How to Get Younger Looking Skin: What Actually Makes a Difference

When we talk about younger looking skin, I think it's important to start with something realistic.

Younger looking skin and younger skin are not the same thing.

No serum can change the date on your birth certificate. No moisturizer can make your skin literally 20 years old again.

But that doesn't mean we can't make a difference in how our skin looks.

To me, younger looking skin is skin that looks healthy, smooth, hydrated, bright and well cared for. It doesn't have to be completely free of wrinkles, pores, texture or every little imperfection.

And I don't think we need to wait until we're 50 to start thinking about it.

Our 30s are actually a wonderful time to become more consistent with skincare. Then, as our skin changes in our 40s and beyond, we already have good habits in place.

Here are the things I think matter most.

Start With Sun Protection

If you want to keep your skin looking youthful, this is one of the most important places to start.

Sun exposure contributes to visible skin aging, including wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and changes in skin texture. Dermatologists recommend broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher as part of an everyday skin protection routine.

And this isn't something we should begin only after we notice wrinkles.

Sun protection is about protecting the skin we have now.

I think about more than my face too.

Don't forget your:

Neck

Chest

Hands

These areas receive plenty of sun exposure and can show signs of aging too.

If you're spending time outdoors, sunscreen also needs to be reapplied according to the product directions, especially after swimming or sweating.

I know sunscreen isn't the most exciting beauty product in the bathroom.

But if I had to choose between buying another expensive anti aging serum and consistently protecting my skin from the sun, sunscreen would be much higher on my list.

Keep Your Skincare Routine Consistent

I love skincare, but I don't believe younger looking skin requires a shelf filled with 20 products.

My basic approach is:

Cleanse.

Tone.

Treat.

Moisturize.

Protect.

Treatments can change depending on what your skin needs.

But the basic routine doesn't need to become complicated.

This is something I talk about in my Essential Skincare Guide for women in their 30s and beyond because I think one of the hardest parts of skincare isn't necessarily buying products.

It's understanding what you're supposed to do with them.

What goes first?

What do you use in the morning?

What do you use at night?

Where does serum go?

When do you exfoliate?

Once you understand the routine, skincare becomes much less confusing.

If you're completely new to it, you can also read Skincare Routine for Beginners: Where to Start When You Don't Know What You Need.

Don't Underestimate Moisturizer

Moisturizer isn't glamorous.

It doesn't usually come with the most dramatic promises.

But it can make a visible difference in the way skin looks.

When skin is dry, fine lines and texture can become more noticeable. Moisturizer helps trap water in the skin, which can temporarily make the skin look smoother and make some small lines less noticeable.

That doesn't mean moisturizer permanently removes wrinkles.

It doesn't.

But hydrated skin often looks healthier and fresher than dry, neglected skin.

And that's something I think we sometimes overlook because we're so busy searching for the next miracle anti aging ingredient.

Before buying another treatment, make sure you're doing the basics consistently.

Cleanse Without Making Your Skin Feel Stripped

Cleansing is one of the most important steps in my own routine.

I want to remove makeup, sunscreen, oil and the things that have accumulated on my skin during the day.

But clean doesn't have to mean tight, dry and uncomfortable.

If your face feels completely stripped every time you wash it, your cleanser may not be the best match for your skin.

I prefer the idea of cleansing thoroughly while still respecting the skin.

When I'm wearing makeup, I like a double cleanse: first removing the makeup, then cleansing the skin.

You don't need to scrub your face aggressively to make it clean.

What About Toner?

Toner is part of my personal routine and part of the five step framework I use in my skincare guide.

I use it after cleansing and before my serums and other treatments.

I like that step in my routine.

At the same time, I don't think every woman needs to believe that one missing product is the reason her skin is aging.

Skincare should be built around your skin, your concerns and products that work well together.

For me, toner stays.

Treatments Should Have a Purpose

This is where skincare can get overwhelming.

Retinol.

Vitamin C.

Hyaluronic acid.

Peptides.

Niacinamide.

Exfoliating acids.

And dozens of other ingredients.

Suddenly it feels as though you need all of them.

I don't think you do.

Before buying a treatment, I like asking:

What am I trying to accomplish with this product?

Fine lines?

Uneven pigmentation?

Dryness?

Texture?

Dull looking skin?

Acne?

One of the best pieces of dermatology advice I've seen is to focus on the skin concern that matters most to you rather than introducing several anti aging products at once.

Using too many active products can irritate the skin.

And irritated skin doesn't automatically become younger looking skin.

Retinol and Retinoids Can Be Useful

Retinol is probably one of the first ingredients people hear about when they begin researching aging skin.

And unlike many trendy ingredients, retinoids have meaningful evidence behind them.

Retinoids are vitamin A based ingredients that can help improve mild fine lines, uneven pigmentation and skin texture.

But stronger isn't automatically better.

Retinoids can also cause dryness, redness and irritation, especially when you begin using them.

If you decide to introduce retinol, starting gradually makes more sense than immediately using the strongest product you can find every night.

And retinoids aren't appropriate for everyone. They should not be used during pregnancy, and certain skin conditions or sensitivities may make them a poor choice.

This is one of those situations where more isn't necessarily better.

Vitamin C Can Have a Place Too

Vitamin C is another ingredient I think is worth understanding rather than simply buying because the bottle says “anti aging.”

Topical vitamin C may help with skin tone and provides antioxidant benefits. It is commonly used in morning skincare routines before sunscreen.

But again, it isn't magic.

You don't put vitamin C on Monday and wake up with completely different skin on Tuesday.

Skincare takes consistency.

And product formulation and storage matter because vitamin C can lose stability when exposed to light, heat and air.

Exfoliation Can Make Skin Look Fresher

Exfoliation is something I personally enjoy and include in my routine.

It removes dead surface skin cells and can help the skin feel smoother and look fresher.

There are different ways to exfoliate.

You can use physical exfoliation, such as a scrub or facial brush.

You can use chemical exfoliation with ingredients such as certain acids.

And there are stronger treatments such as chemical peels and professional procedures.

I personally use facial dry brushing, and I use fairly heavy pressure because my skin tolerates it well.

But that's what works for my skin.

It doesn't mean everyone should copy my pressure or frequency.

Someone with sensitive, irritated or acne prone skin may need a very different approach.

That's why I wrote a separate article called How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face? What Women Over 30 Should Know.

One of the most important things to remember is:

Your skin does not have to hurt for your skincare to be working.

Redness, burning and peeling aren't signs that you're aging backward.

Sometimes they're simply signs that you've irritated your skin.

Don't Try to Exfoliate Your Way Out of Aging

This deserves its own section because I think it's an easy trap.

Your skin looks dull.

So you exfoliate.

It looks smoother.

Wonderful.

Then you think:

If once was good, maybe every day will be even better.

Not necessarily.

More exfoliation doesn't automatically mean younger looking skin.

Too much can leave the skin dry, sensitive and irritated.

Your skin needs care, not punishment.

Hydrated Skin and “Glass Skin” Aren't the Same Goal

Beauty trends change constantly.

One year everyone wants matte skin.

Then everyone wants glass skin.

Then another trend replaces it.

I don't want my skincare goals to depend entirely on whatever is trending on social media.

Real skin has pores.

Real skin has texture.

Real skin moves.

And as we get older, real skin changes.

My goal isn't to make my face look like a filtered photograph.

My goal is healthy looking skin.

There's a difference.

What About Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is commonly included in hydrating skincare products because it helps attract and retain moisture.

For someone dealing with dryness or dehydration, hydrating products can make the skin look temporarily plumper and smoother.

But once again, hydration is not the same thing as reversing aging.

I think this is where skincare marketing sometimes confuses people.

A product can make your skin look better without changing your biological age.

And that's perfectly fine.

I don't need every product to perform a miracle.

Sometimes I just want my skin to look hydrated and beautiful.

Puffy Eyes Can Make Your Whole Face Look Tired

When we think about younger looking skin, we tend to focus immediately on wrinkles.

But sometimes the thing changing the appearance of your face isn't a wrinkle at all.

It's puffiness.

This is something I've noticed more as I've gotten older.

If my eyes look tired and swollen, my whole face can look tired.

There are simple things that may help temporary puffiness, such as cooling the area, getting enough sleep and addressing things like allergies when they're part of the problem.

But temporary puffiness and structural under eye bags aren't the same thing.

I explain that more fully in How to Get Rid of Puffy Eyes: What I Do When My Eyes Look Tired and Swollen.

Sometimes younger looking skin starts with simply looking more rested.

What About Facial Masks?

I enjoy facial masks and include them in my skincare routine.

But I don't expect a mask to permanently change the structure of my face.

Different masks serve different purposes.

Some focus on hydration.

Some help with oil.

Some exfoliate.

Some simply make the skin feel soft and refreshed.

I think masks can be a wonderful addition to skincare as long as we have realistic expectations.

They are an extra.

They don't replace the basics.

Do Facial Exercises Make Skin Look Younger?

Facial exercises are another part of my personal approach.

As I've gotten older, I've become more interested in facial exercises because some of the changes I notice are related more to puffiness and firmness than wrinkles.

There has been some research suggesting facial exercise may affect cheek fullness, but the research is still limited.

I don't believe we have enough evidence to say:

Do these exercises and your face will stop aging.

That's not realistic.

I explain the research and my own reasons for doing them in Does Face Yoga Work? What Facial Exercises Can and Can't Do for an Aging Face.

I enjoy facial exercises.

I just don't want to turn something I personally enjoy into a promise for everyone else.

Can Creams Tighten Sagging Skin?

This is an area where I think women deserve realistic information.

If a cream makes your skin more hydrated, the skin may temporarily look plumper and smoother.

But a topical cream cannot physically lift significantly sagging skin the way a medical or surgical procedure can.

Some ingredients, including retinoids, may produce more subtle improvements in skin appearance over time.

That's very different from a facelift in a bottle.

When I see words such as:

Instant lift.

Reverse sagging.

Erase wrinkles.

Turn back time.

I become skeptical.

Skincare can do useful things.

We don't have to exaggerate those things for skincare to be worth doing.

Expensive Doesn't Automatically Mean Better

This is one of my favorite things to remember when shopping for skincare.

A beautiful jar can be wonderful.

A luxurious texture can make skincare enjoyable.

There's nothing wrong with buying expensive skincare if you love it and can afford it.

But price by itself doesn't tell you whether a product will work better.

Ingredients, formulation, how well the product suits your skin and whether you actually use it consistently matter more than having the most expensive bottle.

I would rather see someone consistently using a reasonably priced moisturizer and sunscreen than owning a $300 cream she uses twice a month.

Give Products Time

Another mistake is changing products constantly.

You use something for four days.

Nothing dramatic happens.

So you buy something else.

Then something else.

Then something else.

Many skincare products require weeks of consistent use before you can fairly judge what they're doing, and some take even longer.

Obviously, if something is causing a significant reaction, you shouldn't simply keep irritating your skin while waiting for a miracle.

But when a product agrees with your skin, patience matters.

Skincare is usually much less dramatic than advertising makes it look.

Sleep Matters to the Way Your Skin Looks

I don't think skincare stops at the bathroom door.

I notice the difference when I'm tired.

My eyes look more tired.

My face doesn't feel as fresh.

And sleep has become something I pay more attention to as I've gotten older.

I've had nights when it's difficult to fall asleep and times when night sweating interrupts my sleep.

That affects my energy the next day too.

I've found some simple habits that help me personally, such as taking an evening walk and having a warm bath or shower.

I talk much more about that in Why Am I So Tired in My 40s? Common Reasons Women Have Less Energy.

I don't believe sleep is a magical wrinkle treatment.

But looking rested certainly contributes to looking fresh and healthy.

Food Is Part of Skin Health, but Don't Chase Miracle Foods

I enjoy healthy food and fresh juice.

One of my favorite green juice combinations is:

Apple

Cucumber

Lemon

Celery

Romaine lettuce

I personally enjoy drinking it in the morning and feel that it gives me a nice boost.

But I don't call it a younger skin juice.

I don't think one juice, berry, seed or supplement is going to make someone stop aging.

Food supports our overall health, and our skin is part of our body.

I'd rather think about eating a varied, nourishing diet than constantly searching for the next “anti aging superfood.”

Don't Smoke

If we're discussing things that affect visible skin aging, smoking deserves to be mentioned.

Smoking contributes to premature skin aging and wrinkles.

This isn't as glamorous as discussing serums, but skincare isn't only about what we put on the outside.

Some of the most important things affecting our skin aren't sold in a beauty bottle.

What About Professional Treatments?

At home skincare can do a lot for the appearance and health of your skin.

But it has limits.

If someone wants a more dramatic change in wrinkles, pigmentation, texture or skin laxity, dermatologists and other appropriately qualified professionals have treatments that skincare products can't duplicate.

Depending on the concern, those might include prescription retinoids, chemical peels, laser treatments, injectables and other procedures.

Those choices are personal.

I don't think you need procedures simply because you've reached a certain age.

But I also don't think we should pretend that an over the counter cream produces the same result as a medical procedure.

You can love skincare and still be realistic about what skincare can do.

What I Think Makes the Biggest Difference

If someone asked me where to begin, I wouldn't hand her ten products.

I'd start with the basics.

Protect your skin from the sun.

Cleanse it without constantly stripping it.

Keep it moisturized.

Use treatments for specific concerns rather than buying everything.

Exfoliate appropriately for your skin.

Give products enough time to work.

Pay attention to the skin around your eyes, neck, chest and hands too.

Take care of your overall health.

Then build from there.

You can always add another serum later.

And of course, skin is only one part of the picture. If you'd like the broader view, including energy, strength, hair, your smile and overall self care, I've written about that in How to Look Younger Naturally: What Actually Makes a Difference.

You Don't Need Perfect Skin to Have Younger Looking Skin

This might be the part I care about most.

I don't want women to read an article about younger looking skin and immediately begin studying their faces for flaws.

A line beside your eye doesn't mean you've failed at skincare.

A pore doesn't need to disappear.

Texture is normal.

A face that moves is normal.

Aging is normal.

I love skincare because I enjoy taking care of myself.

Yes, I want my skin to continue looking youthful as I get older.

But I don't want that desire to turn into being unhappy every time my face changes.

There has to be room for both things to be true:

I can accept that I'm getting older and still want to take beautiful care of my skin.

My Final Thoughts

I don't think younger looking skin comes from one miracle product.

It comes from many small things done consistently.

Sun protection.

Cleansing.

Moisture.

Thoughtful treatments.

Not overdoing exfoliation.

Taking care of yourself.

And giving your skin time.

Your routine may change in your 30s.

It may change again in your 40s.

And I'm sure mine will continue changing as I get older too.

That's okay.

The goal isn't to keep exactly the same face forever.

For me, the goal is to take care of the skin I have at every age and help it look as healthy, fresh and beautiful as it can.

Not someone else's skin.

Mine.

Just well cared for.

Want Help Building Your Skincare Routine?

If you're in your 30s or beyond and aren't sure what products you need or what order to use them, download my Essential Skincare Guide.

I walk through the five basic steps I use to think about skincare:

Cleanse. Tone. Treat. Moisturize. Protect.

You'll also find information about exfoliation, serums, moisturizers, SPF, masks, eye care and some of the other things I personally include in my routine.

You can also visit Beauty Favorites to see some of the skincare and beauty products I personally use and recommend.

This article shares my personal skincare approach along with general educational information. It isn't medical advice. If you have persistent irritation, unusual skin changes or concerns about a skin condition, talk with a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional.