The beginner's guide to anti-aging skin care

For age spots try…

Not sure where that giant "freckle" came from that doesn't seem to go away in the winter? Chances are it's a sun (or age) spot. This happens when UV rays damage cells—melanocytes. The damaged cells eventually reach the skin's surface, however this can take years of built-up damage so there's no quick fix when treating brown spots. The best course of action is a one, two, punch of a vitamin C or retinol enriched spot treatment—and sunscreen, everyday! After all, it's the UV exposure that gave you the discolouration in the first place. Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, $94. Clarins UV Plus HP Suncreen Multi-Protection Tint SPF 40, $42.

For dry skin try...

Everything around us is trying to pull moisture from our skin; air conditioning, indoor heating, sun, wind and even hot water. Look for a moisturizer that's heavy enough to protect your skin's barrier (so it can lock in moisture) and make sure it has hyaluronic acid high up on the ingredients list. This molecule can hold 1000 times its weight in water. Beloved One Hyaluronic Acid Tri-Molecules Moisturizing Surge Cream, $90.

For crows feet try…

Most women notice this area (next to the outer corners of the eyes) to be the first place you see signs of aging. Along with a good pair of sunglasses you should also try a retinol eye cream. RoC Pro-Sublime Anti-Wrinkle Eye Reviving Cream, $39.

For puffiness and dark circles try…

Puffiness and dark circles can be attributed to a few factors; genetics, allergies, stress, eye fatigue and aging. Under eye skin is super thin, and as we get older it only continues to thin out which in turn makes dark circles and puffiness even more apparent. Sure, cutting out salt and alcohol will help but an eye cream that boasts retinol, caffeine, red algae and liquorice will fight all your signs of aging. Frist Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy, $45.

For dull skin try…

A hard truth to deal with is the continuous slow down of our cell-turnover rate as we age. The reason our glow factor is harder to maintain is because its trapped under a layers of dead skin cells. The quickest fix to enhance cell turnover and eliminate flaky skin is with glycol acid. Try a peel pad. L'Oréal Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Peel Pads, $tk.

For loss of elasticity and droopiness try…

In our 30s the plump fat pads on our face start to dissipate due to the degradation of collagen and elastin. When this support system start to breakdown we loose that taut appearance around the jaw and cheeks. Peptides and antioxidants can help you slow down this aging process. Estée Lauder Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Face and Neck Creme, $100.

For fine lines and wrinkles try…

If your noticing new lines crop up and "old friends" getting deeper and more pronounced try a two pronged approach. Before you put on your makeup apply a primer, this will help prevent your makeup from settling into your lines, making them appear more prominent. To treat the wrinkles try a heavy duty blast of hyaluronic acid. This can help improve the appearance of your skin's natural volume, helping to minimize deep lines and wrinkles. Dermarche Labs FullFill Hyaluronic Acid Topical Wrinkle Filler, $105.