you stay motivated and reinforce the effectiveness of your skincare regimen.
Additional Ingredients for an Extra Boost
If you want to give your skincare an extra boost, consider adding these two ingredients:
Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that attracts moisture to your skin, giving it a plump, hydrated appearance. Think of your skin like a sponge: when it's dry, it's flat and rough, but when it's hydrated, it plumps up and looks smoother.
Peptides: Short chains of amino acids that help repair damaged skin cells and signal changes at the molecular level. Peptides boost collagen and elastin production, helping to firm and strengthen the skin, giving it a lifted appearance.
Ready to Transform Your Skin?
Focusing on vitamins A, B, and C is simple and effective. Are you ready to take this step for your skin? If so, it will pay off significantly. Stay tuned for my next posts, where I'll discuss choosing the right products and incorporating them into a regimen that works for you, ensuring you see results in 90 days or less.
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