The Best Age to Start Skincare: Dr. Angela Sturm’s Evidence-Based Advice

Dr. Sturm explains that while prevention can be helpful, it's possible to start too early with interventions like Botox or fillers. She emphasizes the importance of simple skincare and sun protection in youth.  Ultimately, taking care of your skin early may delay the need for more invasive treatments. Key Takeaways 1. Starting a simple skincare routine early—especially during the teen and pre-teen years—can be very beneficial. However, this should be limited to basic products like sunscreen, moisturizer, and a good face wash. There’s no need for more advanced products like retinols or growth factors at this stage; protecting and maintaining the skin’s natural health is the priority. 2. Preventative interventions like Botox should be considered only when faint lines begin to appear and remain even when the face is at rest. There’s no universal age for this—it depends on individual skin and lifestyle factors. Preventative fillers, on the other hand, are not advised; Dr. Sturm sees fillers as better suited to treating specific issues rather than preventing them. 3. Light, non-invasive treatments such as lasers can be helpful in the 30s, particularly for issues like pigmentation or melasma. The key is to choose treatments with low risk and downtime, as aggressive procedures aren’t necessary (or advisable) when there isn’t significant skin aging or damage yet. 4. Surgical procedures, such as facelifts or fat transfers, are not considered preventative and should be timed based on visible need (e.g., visible laxity or jowling). Dr. Sturm recommends these interventions in the 40s or 50s when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks and costs. Performing them too early often results in less noticeable improvement. 5. The foundation of long-term skin health is supporting your body with good nutrition, hydration, sun protection, and a non-harsh, consistent skincare routine. These practices lay the groundwork for healthier aging, postponing the need for more aggressive treatments. Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE. Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.