LESS is always more, especially when it comes to your beauty regimen.
A plastic surgeon has shared the common skincare mistake that ages you faster — and gave The U.S. Sun his tips to follow instead.
Dr. Christopher Costa, founder of Platinum Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, warned that a common mistake made when trying to prevent wrinkles is neglecting skincare until you're older.
He explained that many people don't regard the skin as "something that needs to be protected over a prolonged period of time."
The most common form of cancer in humans is skin cancer, he noted, and highlighted the importance of sun protection.
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"Sunscreen is the best preventative way to preserve aging because sun damage is the leading cause of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation," he said.
SECRET SLIP-UP
Dr. Costa shared another error many people are guilty of without even realizing.
"Another lesser-known mistake, also related to treating the skin with care, is over-exfoliating," he revealed.
"Doing so can actually damage the skin, making it age faster. It’s like sanding down the natural protective layers of the skin."
The skincare expert broke down the steps you should take at different ages to help promote a healthy complexion.
For anyone in their 20s, he recommends creating a routine consisting of "a gentle cleanser, antioxidant serum, and a lightweight moisturizer to keep skin hydrated."
He also encouraged younger people not to overuse skincare products.
"There is no need to use multiple products that all have active ingredients like retinol or strong acids," he said.
"These products can actually irritate the skin, causing redness and breakouts.
"It's like overloading a young tree with too much fertilizer — it can do much more harm than good."
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ANTI-AGING TIPS
Adapting your skincare routine as you age can also make a big different.
"As you approach your 40s, your skin is now experiencing changes like reduced collagen production and a slower cell turnover," Dr. Costa said.
"To combat this, you should incorporate products with active ingredients like retinoids and peptides that will target fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness."
He revealed the best action to take to combat fine lines and wrinkles.
"Hydration is a must and I recommend choosing richer moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides to help keep skin plump," he said.
Dr. Costa highlighted consistency as he broke down the key steps to a successful skincare routine.
"Ask yourself what is most practical for you and your lifestyle and then create a routine that fits into that," he advised.
"As a general rule of thumb, I recommend starting the morning with a nice cleanse and patting the face dry.
"Then add an antioxidant serum with vitamin C, moisturizer, and sunscreen."
He also explained the best times of day to incorporate certain products into your routine.
"It’s better to use skin products containing retinoids or retinol at night, as these products can make the skin more sensitive to the sun," Dr. Costa said.
"After using these products apply a good moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated."
