From a physiological standpoint, fine lines and wrinkles appear due to structural changes in the various layers of skin, namely the loss of collagen (the natural protein that makes skin look firm), elastin (the protein that gives skin its bouncy “rubber band” quality), natural moisture (which makes skin look plump), and fat (which makes skin appear thick and healthy).

These structural changes are triggered by the simple act of aging, but there are also external factors — things we can help — that expedite the process, the most significant being sun exposure and free radical damage from environmental aggressors. Other influences include lifestyle habits, such as smoking, diet, exercise, stress, and the way skin is handled (such as repeated facial movements, harsh rubbing and using low-quality or abrasive skincare treatments).

It is most definitely possible for fine lines to turn into heavier, more distinguishable wrinkles if they’re not addressed through professional-grade skincare and visits to a skincare professional for peels and other treatments.

Although you cannot completely stop fine lines and wrinkles from forming nor can you completely reverse the process, you’ll see the most difference in minimizing their appearance by supporting your skin with research-backed skincare treatments, including a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 as well as concentrated formulas containing clinically studied ingredients like retinol, peptides, and vitamin C. Applying masks and exfoliators on a weekly basis and regularly visiting a licensed esthetician for professional procedures will also go a long way.

On top of that, you can arm yourself with additional protection. Wear a hat during peak sun hours (noon to early afternoon), drink lots of fluids, eat a rainbow of vegetables, get plenty of exercise, manage your stress levels, sleep on a clean silk or satin pillowcase, and consider a plan to cease certain habits like smoking and picking at your skin. During your daily skincare ritual, you should also handle your skin gently. Use your ring finger to gently dab on eye cream, pat in serums with your fingertips, and don’t rub back-and-forth with a towel to dry.

Your cleanser, exfoliator, mask, toner, serums, moisturizer and/or facial oils should all work in synergy, balancing and amplifying one another to infuse your skin with maximum support. In that way, all
products are important in your quest to both slow down and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

However, in general, serums feature the highest concentration of active ingredients. Masks and moisturizers/creams may also contain age-defying ingredients. Cleansers, exfoliators, toners, and oils are vital to youthful-looking skin as well, albeit more indirectly—they tend to focus more on clarifying, hydrating and locking in moisture.

Note that you should never use product after product with high percentages of active ingredients. In fact, that can be too harsh on skin, causing more damage and ultimately more wrinkles. The best products will feature hydrating, moisturizing, balancing and nourishing ingredients.

Your best bet is to find products that are professionally formulated and tested in clinical studies on human participants.

When it comes to skincare ingredients, bear in mind that it’s not only about finding specific anti-wrinkle actives in high concentrations. You also need to find them in their ideal form (so they properly penetrate and effect change in the skin without aggravating it or compromising its health) and in the optimal concentrations.

For instance, retinol is the gold standard anti-aging ingredient—it’s scientifically proven to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, retinol comes in many forms, ranging from lower-potency derivatives to its purest form (which is only available via prescription). Not all over-the-counter forms work well with skin; in fact, many do not reach the areas they need to in order to make visible improvements. IMAGE Skincare uses encapsulated, time-released retinol, a patented technology that transports retinol to the skin so it remains stable—and effective. Other go-to ingredients include peptides, vitamin C and glycolic acid.