You’ve finally made the decision – it’s time to start your anti-aging routine. Congratulations, you’re one step closer to more youthful skin! Where do you begin is the real question. Navigating the world of anti-aging skincare can be tough for a novice, so we put together a list of starter steps:

1) See a professional:

Nobody knows skin like a professional. When starting a new skincare routine, visit an esthetician or dermatologist to get their advice. Each of us has unique skincare needs and they’ll best be able to put you on the path to address yours.

2) Find a gentle cleanser:

So much of what we use in our younger years is medicated or has chemicals that are harsh on our skin. By switching to a gentle wash that you can use on a daily basis, you’re giving your skin the break it desperately needs. It’s especially important to wash your face at night to get rid the day’s grit and grime.

3) Get to know antioxidants:

Antioxidants, like vitamin C, are the cornerstone of an anti-aging routine. They help your skin on two separate fronts. First, antioxidants work to repair damage to your skin from the sun and other environmental exposures. Furthermore, vitamin C helps increase collagen production, which keeps your skin full and firm.

4) Exfoliate regularly:

Before jumping straight to expensive strips and serums, begin with the skincare basics. By exfoliating regularly, you increase the circulation in your skin. It also removes the dull outer layer, leaving you looking glowing and bright. We recommend beginning by exfoliating a few times a week.

5) Choose the eye cream for you:

Eye creams are one of the first steps for someone who’s getting serious about keeping skin ageless. The skin around the eye is much thinner than the rest of the face, so it shows signs of aging, like crow’s feet and discoloration, sooner and more harshly than the rest of your face. By keeping it hydrated and healthy, you’re doing yourself a big favor.

That’s what it takes to start an anti-aging routine. Start with the skincare basics: cleaning, exfoliating and moisturizing. From there, you can add in more anti-aging specific products, like an eye cream and antioxidants. Pretty soon you’ll have luminescent, age-defying skin.