1. Wear sunscreen.
Studies have named the sun as the No. 1 cause of wrinkles. Wear a broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreen with
an SPF of at least 30. There is no need to go above SPF 50.[1]
You need to wear sunscreen even when it’s not sunny. If you’re tanned, this doesn't mean that you’re protected from the sun. Wear sunscreen no matter what![2]
Wearing sunscreen will not only prevent wrinkles; it will also reduce your risk of getting skin cancer.[3]
Reapply your sunscreen often — at least every 2 hours.[4]
2.
Wash your face every day.
Doctors recommend washing your face twice a day — no more than that. Over-washing your face can strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture so that wrinkles appear deeper; it may even cause new wrinkles to form.[5]
Even if your skin is oily, don't wash your face more than twice a day, as it can irritate your skin and, if you have acne, it can cause further breakouts.
People with mature skin (ages 40 and up) can likely get away with washing their faces with a cleanser each night, and only rinsing with cool water in the morning.[6]
3.
Use a toner after you wash your face. Applying a toner to your skin after you’ve washed your face can help balance your skin’s pH and keep it looking healthier. Just be sure to avoid toners containing alcohol, as this can dry out your skin.
4
Use a good-quality moisturizer that targets wrinkles. Many moisturizers contain ingredients aimed at fighting and preventing wrinkles. Apply a moisturizer to your face twice a day: once after your morning face-wash and once after your evening face-wash.
There is little evidence to suggest that day and night creams are particularly different; however, some ingredients in moisturizers are made ineffective by the sun. For example, retinol, a highly effective wrinkle-fighter, is rendered inactive by sunlight.[7]
5
Use a good eye cream. The skin around your eyes is different from the rest of your facial skin: it is thinner and more delicate, quicker to wrinkle and droop. For this reason, it’s worthwhile to use an eye cream in addition to your facial moisturizer.
Look for an eye cream that contains collagen, vitamin C, peptides, and/or retinol.[8]