How To Reverse Skin Aging: 9 Science-Backed & Expert-Approved Tips 

There's a lot to look forward to when it comes to aging. There's wisdom, knowledge, perspective, and a clearer sense of self that can only come with time. In fact, according to a Harris Poll study, adults pretty much agreed that 50 is the so-called perfect age.

When it comes to physical signs of aging, skin care is an easy, productive place to start. "It's never too late to begin a healthy aging skin care regimen, but I advise getting started by the age of 30," says The A Method dermatologist Tina Alster, M.D. "This is when collagen production naturally begins to slow down—even in those with perfectly healthy skin. The aging process can take place sooner in unhealthy skin or skin subjected to consistent stressors like pollutants and sun exposure." 

So whether you're prepping for your aging skin or ready to combat its effort, there's no topical ingredient more powerful than retinol. Retinol is a compound derived from vitamin A that addresses almost every skin care issue that comes with aging skin. It promotes collagen production to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, enhances cell turnover to improve skin's brightness, and eases signs of sun exposure for an all-around healthier, youthful complexion.   

"Consistent use of topical ingredients such as retinol will help the skin synthesize collagen fibers and improve its elasticity," says Alster. "In turn, the skin's renewal cycles are enhanced and the skin appears more youthful and fresh." 

Retinol isn't the only healthy aging skin care ingredient that delivers serious results. Peptides also have impressive rejuvenating skin care benefits such as supporting collagen production, improving skin's texture, and strengthening the skin's barrier to protect against harmful environmental stressors that speed up signs of aging.

At-home skin care is a great place to start when it comes to keeping up with a skin care routine. But if you're looking for a little extra help, certain facials can really go a long way. There are microcurrent facials, which work with the skin and muscles in your face to lift and sculpt via a noninvasive treatment.

Nothing ages the skin more than UV rays from the sun. Studies have shown that 80% of visible facial aging signs2 are due to UV exposure. This includes dark spots and a breakdown in collagen production, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. "People should avoid skipping daily application of sunscreen," Alster says. "Sun protection is the single most important factor in preventing signs of skin aging."

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing broad-spectrum protection with SPF 30 or higher in a water-resistant formula, which should be applied daily.

There are several key nutrients, phytonutrients, and specialized bioactives that support your skin, hair, and overall health as you age—so your body not only feels young but looks and acts younger, too.* This full guide on "anti-aging supplements" will break down exactly what to look for if you're interested in adding them to your routine. 

As previously stated, a healthy, youthful appearance starts from within. So it's no surprise that too much salt can dry out the skin, making it appear older with more fine lines, wrinkles, and overall dullness. Luckily, not all salt is created equal.

Board-certified naturopathic physician and weight-loss and anti-aging expert Kellyann Petrucci, N.D., tells us that regular salt pulls water out of our cells, leaving them prone to promoting wrinkles. Sea salt, on the other hand, is filled with potassium, which pulls water into the cells to make them firm.

The link between omega-3s and skin health is well documented. In fact, experts routinely recommend increasing fatty-acid intake to help improve and protect the skin.* Omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid primarily found in higher-fat fish such as salmon, anchovies, herring, sardines, mackerel, and albacore tuna.

We've come to learn that stress can seriously do a number on the skin. Not only can it make you look tired by making skin appear duller, but it also affects collagen production. Essentially what happens is that when you get stressed, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, diverting more circulation to more essential organs such as the heart, brain, and lungs. This, in turn, takes away blood flow from the skin, so it cannot appear its plumpest, brightest, most youthful self.