Remember back to early adolescence, when that first pesky blemish showed up on your chin and ruined your entire life? At that very moment, you were convinced that acne was going to be the pinnacle of your lifetime skin woes. Soon enough, you discovered that as you age, skin changes – and not all these changes are not any easier to deal with or accept.

As the years pass, your focus becomes more intent on slowing the hands of time – or at least their appearance on your skin. The thing is, everyone ages so differently, and it’s impossible to predict how your own skin will age – no matter how powerful your crystal ball.

It doesn’t help any that there are all sorts of myths and inaccurate information floating around out there about the various skin types and how they handle the aging process. Does one skin type really age faster or slower than the next, and just how much of an influence does skin type have in the entire process?

Is there really one skin type that ages slower than the rest? Let’s find out.

Which Skin Type Ages the Slowest?

To answer this question, let’s start with the persistent stereotype that oily skin ages the slowest. Is it true? If you’ve been plagued with oily skin your entire life, do you at least get the benefit aging a little slower?

Yes and no.

Honestly, skin type doesn’t have much to do with the aging process. Other factors like genetics, environment, and how you take care of your skin matter more than actual skin type. However, there are differences in the ways different skin types show their age.

Because oily skin has more natural moisturizers due to overactive oil glands, fine lines usually aren’t as noticeable but oily skin isn’t immune to getting wrinkles. People with oily skin tend to also have slightly thicker skin. This means that those fine lines might not show as early, but thicker skin is also slightly more prone to deeper set lines. When those first signs of aging do show up, they’re often more visible –, especially in the forehead area.

Likewise, dry skin isn’t necessarily prone to aging faster – although extra care does need to be taken to protect it. Dry skin, which is typically thinner and more fragile, can be more susceptible to sun damage and other environmental factors that cause inflammation and break down collagen and elastin – the main support structures of the skin. A good moisturizer and serum used daily can offer the extra protection dry skin needs.

It Isn’t Just About Wrinkles

Thinking about how our skin ages, it’s always fine lines and wrinkles that immediately pop into mind. This is what sends us running in a panic to find the newest, latest and greatest skincare product with state-of-the-art ingredients to halt the aging process.

But it isn’t just wrinkles that tell the story of our skin’s age. Other factors such as hyperpigmentation, splotchy pigmentation, broken blood vessels, and a general loss of firmness and tone also play a role in how our skin ages. Enlarged pores, which are more common with oily skin, can also age skin prematurely.

While thin, dry skin may be more susceptible to some of this, it’s important to understand everything that goes into how your skin ages – regardless of skin type. As mentioned earlier, skin aging is caused by the breakdown of the support structures in the skin, mainly collagen. This happens regardless of skin type.

Not only does the passing of time cause collagen production to slow, but those first signs of aging are also the result of a lifetime of sun exposure, exposure to environmental elements, and repetitive facial expressions. Those smile lines really are brought on by a lifetime of smiles, but completely worth it at the same time.

What Can I Do to Slow Aging for My Skin Type?

The answer to this question is easy. Simply take care of your skin and pay some attention to your overall health while you’re at it.

This, of course, starts with a regular skincare routine that’s targeted for your unique skin type. Choosing products that are natural and gentle, without all the extra harsh additives is also key to avoiding the chronic irritation that can lead to premature aging.

When looking at products to care for your skin, also look for those that contain ingredients meant to support your skin and slow down the aging process. For instance, look for skincare products that contain Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and Retinol. To get a personalized recommendation of the best products for your skincare concerns, take out Skin Care Quiz.

You Can’t Slow Down Time

It might be impossible to slow down the hands of time, but you do have some control over how the years show on your skin. A clean life, fueled by a healthy diet, a great skincare routine, people who make you smile, and a respect for the world around us, will help to keep you healthy and youthful-looking, no matter what your skin type.

"Diet/Nutrition;Healthy Choices and Habits;Healthy Relationships;Mindful Aging;Natural Skincare Regimen " "Acneic;Combination;Dilated Capillaries;Dry;Enlarged Pores;Fine Lines and Wrinkles;Hyperpigmentation;Inflammatory Conditions;Loss of Collagen;Loss of Elasticity;Normal;Oily;Oxidative Stress;Premature Aging;UV Damage " "Ascorbyl Glucoside;Retinol;Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate;Sodium Hyaluronate "