One of the most basic rules of skincare is that it’s a lot easier to prevent something than it is to repair it. What that essentially means is that things like wrinkles, pigmentation, and age-related dryness are pretty much impossible to completely get rid of once they’ve already appeared on your skin.

While these are all natural side effects of aging, they don’t happen at the same time for everyone. How you take care of your skin and yourself will have a direct impact on how youthful your skin appears. If you don’t protect and maintain your skin’s health, you’re most likely going to see the effects of aging sooner than someone who uses anti-aging products.

At Kiehl’s, we understand the importance of preventative skincare, which is why we formulate a variety of products to help keep your skin looking its best for longer, no matter your skin type. Our Kiehl’s Customer Representatives are all well-versed in tips for anti-aging, and the products you should be adding into your skincare routine to maintain your youthful appearance.

We asked our skincare experts to share their best anti-aging advice to help you craft a preventative routine that will protect your skin from the signs of premature aging. Keep reading to learn how to keep your skin healthy, smooth, and hydrated for longer.

Tip #1: Prevent Sun Damage With Spf

The sun is by far the biggest cause of environmental aging. Ultraviolet rays damage the skin both on the surface and deeper into the layers of the skin where collagen and melanin production happen. To best protect your skin from these aging rays, you need to be diligent with your sun protection by wearing a broad-spectrum (i.e. protecting against both UVA and UVB radiation) SPF every single day, rain or shine. Our Super Fluid Daily UV Defense SPF 50+ makes it easy thanks to its lightweight formula that works for all skin types. Apply in the morning as the last step of your skincare routine. If you plan to be in the sun for a prolonged period of time, make sure to reapply every two hours in order to get the best protection.

Tip #2: Use A Moisturizer With Anti-Aging Benefits

No matter your age, skin type, or concerns, a moisturizer is a key part of everyone’s skin routine. Many people don’t realize that skin not only gets drier as it ages, but that that dryness contributes to the look of wrinkles and rough texture. When skin is dry, it appears rougher and wrinkles are more pronounced and noticeable. In contrast, skin that is moisturized is plumped and looks smoother, softer, and more youthful.

Using a moisturizer with proven anti-aging ingredients, like the Hyaluronic Acid, Beech Tree Extract, and Jasmonic Acid in our Super Multi-Corrective Cream can help visibly lift, firm, and retexturize skin as it hydrates. Used daily, it can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Tip #3: Make Vitamin C A Part Of Your Daily Routine

The main function of antioxidants like Vitamin C is to protect your skin against the free radicals that cause the damage that leads to premature aging. This potent vitamin is a versatile addition to pretty much any part of your skincare routine, from moisturizer to mask to eye cream. L-Ascorbic Acid is also a reparative ingredient as it has anti-aging benefits that make it a great ingredient to address the appearance of wrinkles.

Our Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate uses a potent 12.5 percent Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid in its formula to work double duty both hydrating and helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as boost radiance and improve skin texture.

Tip #4: Give Your Eyes A Fresh Look

Your eyes have the thinnest skin on your entire body, so they are the first to show the signs of premature aging via fine lines and wrinkles. Keeping them hydrated with a dedicated eye cream is a key way to prolong the formation of fine lines and help visibly plump the look of existing wrinkles.

Our Midnight Recovery Eye is a nighttime restorative eye concentrate made from essential oils and botanicals like Lavender Essential Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, and Squalane to reveal younger-looking, fresher eyes in the a.m. Used nightly, when your skin is naturally repairing and recovering from daily aggressors, it helps enhance skin’s restorative process for well-rested, youthful eyes by morning.

Tip #5: Try A Firming Mask For A More Lifted Look

As you get older, your skin naturally begins to lose its collagen and elastin, the two proteins responsible for keeping it firm and elastic. To help minimize the appearance of sagging, loose skin, you need to incorporate a firming product that can help visibly lift and plump your complexion. The Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask is a velvety cream face mask that instantly makes skin feel firmer and look smoother. The overnight formula, which should ideally be used 5 days a week for best effect, works with your skin’s natural reparative function while you sleep for an immediate smoothing effect and visibly reduction in the appearance of fine lines over time.

KIEHL’S BONUS TIP: If you need help finding the most effective anti-aging skin products for you, schedule a complimentary Healthy Skin Consultation at your neighborhood Kiehl’s store, and a Kiehl’s Skincare Expert can help!