It’s Twestion Time! That’s Twitter Question Time for short.
Today’s query is from @FranZigone (no, that’s not her above), who asks: “Any recos for a good anti-wrinkle cream for a 24 yr old? Tried Biotherm last time. What do u suggest?”
Now I should also say here that Fran didn’t just ask ME this question. (My Twitter handle is @Beauty_Editor, by the way, in case you want to ask Twestions of your own.) No, Fran also asked this of two other, very smart beauty editors (both of whom you should also follow). Their responses?
@LesaHannah: At 24???!!! It’s called SUN SCREEN! 
and
@KFlemming: Sunscreen! That’s it.
And of course, they’re right, Fran. But I’m going to expand on this a bit more, since (a) I have room here and (b) I like to be servicey.
So let’s talk about sunscreen first. Absolutely, it’s the number one thing you can do at any age—but especially when you’re only 24—to prevent premature aging. (Don’t believe me? Take a gander at these here photos.)
I’m a huge fan of physical block-type sunscreens: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The chemical load is less and they’re great for sensitive or acne-prone skin (for some people, the ingredients in regular sunscreens can be irritating or cause breakouts). As I mentioned here, my favourite one in the world is Pure + Simple’s All Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 for Oily/Impure Skin; it also comes in Sensitive and Anti-Aging formulas.
You can also look for moisturizers with the sunscreen conveniently built-in. One I’m loving right now is Burt’s Bees Radiance SPF 15 Day Lotion, which is a great basic moisturizer for any skin type (it also has anti-wrinkle benefits and will make your skin look more luminous). Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration SPF 15 is another good one. But really, the key thing for anti-wrinkle protection during the day is to just wear sunscreen of any kind, period.
At night, it’s never too early to start using a product from the retinoid family—vitamin A derivatives that stimulate collagen production and can, over time, reduce fine lines and sun damage. (They can also help with blemishes and, as I’ve mentioned a few times here, are still the gold standard in anti-aging.) SkinCeuticals makes a great retinol product in both 0.5% and 1.0% concentrations—but it’s a bit pricey. I like NeoStrata‘s anti-aging offerings too, and their Anti-Wrinkle Night Complex contains retinol, is for all skin types and is at a lower price point. One more option: Dermaglow has a line called Nuvage, which is designed for women looking to prevent the first signs of aging. The Anti-Aging Therapy product doesn’t have retinol, but it does have antioxidants and peptides, which are two other ingredient families to look for.
Last thing: I didn’t mention eye creams because unless you have a super-sensitive eye area, you can just use your regular face cream all over. (And Paula Begoun agrees with me.) Sure, an eye cream is nice to have, but it’s not really a necessity—and I think at 24 you want to keep your regimen fairly simple.
Anyone have more tips for Fran? Are you shocked that I just dissed eye cream? Or are you still wondering how a 24-year-old could possibly already be worrying about wrinkles?
