You may not have realized it, but this past Monday, November 7th, was named National Retinol Day! This “holiday” was declared by the skincare company RoC, which produces many products containing retinol, considered the “gold standard” of skin care products addressing such aging issues as wrinkles and fine lines. As a reminder, retinol is a vitamin A derivative that aids in skin renewal and reduces such signs of aging as lines, wrinkles, sagging, and uneven skin tone and texture. For some recently recommended retinol products, grab your Q-tips and click here. Vogue, in a new article entitled “Botox in a Bottle? These Skin Care Products Deliver” also highly touts retinol, along with a range of cleansers, serums, and exfoliants, all designed to support your skin without resorting to a syringe.

With regard to prepping your skin and skin care regimen for protection from colder weather, recommended ingredients include vitamin C products, moisturizers, and of course, continue the sunscreen. But one other ingredient that’s making an appearance? Mind, Body Green suggests some collagen powder in your morning coffee. The Guardian recently featured a comprehensive analysis of collagen as an aid for all sorts of aging problems beyond keeping skin looking youthful. Because collagen production begins to diminish once you hit your 30s, it not only has implications for your skin, but for your joints, muscles, and bones, which are likely to become stiffer and frailer as collagen production declines. 

One other trend on the radar? Products recommended for older men to support their skincare routines. Not only has 58-year-old Brad Pitt started his own skincare line, called Le Domaine Skincare (be prepared to empty your wallet on these products), but major publications are now offering recommendations specifically for aging men. So, for example, a recent Wall Street Journal article (paywall) wondered whether wrinkle relief was possible for older men. As the Journal stated, “No longer are guys willing to wrinkle in silence.” While men’s skin tends to be less prone to wrinkles, experts recommend for men what they call “the holy trinity” of skincare, and you won’t be surprised to learn the ingredients are similar to what’s recommended for older women: antioxidants, retinol, and sunscreens. The Robb Report also recently published a post entitled “The 9 Best Anti-Aging Creams for Men.” They recommend a range of products to help make men’s skin firmer, brighter, and clearer than it would otherwise be if these products were not used. Whether this trend toward skin care products will catch on with older men remains to be seen. But what is clear is that whether man or woman, there are good reasons, and good ingredients, to take care of your aging skin as the winter weather approaches.