Anti-Aging (Fighting Wrinkles)
Why do I look older?
It’s normal for skin to age over time—but most of the things that make us look older (like wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots) are actually caused by sun damage from UV rays.
If you protected your skin with sunscreen and sun-protective clothing from day one, you could avoid most of the changes that make skin look older.
How can I make my skin looking younger?
You can’t fully reverse aging—but you can reduce wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and sun damage with a routine that costs just $15–25 a month.
If someone tells you that you need fancy serums or 10-step routines, they’re probably trying to sell you something expensive. You don’t need it!
Just follow these 3 simple steps:
Correction – Use a retinoid (like adapalene) to smooth skin and improve texture.
Moisturization – Keep skin hydrated so it can heal and stay soft.
Sun Protection – Prevent future damage with sunscreen and sun-safe habits.
What is a simple, effective skin care routine?
🛏️ BEDTIME ROUTINE:
Wash you face with gentle facial cleanser (hydrating or foaming)
Apply thin layer of adapalene (step 1 – this treats acne and helps with aging)
Apply a thicker layer of Vaseline or CeraVe cream (step 2)
Go to bed a little shiny—that’s a good thing!
☀️ MORNING ROUTINE:
Wash your face with gentle facial cleanser (hydrating or foaming)
Apply a daily moisturizer with sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) (step 3 – this protects your skin from sun damage)
Use more CeraVe cream as needed during the day if your skin feels dry.
Step 1 – Correction
To help your skin look smoother and treat both acne and early signs of aging, the best products come from the retinoid family.
These include:
Tretinoin (Retin-A) – prescription
Tazarotene (Tazorac) – prescription
Adapalene (Differin) – over-the-counter
Retinol – over-the-counter
Between adapalene and retinol, I recommend adapalene. It used to be prescription-only, so it’s stronger and more effective than regular retinol. See instructions below on how to use it.
How to use adapalene at bedtime
Start with clean, dry skin.
Dab a pea-sized amount of adapalene gel on the forehead, sides of the face, and chin (outer areas of face).
Rub it in gently.
Use whatever is left on your fingers to lightly spread around the nose, cheeks, and lips (these spots are more sensitive).
💡 Note: This will make your skin dry and flaky at first. That’s normal—it happens to everyone. Your skin will adjust after a few weeks.
🚫 Warning: Don’t use adapalene if you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant. It may harm a developing baby.
After adapalene: Moisturize
Right after applying adapalene, use lots of moisturizing cream or ointment. My favorites are CeraVe Cream, Vanicream Cream, or Vaseline (#SlugLife)
Put on a thick layer and go to bed a little shiny—your skin will soak it in overnight.
🕒 Stick with adapalene for at least 30 days—it takes about a month to start seeing results.
My face is peeling from adapalene—what should I do?
Peeling is very common when starting adapalene. Most people think their skin is “too sensitive,” but often the problem is how it's being used—not that it’s the wrong product.
Adapalene dries out your skin before it helps it. The first month is tough—but stick with it! It takes about 30 days for your skin to grow from the bottom up, and that’s when you’ll start seeing real results. It will work! Trust the process!
Tips to reduce peeling and redness from adapalene:
Use the right amount: Only a pea-sized amount is needed for your whole face.
Start on the outside of your face: Apply to the forehead, cheeks, jawline, and chin first. Use what’s left on the nose and near the lips—these areas are more sensitive.
Moisturize a lot: You can’t over-moisturize. Use CeraVe, Vanicream, or Vaseline—especially at night.
Stick with it: Use it every night for one month to see benefits. If nightly use is too much, try every other night—just stay consistent.
Try the “sandwich method”—Put on a thin layer of moisturizer, then adapalene, then a thick layer of moisturizer on top. This helps reduce peeling while still giving you the benefits.
Step 2 – Moisturization
Expensive doesn’t mean better. My favorite facial moisturizer is simple: Vaseline (100% petrolatum). Try putting on a thin layer at bedtime—you’ll love how soft your skin feels in the morning. My family and staff all use it, too.
When we get free samples, my wife loves Avène Cicalfate or La Roche-Posay Toleriane, but honestly, Vaseline works just as well (and it’s a lot cheaper).
You don’t need fancy extras like serums, toners, vitamin C, vitamin E, or hyaluronic acid.
Your skin doesn’t need hype—it just needs love and moisture. So give it that, and keep it simple.
Step 3 – sun protection
This photo of a truck driver shows how much sun damages your skin. If you really want younger-looking, healthier skin, you need to protect it from the sun every single day, all year long. This has never been easier because every skincare company makes great daily moisturizers with SPF 30 or higher: Neutrogena, Elta MD, La Roche-Posay (moisturizing and sensitive skin), Avène (mineral/tinted), Aveeno, Cetaphil, CeraVe, and Bubble for the tweens. The BEST sunscreen is the one you will actually use every day because you like it.
But remember:
☀️ Shade and sun hats are even better than sunscreen.
What else can I do for fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots?
For most people, the 3-step routine (correction, moisturization, sun protection) makes a big difference. But if you want more improvement, there are a few extra options:
Prescription tretinoin (Retin-A) is stronger than adapalene and often works better.
Botox works great for deeper, permanent wrinkles—especially on the forehead. It gives quick results but usually needs to be repeated every 3 months. (I’d do it myself if I weren’t so cheap—I stick with adapalene!)
Chemical peels, microneedling, and lasers (especially IPL) can all improve wrinkles and sun spots, but they’re cosmetic—so not covered by insurance. Don’t go cheap with cosmetic procedures. I often see patients with complications from medi-spas, where no one on site knows how to fix the problem. This is especially true for those with darker skin tones—certain peels and lasers can make things worse.
Look for a board-certified dermatologist in your area. If you are in or near Utah, see one of my excellent colleagues at the University of Utah.
DISCLAIMER
The statements expressed and content of this website are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should seek their own professional counsel for any medical condition or before starting or altering any treatment, exercise, or dietary plan. Please see our full disclaimer here.