4 of the best wrinkle-fighting tips we learned from dermatologists in 2021

• Preventative skincare measures are crucial to beating hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.
• Dermatologists told Insider using SPF and properly hydrating your skin everyday can keep signs of aging away longer.

2021 has been a stressful year for many of us – and with stress can come wrinkles.

Dermatologists told Insider treating signs of aging like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles begins long before you develop them.

Proactive skincare measures like using sunscreen to block out UV rays, properly hydrating your skin, and using anti-aging products like vitamin C can all help maintain your skin's elasticity and fullness.

Protect your skin by using SPF everyday

SPF is an easy way to incorporate wrinkle prevention into your skin routine.

Dr. Gary Goldenberg, a dermatologist and founder of Goldenberg Dermatology in New York, previously told Insider SPF products block out the sun's rays, which can prematurely age your skin and cause fine lines and wrinkles.

According to Dr. Heidi Waldorf, a cosmetic dermatologist, everyone should use at least 35 SPF on their face to properly protect their skin.

For people with melanin-rich skin, mineral sunscreens can often leave a "white cast" across the face. Chemical sunscreens and tinted mineral sunscreens could be a better option for deeper hues.

Properly moisturizing plumps your skin and prevents fine lines and wrinkles

Hydration also helps to combat fine lines and wrinkles. According to Goldenberg, dry skin is more susceptible to damage, which can bring on signs of aging earlier.

Hydrating with a daily moisturizer in the morning and at night after cleaning plumps your skin and prevents signs of aging. If you have oily skin, moisturizing can also help balance your skin's oil production and reduce acne.

Sometimes, using less is more if your products include wrinkle-fighting ingredients like vitamin C and retinol

Taking preventative measures to protect your skin doesn't necessarily mean buying 15 or more expensive products. Experts told Insider it's the quality of your ingredients that matter, not the quantity.

"Less is more, your routine doesn't need to be complicated. Trust me, your skin (and wallet) will thank you later!" licensed aesthetician Brittaney Trent previously told Insider.

Instead, including anti-aging products in your routine like retinol and vitamin C can do more for skin.

"Retinol is FDA approved for fine lines and wrinkles because it helps improve cellular turnover," Dr. Julie Russak, an NYC-based dermatologist, previously told Insider. "This treats many skin concerns, including acne and acne scarring as it helps to smooth out the surface of the skin and promote new healthy skin cells."

While retinol increases cell turnover, vitamin C can lighten hyperpigmentation caused by aging to give the skin a more youthful appearance.

It's important to either apply a high SPF sunscreen after using these products or apply them at night before bed, as both vitamin C and retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Investing in products that contain EGFs can help your skin regenerate more quickly if retinol is too irritating for you

If you find retinol irritating or drying, epidermal growth factors (EGFs) are a good substitute.

EGFs function similarly to retinols by increasing your skin's cell turnover rate. However, they can be less drying and cause less irritation overall for people with sensitive skin.

Though serums that contain EGFs typically cost more than your average skincare product, investing in them can be worthwhile for people with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate retinol.