No BS: Actual Ways To Prevent Wrinkles From Our Expert

When it comes to preventing wrinkles, there's a lot of fake news out there: miracle products that promise to make you look 18 years old again, TikTok hacks that claim to erase sun damage. It can be hard to separate the old wives' tales and marketing hype from the scientifically validated data. That's why Women spoke exclusively with Dr. Jenny Liu, a board-certified dermatologist, who knows what advice is going to actually help you prevent wrinkles — and what advice is just a waste of your time. 

Unfortunately, there's no miracle cure for wrinkles. Aging is natural and everyone's life experience shows up on their face over time. That said, there are plenty of ways you can protect and nourish your skin, preventing premature lines on your face and softening the appearance of wrinkles. Liu talked to use about the best products to look for as your skin matures and some lifestyle tweaks that can help prevent damage and reduce the appearance of aging.

Unprotected sun exposure can damage skin, leading to signs of aging, including wrinkles. UVA rays, in particular, can damage proteins like collagen and elastin in skin cells, which causes a loss of elasticity and thinning. In fact, protecting your skin from the sun is one of the best ways to minimize wrinkles.

"Prevention is really the single most effective and important thing," says Liu. She explains that even if you already have some sun damage, more unprotected sun exposure can make it worse. For that reason, it's never too late to start taking your UV protection seriously. To minimize and prevent future wrinkles, it's good to use an SPF product as part of your daily routine, and reach for hats and long-sleeve shirts whenever possible.

There's even some research that suggests regular use of sunscreen can reverse sun damage. But, either way, the sooner you start UV protection the better. Liu emphasizes that it's important to wear sunscreen every day, even when you plan to be indoors. And yes, you still need to wear sunscreen in the winter!

Retinoids deliver a number of powerful benefits, including minimizing wrinkles and reducing pigmentation. Commonly sold as retinol, tretinoin, and adapalene, these powerful products "increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production," says Liu. Retinoids "are considered the gold standard for wrinkle prevention because they work on multiple levels to improve skin aging," she adds.

According to Liu, retinoids "boost fibroblast activity, leading to increased collagen and elastin synthesis, which helps firm the skin and reduce fine lines," she says. They can also "accelerate the shedding of dead skin cells and encourage the production of new, healthy cells, improving skin texture and radiance." Retinoids are strong, which is why it's best to be careful when adding them to your routine. Liu recommends using retinoids before bed, starting with a low concentration two to three times per week to figure out what your tolerance levels are. Over time, you can gradually increase the frequency of use, but it will take at least three to six months of consistent use to see "significant improvements," Liu says. 

Retinoids also increase sensitivity to sun exposure, which makes it even more imperative that you include an SPF product in your skincare routine. But, approached correctly, retinoids can be a powerful tool to help give you the smooth and glowing skin of your dreams — and you can even use retinol to treat your body in addition to your face.

Retinoids and sunscreen are both important, as we've discussed above. But there are also other topical ingredients that "can help prevent wrinkles by stimulating collagen production, protecting against environmental damage, and maintaining skin elasticity," says Liu. If you're hoping to prevent wrinkles, look for active ingredients including vitamin C, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. These powerful treatments can help make wrinkles and fine lines vanish.

Vitamin C is one of the best skincare ingredients on the market — it targets dark spots, in addition to wrinkles. According to Liu, it is a "potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and boosts collagen synthesis." Meanwhile, peptides and hyaluronic acid both support collagen production, and both can be used daily. "[Hyaluronic acid] helps retain moisture and plump the skin, improving the appearance of fine lines," says Liu.

Many of these ingredients can be found within the formulations of other products, although some brands also develop specific serums and boosters that deliver an extra dose of this collagen-boosting goodness. Products like La Roche-Posay's Vitamin C Serum or Paula's Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster both allow you to add the simplest form of a particular ingredient to your routine.

Wrinkle prevention isn't just about what you put on your skin. Diet and lifestyle are both likely to impact your skin's appearance. A healthier lifestyle likely means fewer wrinkles, in general. Smoking and alcohol can both prematurely age skin.

Diet is also key to keeping skin looking young and glowing. "Certain nutrients play a key role in skin health and may help delay wrinkle formation," says Liu. She recommends looking for foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids — found in foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts—because they "help maintain the skin's lipid barrier, reducing dryness and inflammation." Healthier skin is smoother skin.

Supplements might also help you fight wrinkles, Liu adds. "Some studies suggest that hydrolyzed collagen supplements improve skin elasticity and hydration, reducing fine lines over time," she says. If you're looking for an extra boost to your collagen production, something like Puritan's Pride Hydrolyzed Collagen could help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and keep skin looking younger.