The Right Age to Start Using Anti-Aging Creams
Vaibhav Kochar | Aug 05, 2025, 23:50 IST
( Image credit : Timeslife )
Beauty pressure is everywhere now. Anti-aging creams are popular, but skincare should address skin needs. Preventative care is helpful. A simple routine suffices under 23. Light anti-aging creams can be used from 24 to 26. Stronger creams are considered after 30 if needed. These creams hydrate, improve texture, and brighten skin. Avoid starting too early or using too many products.
Nowadays, beauty pressure is everywhere on phones, in ads, and even in school or college conversations. The moment someone sees a small line or feels dry skin, panic begins. The market is full of anti-aging creams, and even teenagers are buying them without knowing if they’re even needed.
There’s confusion. Some say, “start early,” others say, “wait till signs appear.” However, the truth is that skincare should never be based on fear or trends. It should be based on what the skin needs.
Unfortunately, there is no right age to start. However, skin care experts recommend that practicing a method known as preventative care can be helpful. Preventative care means establishing small routines before bad things happen, not after.
Many people believe that anti-aging creams are only for removing wrinkles. But that is not true. These creams are designed to:
But these creams are not magical. There is no anti-aging product that works well without sleep, good food choices, and peace of mind.
Often, people create damage to their skin while attempting to "save" it. Below are some of the most frequent errors, which we rarely hear discussed.
1. Starting too early: You generally do not want to use a strong anti-aging ingredient like retinol until you are about 24 years old (consult your dermatologist). Starting too early is just going to sensitize your skin.
2. Too many products at one time: More isn't always better. The skin gets confused with mixing creams, serums, toners, and so on; it can become irritated.
3. Copying someone else: everyone's skin is different, which means something could be perfectly fine on someone else's skin, but could damage yours. Always use products based on your skin type, not based on a trend.
4. No sunscreen: no anti-aging cream is going to have any effect on the skin if it's exposed to the sun; this is not just a skin cancer aspect, this is aging as well. Sunscreen is the best anti-aging product.
5. Expecting instant results:
Real skincare takes time. Any product that promises overnight magic is likely full of chemicals or false hope.
Aging is natural. It’s not a disease or a problem that needs to be “fixed.” Lines, spots, and changes in skin come with life, with laughter, stress, growth, and memories. That’s nothing to hide.
Anti-aging creams are tools, not cures. The best results won't come from early use. The best results come from intelligent/gentle use and respecting your skin.
The right age is not a number... It's when your skin starts asking for a little extra help. And even then, it is still just as beautiful if you proceed slowly with care and not simply due to pressure from others.
It's important to care for skin, but also equally beautiful to accept changes with grace.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
There’s confusion. Some say, “start early,” others say, “wait till signs appear.” However, the truth is that skincare should never be based on fear or trends. It should be based on what the skin needs.
So, What Age?
Right age to use anti-ageing
( Image credit : Freepik )
Unfortunately, there is no right age to start. However, skin care experts recommend that practicing a method known as preventative care can be helpful. Preventative care means establishing small routines before bad things happen, not after.
- Under 23: Skin tends to heal easily. A simple skin care regimen will suffice - face wash and sunscreen, and a basic moisturizer.
- 24 to 26 Age Range: This may be when you start to see minimal signs of aging, not wrinkles or creases, but possibly discoloration or dryness. That would be the time for your first light anti-aging cream or anti-aging serum containing vitamin C or hyaluronic acid.
- 30+ Age Range: This is when some stronger anti-aging creams containing retinol, peptides, or collagen boosters come to mind. However, this is only necessary if you are seeing early signs of aging, such as fine lines, pigmentation, or sagging.
Anti-Aging Creams are not just for wrinkles
Not for wrinkles
( Image credit : Freepik )
Many people believe that anti-aging creams are only for removing wrinkles. But that is not true. These creams are designed to:
- Hydrate tired or dry skin
- Improve skin texture
- Reduce early signs of sun damage
- Brighten dull-looking skin
- Slow down visible signs of stress or pollution
But these creams are not magical. There is no anti-aging product that works well without sleep, good food choices, and peace of mind.
Mistakes That Can Create More Damage Than Help
Can harm more than do good
( Image credit : Freepik )
Often, people create damage to their skin while attempting to "save" it. Below are some of the most frequent errors, which we rarely hear discussed.
1. Starting too early: You generally do not want to use a strong anti-aging ingredient like retinol until you are about 24 years old (consult your dermatologist). Starting too early is just going to sensitize your skin.
2. Too many products at one time: More isn't always better. The skin gets confused with mixing creams, serums, toners, and so on; it can become irritated.
3. Copying someone else: everyone's skin is different, which means something could be perfectly fine on someone else's skin, but could damage yours. Always use products based on your skin type, not based on a trend.
4. No sunscreen: no anti-aging cream is going to have any effect on the skin if it's exposed to the sun; this is not just a skin cancer aspect, this is aging as well. Sunscreen is the best anti-aging product.
5. Expecting instant results:
Real skincare takes time. Any product that promises overnight magic is likely full of chemicals or false hope.
Don’t Fear Aging
Graceful ageing
( Image credit : Freepik )
Aging is natural. It’s not a disease or a problem that needs to be “fixed.” Lines, spots, and changes in skin come with life, with laughter, stress, growth, and memories. That’s nothing to hide.
Anti-aging creams are tools, not cures. The best results won't come from early use. The best results come from intelligent/gentle use and respecting your skin.
The right age is not a number... It's when your skin starts asking for a little extra help. And even then, it is still just as beautiful if you proceed slowly with care and not simply due to pressure from others.
It's important to care for skin, but also equally beautiful to accept changes with grace.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can anti-aging creams prevent skin damage caused by stress?
Yes, many anti-aging creams contain antioxidants that help counter stress-induced skin aging. - Is there a difference between preventive and corrective anti-aging creams?
Yes, preventive creams focus on hydration and protection, while corrective ones treat visible signs like wrinkles. - Can using anti-aging products too early damage skin?
Overuse of strong ingredients like retinol at a young age can irritate and weaken skin barrier. - Do anti-aging creams work differently on Indian skin tones?
Yes, ingredients must suit melanin-rich skin to avoid pigmentation or uneven effects.