For most women, our number one concern is anti-aging. We're all searching for the fountain of youth. While I haven't found it yet, I truly believe the closest to the fountain is investing in skincare and starting young. 

It's never too late (or too early) to start focusing on skincare. There are so many great brands with amazing products ranging from drugstore to high-end budget. Whatever yours is, use skincare products that target your skin concern and don't be afraid of trying different products till you find the best ones that work for you.

No matter your skin type, start with the basics which include a face wash, toner, serum, moisturizer for face and eyes. Most importantly wear sunscreen with SPF! A face wash to cleanse your skin of dirt, oil, makeup, and pollutants from our environment in the morning and evening. This is a necessary first step to your skincare routine.

Many of us are not doing this essential step. Applying a serum that specifically targets your skin concerns is highly critical. Think of this step as your treatment, whether you want to brighten your skin, erase damage from the sun, acne, firm and tighten your skin, and the list can go on.

A moisturizer for your face to lock in the moisture in your skin with a particular focus such as anti-aging or collagen production benefit. Don't skip moisturizing even if you have oily skin. Your eyes and neck also show signs of age. Many often don't think about these areas when they're preventing premature aging. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest. Choose an eye cream that targets your concern such as fine lines, deep wrinkles, puffiness, or dark circles. 

Using a neck cream or remembering to lather serum and face moisturizer onto the neck is essential to your skincare routine. 

When it comes to preventing and treating aging skin, SPF is a vital ingredient. Sun damage and environmental pollutant is harmful to the skin. You need to focus on protecting your skin, and that is what SPF does. Be sure that the SPF products you are using protects your skin against both UVA and UVB rays, and man-made factors such as fluorescent lighting. The best defense is to layer on for extra and prolonged protection. SPF products are available in sunscreens, foundations, moisturizers, and BB creams. 

Tinted moisturizers and BB creams are amazing year-round, but especially critical during the hot summer months. Besides giving you a natural, dewy, and fresh-faced look, they provide great coverage while protecting your face from the sun. For more coverage in certain areas you can always apply concealer and blend in. I always set my tinted moisturizers and BB creams down with a setting powder and setting spray for a natural and flawless look. Some of my favorites are tinted moisturizers from Laura Mercier and BB creams from Christian Dior. My friend and a fellow skincare enthusiast, @YvonLux, loves Purlisse's BB cream for their shade options and moisturizing texture that glides on and gives just the perfect amount of coverage. 

If you haven't invested in your skin, start now! Your skin represents you for the rest of your life and it speaks volume. Note that it is also going to change over time and seasonally. Pay close attention to your skin and give it what it needs and deserves.

Contributor

Jessica Labidi loves sharing her passion for skincare and beauty. She's worked directly with Philosophy, Dior, Impulse Beauty, and over 20 brands ranging from skincare, makeup, hair care, and skincare tools. Since she's been in the beauty industry for almost 10 years, Jessica enjoys sharing what she's learned via her YouTube channel at Jessica Labidi and on Instagram at jessicalabidibeauty.