How to Help Your Skin Age Beautifully, the Natural Way

“There are two types of women: Those who take care of their skin from very early on, and those who wait until they see things they don’t like,” says celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas, with skin-care spas in New York City and Los Angeles (Michelle Williams, Naomi Watts, and Julianne Moore are clients).

Guess which skin-care tactic is easier—and way more logical?

Vargas says it’s important to start thinking about your skin’s tomorrow way before you notice your first sun spot. She adds that these hard-to-fade splotches, along with enlarged pores, tired-looking eyes, and skin that’s lost its elasticity (and droops along the jawline) are common complaints among clients who haven’t taken preventative measures.

So when should you be thinking about protecting your skin—and not just cleansing and moisturizing it?

“Your early 20s is the time to start taking skin care more seriously and realizing it’s a lifestyle you will be rewarded for,” she says. It’s about doing things that nurture your skin’s health, she emphasizes, not obsessing about getting wrinkles someday (which are so not the enemy btw).

If you’re in the 20-something (or so) camp, think of these tips to follow as a trust fund for your skin—all ways of ensuring it’s set up for a bright future. (Glowy, even!)

1. Seriously, wear sunscreen.

I know it sounds very familiar, but it bears repeating. “The best anti-aging tip is to wear sunscreen at all times—even if you’re just walking to work,” stresses Vargas. “I try and remind people that although everyone feels good in the sun, you wind up complaining about everything it does to your skin later in life.”  

2. Seek out strengthening and nourishing ingredients

Vargas approaches skin care in the same way a nutritionist looks at food. “Skin tends to have basic nutritional needs [as we age], and ingredients are a big part of making that happen,” she says. Vargas says that if you’re currently dealing with acne, you should address that before aging—but otherwise, all of the following ingredients work for any age.

• Antioxidants: “Açai, argan [oil], vitamins A, C, and E—all of these are antioxidants,” says Vargas. “They basically prevent the skin from mutating when sun or pollution hits it, which can result in loss of elasticity and collagen and uneven pigment.” Vargas’ own Vitamin C Face Wash, Daily Serum, and Rejuvenating Serum all contain loads of these natural complexion bodyguards.
• Olive oil: Facial oils like jojoba and rosehip may be hot right now, but Vargas is a fan of good ol’ olive oil for skin softening and reducing inflammation. “It’s handy for anyone who lives in the toxic environment of the city or is exposed to the sun regularly,” she says. “Olive oil can keep the skin from being so reactive to environmental stressors.”  
• Peptides: Think of these guys as the personal trainers that help strengthen collagen and elastin, the proteins that give our skin its structure and stretch. “We need these building blocks to help reinforce our collagen, because collagen synthesis [production] wanes with age,” explains Vargas. “Daily use in a cream and weekly in a mask is advisable.”  
• (Plant) stem cells: “Stem cells are clinically proven in certain forms to help stimulate the body’s ability to produce collagen,” Vargas says. “This function lessens with age, so we need stem cells to be a part of our daily routine.”   

3. Embrace skin-care technology

Just because you’re not into needles and chemicals doesn’t mean you should avoid medi-spa style machines. “I’m known for being a big fan of technology in treatments,” says Vargas. “We have so many non-invasive options I don’t see any reason to resort to [things like] fillers.”

Vargas recommends a combination of collagen-stimulating micro-current, radio frequency, and LED light treatments for skin, starting around the age of 30. (Some skin pros, Vargas included, even have full-body LED light beds that help build collagen and soften wrinkles from head to toe.)  4. Create at-home spa rituals

As your skin ages, quarterly massages and facials don’t really cut it anymore. Vargas recommends maintaining your skin health in between visits by creating a few rituals in your very own bathroom.

Where to start? “For the body, start dry brushing before your shower every morning,” she says. “It’s a great way to exfoliate the body while stimulating collagen production and maintaining elasticity all over. A bonus is that it’s also great for cellulite.”

And when it comes to the face, monthly peels are crucial, especially if you’re not getting regular facials. “Peels help restore your glow and resurface the skin,” Vargas explains.