Starting a Skincare Routine: Building a Foundation for Ageless Skin

Is it ever too early to start a skincare routine that will eventually serve as an anti-aging regimen? According to experts, including Joanna Vargas, the answer is a resounding no. Targeting concerns like pigmentation, fine lines around the eyes, and overall skin brightness can begin at any age. Even a simple routine with a cleanser and sunscreen can make a world of difference in maintaining youthful skin. As your needs evolve, you can gradually introduce more targeted products to support healthy, glowing skin through every decade. Here’s a step-by-step guide to building a routine that will ultimately keep your skin looking radiant and youthful:

Morning Routine

Step 1: Cleanser
Start each day with a fresh face. Choose a gentle cleanser that maintains your skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving it clean without feeling stripped. This helps prevent dryness and prepares your skin to absorb the benefits of the following steps.

Step 2: Toner
A toner can be especially beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it helps balance the skin's pH and remove any lingering impurities. This step ensures that your skin is prepped and ready for the products to follow.

Step 3: Vitamin C Serum
Next, layer on a vitamin C serum to protect your skin against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that boosts collagen production and evens out skin tone. Incorporating a brightening serum like Joanna Vargas's Rescue Serum provides an extra layer of defense against signs of aging, helping to maintain a smooth, luminous complexion.

Step 4: Facial Oil
If your skin is on the dry side, a drop of facial oil can lock in moisture before applying your daily moisturizer. Look for oils rich in essential fatty acids like rosehip and sea buckthorn, which nourish the skin and promote a dewy finish.

Step 5: Moisturizer
Hydration is key to maintaining skin’s suppleness. Opt for a lightweight moisturizer that includes ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to support the skin barrier while keeping it smooth and plump.

Step 6: SPF
The most critical step in any skincare routine—especially one aimed at preventing premature aging—is sunscreen. "Sun exposure is the top cause of early wrinkles and pigmentation," says Shani Darden, a licensed celebrity esthetician. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays, which deplete collagen and elastin. Good SPF formulas blend seamlessly under makeup while keeping your skin safe and hydrated throughout the day.

Night Routine

Step 1: Double Cleanse
At the end of the day, a double cleanse is essential to thoroughly remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. Start with an oil-based cleanser to break down makeup and follow up with a gel or cream cleanser to ensure a clean slate for your nighttime products. This step enhances product absorption and helps maintain clear pores.

Step 2: Toner
Just like in the morning, applying toner after cleansing preps your skin for active ingredients. A gentle exfoliating toner can also help maintain the skin’s ideal pH and promote a smoother texture over time.

Step 3: Retinol
Retinol is the cornerstone of any effective anti-aging routine. It accelerates cell turnover, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, pigmentation, and rough texture. While traditional retinoids can be drying, Joanna Vargas’s Supernova Serum offers a gentle alternative, combining the benefits of retinol with hydrating ingredients to minimize irritation while maximizing results.

Step 4: Exfoliating 
Incorporating an exfoliating serum with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acid can help maintain a radiant complexion by sloughing away dead skin cells. This also enhances the penetration of other active ingredients, ensuring that your skin gets the most out of every step.

Step 5: Moisturizer
Lock in all the goodness with a rich night cream or hydrating mask. Look for ingredients like peptides and ceramides, which help to reinforce the skin barrier and encourage collagen production overnight, leaving your skin firm and nourished.

Step 6: Eye Treatment
The delicate skin around the eyes deserves special attention. A targeted eye cream helps to hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. Consider an eye serum with hyaluronic acid for added hydration, making the area look smoother and more youthful.

Weekly Extras

Face Masks
Face masks provide a concentrated boost of hydration and anti-aging ingredients. "Masks rich in peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid help support collagen production and smooth fine lines," notes Joanna Vargas. Treat yourself to a mask session once or twice a week, either in the morning or as part of your evening unwind.

Dermarolling
At-home dermarolling is a great way to amplify the effects of your skincare products. By creating microchannels in the skin, it encourages deeper penetration of serums and promotes collagen production. However, proper technique is crucial—misuse can cause irritation and pigmentation, especially for sensitive skin types.

Building an Anti-Aging Routine for the Future

The foundation of a skincare routine is all about protecting and preserving your skin’s natural beauty. By starting with simple, effective steps like cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, you’ll set yourself up for success. As your skin’s needs change, you can introduce more targeted treatments like retinol, vitamin C, and professional-grade exfoliants. Remember, consistency is key, and over time, these steps will become your best defense against the signs of aging, keeping your skin vibrant, youthful, and glowing. At Joanna Vargas, we believe in empowering you to feel confident in your skin—at every stage of life.