I drafted this post a while ago and forgot about it until I received an email from reader Wanie who asked me a similar question extracted below:-
…As i’m approaching 24 this year… I’ve been thinking to change my skincare products to anti aging products. So what do you think? can I use anti aging products at 24? …
Incidentally, Iamtheanonymous asked on MWS cafe day a similar question. So I dug up this post from my draft archives 
Do you think there is an age or a barrier when you absolutely MUST switch from regular skincare to anti-aging skincare?
I’m not an expert, but I don’t think so and I told Wanie so too! My reasons are below.
Many skincare brands tell us that we should start using anti-aging products as a “preventive” measure so we should start our regime in our 20′s. Others say you can do so in your 30′s.
Personally, I feel that your skincare regime should follow your skin concerns, not age. If you have been looking after your skin from young, applying sunblock and using a proper skincare regime, signs of aging don’t show up that quickly. Similarly, if your lifestyle doesn’t accelerate skin aging e.g. smoking, excessive drinking (alcohol), regular late nights etc your skin will remain supple and young looking for longer; or simply, if you have good genes.
Signs of aging include fine lines and winkles, sagging skin and dry and tired skin. Sometimes its nothing to do with lifestyle but might even be genetic.
Our skins aren’t all made equal. If it were, skincare companies would go bankrupt 
Because we are different, we have different concerns for our skin. So, someone who is battling acne would hardly be overly concerned with anti-aging products – all they want is to clear up their acne! Ditto someone with hyperpigmentation or dull skin. What they’d want is to brighten up their skin.
So, I say that when you should start using anti-aging products is when you feel the need and even then, perhaps only those in their late 20′s or early 30′s and up. In your early 20′s you are practically still in the bloom of youth so you might only want to be using the minimum of products to keep your skin moisturized or to treat any problems you might be facing then.
Here’s a personal anecdote. When I was younger, I dabbled in anti-aging skincare that promised to firm up skin and smooth away wrinkles as a “preventative measure”. I saw no results. However, when I gave that same product to my mum, the results were amazing and visible which prompted me to believe that the product works; just not on my younger skin. Perhaps I could return to them now
I’d like to think that anti-aging products are good to use when you start discovering problems related to aging skin. Otherwise, you’d never see any results and you’d wonder why you ever bothered!
But these are my thoughts and they may not be yours so how about sharing yours?
Paris B
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[ 43 comments… read them below or join the discussion ]
Uh-oh. You mentioned my vice. Alcohol! I always love a glass of good wine or a fizzy cocktail.
But I’m dilligent about my skincare and sunscreen, perhaps that helps? Have just been told that I look like someone in my mid-20s but I’m taking that compliment with a pinch of salt because Asians always look younger compared to caucasians anyway 
But I agree with your comment that your skincare should reflect the skin’s needs, not your age. Good one there!
Moderation, Geek!
Alcohol in moderation is alright and as you said, coupled with a proper skincare regime. Also, its quite true that Asian genes show up age slower than Caucasian genes. I’m always happy for people NOT to be able to guess my actual age 
THANK YOU for this entry. I’ve been wondering about this topic lately. Thanks again!
Glad to be of help Reena!
Twitter: HannyiNefMor
February 2, 2010 at 10:11 am
OOOO… Yeah, I was wondering about that too, hehhehheh. Seems that I have more than a decade left to go, haihz… Man, only a decade… I’m getting sooo old.
You are only ever as old as you think you are!
Thanks you for sharing this to us…at least now i have a clearer idea on when should i change my skin product.
Glad to be of help!
Remember though this is just my own view – others might beg to differ
Twitter: smellyocheese
February 2, 2010 at 10:16 am
very well-written post!
That’s so true; skin care should follow our skin concerns and not our age.
I use anti-aging products because they have moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties which help relief my dry and eczema-stricken skin. Not so much because I wanna look young. heck, I AM young!
Yep yep! Whatever works for our skin, even if it means having to use anti aging products when you are young. Its great that you’ve worked out what works for you actully
Thanks for the post PB.
I’ve been trying on different moisturizers and the one which doesn’t cause me allergic reaction and can adequately moisturize my sahara skin happens to be anti-aging product lol. I guess I’ll just stick with it. It shoo away my dry and flaking skin, so why not?
Yep! If it works for you, go with it! And if it helps keep you looking younger all the better
I definitely gets to be super observant on my skin, if I see that I’m starting to get zits or spots, I would definitely use something to help clear my skin, if my skin is getting drier than the usual, I would definitely target the dry spot with moisturizing skincare regimen! You are right, it doesn’t have anything to do with age!
Haha yeah if it was all to do with age, we’d be switching skincare like crazy every few years!
I feel there is neither rush nor fixed age to use anti-ageing skincare. I think skincare is like food, just go as the body tells you to. Take for example my eyes have developed severe fine lines, so I don’t mind using anti-ageing eye creams. But definitely not for daily moisturizer. It’s costly anyway. =)
You said it! Just use it where you need it most – save money too!
Twitter: toughcookee
February 2, 2010 at 12:29 pm
i’ve never thought i needed anti-aging products although i am already hitting my 35… my skin is still oily and firm and more dehydrated rather than dry. recently though, while checking out stuff at dior, they passed me a sample of a new product and it has sorta improved my skin texture in ways i never thought i’d see. but then again, i guess it’s high time i start including something from the anti-aging range into my daily regime. so i guess, before we’d want to try something out, it would be good to get our hands on a sample…
Oho! Tell me its Capture Totale One Essential. That’s transformed my skin!
Twitter: toughcookee
February 3, 2010 at 2:18 am
yes! yes that’s the one!
i wanted to buy it in isetan klcc but they’re out of stock 
you’ve not written any reviews on it, have you? would love to read your take on it.
I’ve been using it too. Personally I find it pretty amazing high pricetag and all
The review is coming up in a couple of weeks 
agreeed… it depends on different people… I’ve seen ppl in their 20s and their skin is starting to age (eg, wrinkles)… others with baby smooth skin… all I really need for now is a good anti-aging eye cream^^
btw, I didn’t believe my aunt when she told me she was 70++… I knew she was one of the oldest aunts but I thought she was around 60+? Her skin is smooth and she only has wrinkles around her eyes (not too deep too!)
I second Connie’s comment. Also, as a side note, anti aging skincare some times are a bit more rich in its contents than the usual ones.
Ah that’s true too. So those who are acne prone or have very oily skin might not be able to handle rich creams
Hmm, I read somewhere that Brazilian girls are the earliest to start using anti ageing products – 18 years old! Should we use anti ageing eye cream first since that’s usually the place we abused most, for me anyway, those tugging and rubbing I used to do.
Brazilian girls at 18? Really? What on earth are they preventing at that age? For the eye area I just use anything that works/helps. It might not necessarily be “anti-aging” per se.
lol i’m 18 and i’m using anti-aging skincare.
Prevention is better than cure I’d say + I just found out that 50% of sun damage is done before the age of 18!
Great post, Paris! To me, sunblock IS the best anti-aging skincare, and everyone should start on it as young as possible. And I agree with you on what you said, so long as you’ve got the basic products down, and apply sun protection religiously, you’re already doing your part to prevent premature signs of aging.
I second your thought. I’m a great advocate of sunscreen despite all the detractors who say its a load of bs
I started using anti-ageing products when I was 35! I didn’t feel the need for them till then, when my skin starting thinning and I started getting brown spots.
I’ve always worn high SPF sunscreen, though.
Thanks for sharing Jamilla! I’m only starting to use products for anti aging now and even then I sometimes don’t even feel the need for it LOL I do wear high SPF too.
I asked myself in facebook 15 days ago and some of the answers was at the age 25 years old.. However, I read too somewhere best antiaging product is exercise. A good friend of mine added – dont stress, smile more and have a young heart…
Yeah staying happy keeps the lines way hence keeping you looking young longer. I still say use whatever you need whenever you need it and the skin won’t get stressed
I started to use anti age products when I was 20.Now I already 34 yrs , but when I go out together with my mother, no ones thinks that we are mother & daughter,they think we are like sister! haha.Well, it’s depends on your skin, if your skin can take it, why not start early
That’s great to hear! Thanks for sharing. I do personally think that 25 and below is a little young for anti aging products because the skin is just reaching its maturity but yes as you say, if it works for you, why not?
I can’t remember the first time I use anti-aging product.
25 perhaps?
(I’m 32 now)
Hi again! Thank you for the advice
I’m also just 24 years old too and every time i buy something for my face, mom won’t stop nagging me about putting so much stuff on my face at a very young age
Thanks for sharing… Merry X’mas =)
parisb, i was reading ur post about the kiehl’s midnight concentrate and Estee ANR .. n i am getting confused , LOL . i totally agree wif u on the using skincare depending on ur skin concerns thing . bcoz i m only on my early 20s and this cny i have been working my ass off so no time to stock up on vichy aqua gel , now my skin is so so dry n i actually see a line on my forehead ! jus like 2 days without moisturizers !! (i mean i did apply a type of serum i brought from a salon but stil it is so so dry i have itchiness nw, like sensitive bcoz its too dry ) okok enuf of sorrows bout my skin . but wat i really wanted to ask is this , i have combinations skin , normally my tzine area will have small breakouts , so i m afraid of using too rich products .. but nw due to the massive workload n nights out partyiing =( my skin looks like shit .. so which one shud i use ? if i wanted smthing like totally hydrating and keeps aging at bay ..currently using
a) haba lado lotion
b) vichy thermal gel
i wanted to purchase the serums u mention but dunno which to buy . need ur help . LOl thanks !
Hi I’m not sure if you read this post as well which might address your questions http://www.mywomenstuff.com/2011/01/05/save-and-splurge-night-repair-anti-aging-serums-and-a-recipe-for-glowing-skin/
In a nutshell I find they both work the same way and even better together. But on their own I think they perform a similar function and they both work well to keep my skin looking better than if I don’t use anything at all. So either works fine in my view
Thanks for sharing!! I was having a dilemma about this topic too!! So glad that I wasn’t alone!
But I still have a question! If you will please indulge me with an answer, I will be forever grateful!
I read from somewhere that after we turn 20, our skin will start to lose about 60% of its elasticity and begin to sag, especially we Asians. Scary~~
Anyway, I know for a fact that our eyes will start to age first. So, my question is which of the ageing concern should be addressed first? The sagging or ageing around the eyes? Or both??
Any product recommendation?
Thanks in advance~
Twitter: paris_b
December 26, 2011 at 5:22 pm
I’m not sure about the stats pertaining to loss of skin elasticity but a lot has to do with lifestyle and genetics as well. From what I know (not an expert), Asians don’t lose collagen and skin elasticity that quickly and whilst topical skincare can help, a lot has to do with diet and lifestyle too. I personally would just deal with whichever problem you feel troubles you the most. For some people who are still battling acne, that would be their primary concern. As for the eye area, sagging skin isn’t as noticeable as lines and puffiness but I would say, address whichever your primary concern is. For products I’ve tried you can check out reviews on skincare in general here.
Thank You!! I really appreciate your reply!