Topical Skincare & Facial Aging: What Really Works?

In-office treatments like Botox, Filler, Lasers, and Radiofrequency Microneedling get a lot of attention – for good reason – but nothing replaces disciplined, high-quality daily skincare. Think of office treatments like taking your car into the shop to fix something and skincare like car maintenance. Daily skincare will help you get more “miles” between treatments and help your skin recover optimally from treatments to get the best results. High-quality skincare comes with a price tag, but it’s one of the best investments you can make for your skin.  Understanding what actually works (and why) can help you get the most out of your self-investment budget.

At B3, SkinBetter Science is a staff favorite.

Skin Aging: Breaking It Down

Skin is far more than a birthday suit. It’s our largest organ and a vital protective barrier, keeping the good stuff in and the bad stuff out. Think of a child’s skin compared to elderly skin. As we age, the production of collagen and elastin, proteins responsible for youthful skin’s firmness (collagen: resists sagging) and elasticity (elastin: allows stretch but snaps back), naturally declines. At the same time, cell turnover (replacing old cells with new ones) slows, leading to a buildup of dull, uneven skin. Environmental stressors like sun exposure and toxins (pollution, occupational toxins, smoking) accelerate these changes, resulting in fine lines, pigmentation, and loss of radiance.

Topical skincare takes aim directly at these causes, protecting against ongoing damage and giving your skin a daily to-do list: reminders to clear out the old cells, make new cells, encouraging healthy bloodflow, increase collagen and elastin production, and more. Different products come with a different to-do list. What’s on yours?

Sunscreen: The Non-Negotiable in Slowing Facial Aging

If there is one product universally acknowledged as essential in preventing facial aging, it’s sunscreen. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is responsible for up to 80% of visible aging. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher helps prevent wrinkles, sunspots, and skin laxity. Importantly, sunscreen isn’t just for sunny days—UV rays penetrate clouds and even windows, making year-round use crucial. This famous picture of a trucker shows how increased sun exposure from the window on the driver’s left, over time, dramatically accelerated facial aging on the exposed side.

A striking photo of a 69-year-old former truck driver, William McElligott, reveals the dark side of sunshine, showing the effects of sun exposure on one side of his face.

Retinoids: The Gold Standard

Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, are considered the most effective topical treatment for correcting visible signs of aging. They work by increasing cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, leading to smoother texture and fewer wrinkles over time. Retinols help you get more out of neurotoxin treatments like Botox and Dysport: treatments stop the folding of skin causing the wrinkle, and retinols tell your skin to take advantage of the treatment and get to work filling in the lines.

Not all retinoids are the same, of course. Prescription-strength retinoids, such as tretinoin, deliver the fastest results but can cause irritation with daily use, while over-the-counter retinols at big box stores are typically very gentle but less impactful. Consistent use over time is key, so we aim to find a balance between strength and tolerability in our medical-grade retinol. AlphaRet by SkinBetter is a great example of an effective and well-tolerated product.

Antioxidants: The Skin’s Defense System

Free radicals from sun exposure, pollution, and stress damage skin cells, accelerating aging. Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea, and niacinamide neutralize these unstable molecules. Vitamin C, in particular, not only protects against oxidative damage but also brightens skin and supports collagen synthesis. Incorporating an antioxidant serum into your morning routine provides an extra layer of defense alongside sunscreen.

Exfoliants: Polishing the Surface

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acid, and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, help shed dead skin cells and reveal fresher, more even-toned skin underneath. Regular exfoliation encourages cell renewal and enhances the effectiveness of other treatments. However, moderation is key—overuse can irritate and weaken the skin barrier.

Moisturizers and Hydrators: The Supportive Allies

Dryness and dehydration exaggerate fine lines and dullness. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides help restore moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. While moisturizers don’t reverse aging, they improve skin’s appearance by plumping and smoothing the surface, making wrinkles less noticeable.

Putting It All Together

An effective topical skincare routine for general facial aging typically includes:

• Daily sunscreen

• A retinoid at night

• Morning antioxidant protection

• A supportive moisturizer

"Consistency is more important than complexity. Other specialty products can be used for specific concerns such as color changes or visible blood vessels, but you can think of this list as the foundation of a complete, well-rounded regimen."

-Dr. Clinton Holaday, MD

"Whether you’re just starting your skincare journey, looking to transition from bar soap or curious how your current routine measures up, I’d love to welcome you in for a free skincare consultation. Together, we'll make sure you're on the right path to healthy, glowing skin!"

-Alainaa Skaggs, LME