Prevention starts early! Establishing healthy habits in the tween years (ages 9-12) protects skin’s long-term health, though focus should be on health, not anti-aging.
In humid climates, you may tolerate exfoliation more frequently. In dry climates, reduce frequency to once a week and choose gentle, hydrating AHAs like lactic acid to avoid barrier disruption.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable. Apply it daily to the front, back, and sides of the neck to shield against UV damage, the primary cause of collagen breakdown.
The SPF protection factor is regulated, so a drugstore SPF 50 is as effective as a luxury one. However, a luxury sunscreen may offer a more elegant, weightless finish under makeup or contain added skincare benefits like antioxidants, which can justify the cost for daily enjoyment.