Should you apply sun protection every day to prevent wrinkles?
Yes. Daily sun protection is the most important step in preventing wrinkles and other signs of ultraviolet-related skin ageing.
UVA penetrates deeply into the skin and promotes the breakdown of collagen and elastic fibres. It is present even on cloudy days and partly passes through glass. UVB acts more on the epidermis and is mainly responsible for sunburn.
Over successive exposures, the effects of ultraviolet radiation accumulate. They gradually promote wrinkles, pigmentation spots, loss of elasticity and less even skin tone.
For regularly exposed areas, particularly the face, neck, décolletage and hands, broad-spectrum sun protection with at least SPF 30 is recommended. SPF 50 or 50+ is preferable when sun exposure is significant or for fair phototypes.
Sun protection does not rely solely on sunscreen. Shade, clothing, sunglasses and limiting exposure when UV radiation is strongest are also essential.
How should you cleanse your face without accelerating skin ageing?
The face should be cleansed without damaging the skin barrier. Overly frequent or harsh cleansing can promote dryness, irritation and discomfort.
Cleansing removes excess sebum, particles deposited on the skin, make-up and sunscreen residues. There is no need to seek a feeling of “tight” skin after cleansing.
A gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type is generally sufficient. Very hot water and strongly detergent products can damage the lipids involved in barrier function.
Oily skin needs cleansing adapted to excess sebum, but should not be stripped. Dry or sensitive skin, by contrast, needs formulations that preserve skin lipids more effectively.
Proper cleansing does not directly slow collagen loss, but helps maintain a functional skin barrier.
Does daily moisturising prevent skin ageing?
A moisturiser improves hydration, suppleness and the appearance of dehydration lines, but does not stop skin ageing.
The skin barrier limits water loss. When it functions less effectively, the skin becomes drier, less supple and sometimes more sensitive.
Moisturisers may contain humectants, such as glycerine or hyaluronic acid, which retain water, as well as lipids and occlusive agents that reduce evaporation.
Well-hydrated skin generally looks smoother and more supple. However, this effect must be distinguished from genuine stimulation of dermal collagen synthesis.
Moisturising is therefore useful for maintaining skin quality, but does not replace sun protection or active ingredients whose action on photoageing is better documented.
Which cosmetic active ingredients help prevent skin ageing?
Retinoids are among the best-studied topical active ingredients for improving signs of photoageing. Other ingredients, including certain antioxidants, can complement the skincare routine.
Retinoids act on epidermal renewal and several mechanisms involved in dermal collagen synthesis. Depending on the molecule used, they can gradually improve fine lines, texture and certain pigmentation irregularities.
Retinol, used in cosmetics, is generally less potent than medicinal retinoids. It can cause dryness or irritation, particularly when introduced too quickly.
Vitamin C has antioxidant activity and is involved in collagen synthesis. However, its effectiveness in a cosmetic product depends on its form, concentration, stability and ability to penetrate the skin.
There is no need to accumulate active ingredients: a few well-chosen products used regularly are more effective than a very complex routine.
In what order should you apply morning skincare?
In the morning, skincare can be applied in this order: cleanser, serum or targeted treatment, moisturiser, then sun protection.
An antioxidant serum, if used, is applied before moisturiser. Sun protection is applied last, before make-up.
The amount of sun protection applied is important. An insufficient amount does not provide the level of protection corresponding to the SPF stated on the product.
Sun protection must be reapplied during prolonged sun exposure, heavy sweating or swimming.
There is no need to multiply products. To prevent ultraviolet-related skin ageing, consistency and correct use of sun protection matter more than the number of skincare products applied.
Which evening routine helps prevent skin ageing?
In the evening, an anti-ageing routine can combine gentle cleansing, a suitable active ingredient such as a retinoid, and moisturiser.
Make-up and sun protection must be removed properly. Double cleansing is not always necessary: a single gentle cleanse may suffice if products applied during the day are removed correctly.
Retinol or another retinoid can be used in the evening when indicated and well tolerated. Gradual introduction helps limit redness, dryness and irritation.
A moisturiser can then be applied to maintain hydration and preserve the skin barrier.
Multiplying retinoids, acids and exfoliants is unnecessary. Repeated irritation does not improve their effectiveness and can damage the skin barrier.
Should you exfoliate regularly to keep your skin young?
Regular exfoliation can improve skin radiance and texture, but does not slow skin ageing on its own.
Chemical exfoliants, including certain alpha-hydroxy acids, promote the removal of superficial cells. They can thereby gradually improve skin texture and certain pigmentation irregularities.
Overly frequent or intense exfoliation can cause redness, dryness, burning sensations and damage to the skin barrier. Harsh mechanical scrubs are not necessary to maintain healthy skin.
Frequency of use must be adapted to the type of exfoliant, its concentration and skin sensitivity. Exfoliation can complement a skincare routine, but sun protection remains much more important for preventing premature skin ageing.
Does smoking really make the skin age faster?
Yes. Not smoking is one of the most important measures for limiting avoidable factors in skin ageing.
Smoking increases oxidative stress and disrupts the mechanisms that balance collagen production and breakdown. It is associated with increased wrinkles and impaired skin elasticity.
The effects of smoking add to those of ultraviolet radiation. Chronic exposure to both factors therefore accelerates several mechanisms involved in skin ageing.
Cosmetic products cannot cancel out these effects. Stopping smoking addresses the cause, whereas a cream acts mainly on certain skin characteristics.
Can diet help preserve the skin?
A balanced diet contributes to normal skin function, but no food can prevent wrinkles from appearing.
The skin needs proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins and trace elements for renewal and repair functions.
Fruit and vegetables provide various micronutrients and antioxidant compounds. Protein intake is needed for the synthesis of many structures in the body, including the proteins present in the skin.
However, there is no “anti-ageing” diet that can block the natural decline in collagen.
Dietary supplements should not be considered essential either when there is no deficiency or specific indication.
Does drinking plenty of water prevent wrinkles?
No. Drinking more water than the body needs does not prevent wrinkles or restore skin collagen.
Adequate hydration is necessary for the body to function properly. When dehydrated, the skin may temporarily appear drier or less supple.
In a properly hydrated person, drinking more water does not correct dry skin. Skin dryness depends mainly on the condition of the skin barrier and its ability to limit water loss.
Drinking enough is therefore important for general health. To improve dry skin directly, suitable moisturising products are more useful.
Which habits are the real priorities for preventing skin ageing?
Daily prevention relies first on sun protection, not smoking and a simple skincare routine suited to the skin.
In practice, the priorities are:
• Protect exposed areas from ultraviolet radiation every day.
• Do not smoke.
• Cleanse the skin without damaging it.
• Maintain hydration suited to your skin type.
• Use active ingredients such as retinoids when indicated and tolerated.
• Avoid accumulating irritating products.
• Maintain a balanced diet, regular physical activity and sufficient sleep.
These habits reduce certain factors responsible for premature ageing, but cannot stop biological skin ageing.
When changes begin to appear despite appropriate prevention, certain aesthetic medicine treatments can act in a more targeted way. Skinboosters mainly improve hydration and skin quality; mesotherapy may be offered to improve skin radiance and hydration; Mesopeels act on texture and certain superficial irregularities; photorejuvenation lasers target, in particular, signs associated with repeated sun exposure; Sculptra gradually stimulates collagen production.
These treatments complement daily prevention.
Article written by Dr Valeria Romano
Dr Valeria Romano supports each patient through a comprehensive approach to facial, body and intimate aesthetics, as well as skin and hair quality. Every treatment is based on a personalised medical assessment.
Learn more about