Maximize Product Efficacy: 8 Anti-Aging Application Strategies

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Start With a Clean Slate

Always cleanse and use a toner on your skin before applying products to make sure dirt and grime aren't affecting absorption. Layer moisturizers on top of your medicinal products.

Related: How to Layer Your Beauty Products for Better Skin

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Don't Dry All the Way

Apply products immediately after you wash your face with warm water. Contrary to popular belief, your skin doesn't need to be totally dry before you apply a product. In fact, a little moisture makes your skin more absorbent.

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Don't Go Overboard

Retinols are the gold standard of topical skin care, treating everything from wrinkles to acne, but use this anti-aging ingredient sparingly. "More isn't better in this case," says Nussbaum. Opt for a pea-size amount on your entire face. More will cause inflammation, dryness, and flaking. (Dry, flaking skin doesn't absorb products very well, which is why you should apply products after washing with warm water.)

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Time It Right

Only use RX retinoids at night. They can make your skin more sun sensitive, increasing your risk of sunburn during the day—which can create wrinkles and sun spots (defeating the purpose!).

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Store Products Properly

Store your products in a cool, dark place, like your medicine cabinet, since light can influence the potency of effective ingredients. Vitamin C is particularly sensitive to light. To get more "de-puffing" out of your eye cream, try storing in your fridge.

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Ditch the Daily Routine

You don't need to use your prescription anti-aging products every day. Two or three times per week will make them most effective for flake-free, smooth skin.

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Protect Yourself

Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is the ultimate defense against signs of aging. No sunscreen is actually waterproof or sweat proof so you'll need to reapply every two hours if you head outside. If you suffer from acne, use a physical sunscreen with zinc or titanium oxide so it actually sits on top of your skin without absorbing into it and risking clogged pores.

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Exfoliate, Then Apply an Antioxidant Serum

Exfoliate once or twice a week to clear away dead skin cells, paving a clear path for antioxidants to work their magic. Note: Exfoliation can make your skin too sensitive to handle a retinoid, so stick to an antiox serum on these days.