Your skin undergoes a number of predictable and often unwelcome changes as it ages--it becomes thinner and more prone to sagging, according to the National Institutes of Health. Fine lines, wrinkles and age spots tend to form as years of exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays takes its toll. Older skin is also likely to be drier and more vulnerable to injury than younger skin. A number of products may help diminish the signs of aging skin.
Sunscreen
Sun exposure is the biggest cause of premature aging and skin cancer. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays accelerates the natural aging process of your skin, leading to wrinkles and blotchy, rough skin, according to MayoClinic.com.
Applying a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, of 30 or higher and wearing protective clothing can help protect aging skin and minimize sun damage.
Moisturizers
Aging skin produces less oil, so moisturizers become increasingly important. Moisturizers temporarily lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and give skin a more youthful look, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD.
While moisturizing creams and lotions have no permanent effect on wrinkles, they can soften dry skin and help guard against tearing and bruising. Moisturizers should be used daily and applied to damp skin.
Tretinoin or Retin-A
Prescription-only tretinoin cream, brand name Retin-A, is a vitamin A derivative that may improve the appearance of aging skin, according to MedlinePlus. Retinoids may help diminish fine wrinkles, smooth the skin and even out pigmentation, notes MayoClinic.com.
Wearing sunscreen is especially important when using tretinoin since it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
Products that contains an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, can expedite the sloughing off of dead skin, which promotes fresher, more youthful-looking skin, according to the AAD. AHAs may also have a modest effect on wrinkles, adds MayoClinic.com.
Creams that contain alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid are available over-the-counter. Hydroxy acids can make your skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
Under-eye Creams
Under-eye skin may require a little extra care because it is thin and lacks protective oils that help keep skin supple, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some under-eye gels and creams temporarily constrict blood vessels to stop the accumulation of fluid build-up, while others use a clear film to temporarily tighten the skin.
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