That’s right––the very first sign of aging is fine lines! And it begins in your 20s, typically around the eyes. Here’s what you can do at any age to smooth and plump those fine lines. 

Skin Aging by Decade

20s

Skin constantly changes with age, even from youth. But the first signs of aging show up in your 20s as fine lines. These fine lines appear in areas that are used most frequently for expression, including the eyes, nose, and mouth. The 20s also bring signs of crow’s feet and lines between the brows from squinting. Plus, sun lover’s may start to see dark spots or sunspots and other hyperpigmentation. 

30s

The decade of the  30s means the first  appearance of fine vertical lines such as the 11s between the eyebrows and laugh lines. The lines that started in your 20s are now getting deeper. In your 30s your skin begins to lose elasticity, making wrinkles more visible.

40s

With the 40s comes a continued loss of skin volume and elasticity from a decrease in collagen fibers and elastin, causing wrinkles, skin folds, and sagging skin becomes more pronounced. This is the decade that the face begins to take on a ‘drawn appearance’. 

50s and Up

The 50s and up signify a time when most who experience hormonal changes from menopause. After menopause hormone levels drop, which brings on drier, thinner, and more slack skin. There’s also a loss of muscles and fat under the skin in the face, making the face become more droopy. And upper eyelids droop. Collagen and elastin production quickly decreases. Studies show that women’s skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first 5 years after menopause. Then the rate of decline slows to about a 2% collagen loss every year for the next 20 years. Years of sun exposure equate sunspots, hyperpigmentation and a rougher skin texture. 

Fine Line Prevention

If your skin is just beginning to show signs of fine lines, you can take steps now to prevent those lines from becoming deeper. Below is a list of products and ingredients to use to help preserve the skin you have today. 

SPF Moisturizer

SPF is the most important prevention step you can take. Studies have shown that  unprotected sun exposure accounts for 80% of all signs of skin aging. Look for a broad spectrum SPF that has at least a sun protection factor of 30. And use year round. 

Retinoids

Retinoids promote and encourage the production of collagen, which helps keep the skin plumper looking and helps fill in the appearance of fine lines. They also function to encourage skin cell turnover, protection of the skin’s moisture barrier, and aid the skin in retaining water. Use retinoid products at night. And always use an SPF in the day. 

Peptides

The function of peptides is to firm and plump the skin. Peptides are amino acids (protein building blocks). Amino acids and peptides are what build collagen. Since collagen declines with age, using a peptide helps to keep collagen production up. For around the eyes use products containing formulations such as Eyeliss, Regu-age, Halyoxl, and Beautifeye. For cheeks and chest look for peptides such as Matrixyl 3000.

Exfoliants

Use a regular exfoliating product. Acids or chemical exfoliators are gentle and effective. Depending on your skin type you can choose from AHAs such as lactic acid and glycolic acid, or a BHA like salicylic acid, which is best of oily or acne prone skin.

Moisturize

Use a moisturizer to plump the look of fine lines and lock in moisture on a daily basis. As you age the skin’s ability to retain moisture declines. Begin now to help your skin hold onto moisture that’s necessary for preventing fine lines. 

Fine Line Treatment

If you already have fine lines below are numerous options for treating them. Options include simple and accessible treatments like skincare and stronger options like professional peels and dermaplaning. 

A Complete Skincare Routine

Use a complete skincare routine to maximize fine line treatment. A full skincare routine is necessary because each step is preparation for the next product. This preparation allows your skin to maximize the absorption of each product's effective ingredients. This means your skin gets the best benefit from what you put on it. 

Exfoliate Regularly

All skin, but mature skin in particular, benefits from regular exfoliation. Aging slows down the skin’s rate of cellular turnover, which leaves skin dry and dull. Exfoliation removes the build up of dead dull skin cells, leaving the newer fresher skin at the surface. 

Use Peptides

Peptides help target signs of aging and fine lines. And peptides target the collagen structure beneath the skin, increasing the rate of collagen production which keeps skin looking plumper. 

Hyaluronic Acid

This acid is actually a humectant. Which means that hyaluronic acid draws moisture to the skin, leaving skin smoother, plumber and dewey. 

Repair With Antioxidants

The skin constantly battles against environmental damage  from UV rays, air pollution, and even tobacco smoke. Antioxidants, like vitamin C and E, help fight against that environmental damage. Look for products like a vitamin C serum.  

Moisturize

To treat fine lines moisturize at least 2x a day, morning and evening. You may also need to add some extra moisturizer during the day if you notice your skin feeling tight or looking dullish. For more mature skin choose a heavy moisturizing cream or oils like argon, marula, rosehip seed and jojoba. 

Stronger Treatments Include:

Peels. A chemical peel leaves a brighter, smoother and more refined complexion. They also improve color, texture, and skin tone. Opt for a professional peel treatment. Professionals use the highest percentages of peeling solutions, giving skin the deepest peels and greatest results. 

Dermaplane. Dermaplaning is a professional treatment. This option is a safe and effective deeper exfoliation. It makes the skin feel smoother and look younger. It also helps products to penetrate the skin more efficiently, maximizing each ingredient's purpose.

Yes, fine lines are the first sign of skin aging. But there are multiple options for prevention and treatment. The best option is to begin a skincare routine today to help preserve the skin you have and to treat any signs of fine lines.