How to Play the Long Game With Anti-Aging Treatments

Who doesn’t want a quick fix for wrinkles or sagging skin? Whether fine lines or deeper folds, the visible signs of aging are something most of us would rather avoid. In-office treatments offer fast results, but even those require consistent upkeep to maintain their effects. The truth is, anti-aging isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about commitment. From monthly treatments to daily routines, consistency and a well-rounded skin-care plan are what truly make the difference. Below, we spoke with two dermatologists about what that looks like in practice.

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Skin-Care 101

Customizing your routine to your skin’s needs yields the best results, but there’s also value in starting with the basics. “An ideal regimen should be multi-layered and address both intrinsic and extrinsic aging factors,” says Southlake, TX dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD. Genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors all play a role in how skin ages. Incorporating anti-aging ingredients at different steps helps address each of them.

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According to Dr. Hopkins, there are three main categories to invest in: potent antioxidants, peptides and retinoids. “Vitamin C, resveratrol and polyphenols help neutralize free radical damage. Peptides are essential for boosting collagen and elastin production. Retinoids, such as tretinoin or retinaldehyde, increase cellular turnover, improving fine lines and texture,” she says.

Time is another important factor. As your skin’s needs change, so should your routine. “Using skin care for your appropriate age and skin condition goes a long way,” says Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Dr. Janet Allenby. She explains that switching to products that help manage sun damage and other changes tied to hormonal shifts is essential. Barrier-supporting ingredients such as niacinamide and ceramides also help strengthen the skin—along with diligent, daily SPF use.

In-Office Treatments and Topical Products

Lasers, microneedling and injectables remain some of the most effective treatments for aging skin. “Fillers can be used at any age to help with volume loss, sagging tissue and natural asymmetry. Neuromodulators, such as Botox, relax dynamic wrinkles like frown lines,” says Dr. Allenby. Radio frequency treatments are also popular for their ability to smooth texture and even out tone.

While all of these options can make a visible difference, dermatologists agree that the best results come from pairing in-office treatments with a consistent, targeted skin-care routine. “Even the most advanced in-office treatments can’t fully compensate if someone neglects their at-home regimen. Topical products are the daily maintenance therapy that keeps skin resilient between procedures,” says Dr. Hopkins.

For perimenopausal and menopausal women, topical products can also help offset hormonal changes. Estrogen-deficient skin syndrome, for instance, accelerates thinning, dryness and collagen loss. “Incorporating estrogen-like peptides, topical estradiol or systemic hormone support under a physician’s guidance can help mitigate these effects,” adds Dr. Hopkins.

Is Consistency Important?

Targeted products and active ingredients form the foundation of any anti-aging routine, but without consistency, results will only go so far. “Our skin is in a constant state of renewal, and while certain treatments can provide a short-term glow, long-term benefits—like collagen preservation, improved elasticity and even skin tone—are only achieved through steady, ongoing use,” says Dr. Hopkins.

When it comes to anti-aging, the short of it is that the long game is the only game. Prevention, correction and consistency take time—and all three are vital for slowing visible aging. Daily protection with SPF and antioxidants is nonnegotiable. “Correction with retinoids, peptides and advanced procedures when appropriate is just as crucial,” says Dr. Hopkins. According to the experts, a customized regimen—and the discipline to stick with it—delivers the best results. “Consistency is the only way to ensure the investment in both skin care and treatments truly pays off,” she adds.