A Dermatologist Answers All Your Anti-Aging Skincare Qs

Let’s go ahead and assume that you’re aware that time passes and yes, “aging” happens. But before we go any further, let’s get one thing straight: we love aging. Go ahead and insert your favorite older-wiser cliché here, because it’s undoubtedly true.

One thing that aging well necessitates is evolving your routine to meet the needs of your skin at different times of your life. What worked when you were 17 or 37 may not be the best skincare routine for your 50s. With that in mind, we spoke to our Global Dermatology Ambassador, Dr. Joyce Park, about a particularly myth-filled topic: anti-aging skincare. Why anti-aging, if we love aging so much? Because the modern world is filled with so many factors (Pollution! Tanning beds! Stress!) that can accelerate skin damage. So, if you’re interested in developing your own best anti-aging skincare routine — one that will keep you loving your skin and all the changes it’s going through — read on. 

Why do I need a different skincare routine in my 40s and 50s than I do in my 20s? 

Your skin and its needs change as you age. As you get older and your skin’s cumulative exposure to environmental aggressors like UV radiation and pollutants increases, you will start to notice changes like more dark spots, wrinkles, and changes in the texture of your skin. These changes mean that while you’re in your 20s you may focus more on prevention, in your 50s you may focus more on treatment.

Many people question whether skincare products can really make a difference, especially as you do see yourself age naturally (no matter how many products you use!). Let’s break it down to the basics: Is this true? What are the best anti-aging skincare steps will really have an impact? 

Skincare products can absolutely make a difference in how your skin looks and feels. I am a big fan of “less is more,” and I recommend everyone incorporate a good sunscreen, cleanser and moisturizer into their routine. Sunscreen helps to prevent sun damage on the skin; cleanser removes dirt, oil, makeup and more from the skin daily; and moisturizer helps your skin retain water. I also believe in exfoliation a few times per week to help with texture and dark spots.

Skincare ingredient lists can feel like reading a different language. Any ingredients to look for in particular? 

I recommend looking for ingredients like glycerin or ceramides in moisturizers, and retinol or Phyto-Retinol for anti-aging purposes.

The undereye area is somewhere that people often notice changes first. Can you share any ingredients or tips for keeping this area healthy and looking refreshed? 

The undereye skin is especially thin and sensitive. We also make a lot of expressions with the muscles around our eyes, which result in those fine lines called crow’s feet. I recommend using sunscreen first and foremost to prevent sun-related damage, moisturizer around this area nightly to help hydrate this thin skin, and if you can handle it, a gentle retinol or Phyto-Retinol specifically formulated for the sensitive eye area.

Be honest: do facial tools really work? 

I think many of the additional tools that you can purchase for at-home use are more trendy than actually beneficial for the skin. But if you find that jade rollers or other facial massage tools help you relax, by all means do it!

Any tricks for how to apply skincare on maturing skin?

I recommend cleansing the skin first and then, using the ring finger for optimal light pressure, apply a serum followed by a moisturizer around the eye area. The serum is an optional step but helps with dryness, especially during wintertime. I love using the bareMinerals SKINLONGEVITY Long Life Herb Serum underneath other products.

As you’ve said, sun protection is very important at any age. Are all sunscreens created equal? 

The best sunscreen is the one that you’ll actually use. There are so many sunscreens on the market now, both mineral (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) and chemical, with various textures and tints. I recommend a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, rain or shine. I personally love using a tinted product. My favorite is the bareMinerals COMPLEXION RESCUE Tinted Moisturizer.

For some, breakouts don’t stop in the teenage years. Do you have any tips for adults who struggle with acne?

Hormonal acne plagues many adults well into their 40s! I personally struggle with hormonal acne, like many women out there. I recommend using a salicylic acid-based product to cleanse or tone the skin, and to use oil-free, non-comedogenic products if you have oily skin. Of course, I always recommend seeing a dermatologist for personalized recommendations; we have so many tools at our disposal to help you combat acne!

Are there any specific products you recommend for mature skin?

I recommend the SKINLONGEVITY Long Life Herb Serum which helps to strengthen the skin while also delivering antioxidants to treat sun damage. I also recommend the AGELESS Phyto-Retinol Collection, which contains a plant-based retinol.

Any tips for cleansing correctly, to get the most out of your anti-aging routine?

On days when I wear a lot of makeup I opt for a double cleanse: oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser. On regular days when I’m just using sunscreen and light makeup, I use a water-based cleanser. Wash your face with lukewarm, not hot, water and when you’re done, gently pat your face dry with a soft washcloth. Follow this up with a serum or moisturizer.

Meet Dr. Joyce Park

Dr. Joyce Park is a board-certified dermatologist and Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She practices medical and cosmetic dermatology in Northern California, where she also lives with her family and runs her lifestyle blog, Tea with MD. In May 2020, Dr. Park became our first ever bareMinerals Global Dermatology Ambassador.

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