Preventing ageing is easier than reversing it, so start early in your 20s and 30s with sunscreen, hydration, and retinoids. In your 40s and beyond, regenerative treatments like RF microneedling, HIFU, and NAD+ therapy help restore skin. Acting early ensures better, long-lasting results.

How soon is too soon? Or worse — how late is too late?

When it comes to anti-ageing, timing makes all the difference. Starting too early might mean treating problems that don’t exist yet. Waiting too long can make it harder to reverse the signs of ageing.

The body’s natural ageing process offers clear signs. 

Skin renewal slows in the 20s. Collagen production drops in the 30s. Sun damage and lifestyle choices catch up over time. 

Understanding these changes is the first step to making smart decisions.

This guide covers four treatments and when to consider each. Ageing happens — but looking older doesn’t have to.

When to start anti-ageing treatments

Genes play a role in how skin ages, but they’re only part of the equation. 

Lifestyle choices, skincare habits, and environmental factors have a bigger impact. Knowing when to take action is what truly makes a difference.

Preventative care works best in your 20s and 30s, while restorative treatments are essential in your 40s and beyond. 

Ageing doesn’t happen all at once — it follows clear patterns by decade:

• During your 20s
  Skin is firm, smooth, and full of collagen. While ageing signs aren’t visible yet, prevention should start around this time. Using sunscreen every day is the best defence against UV damage, which builds over time. A simple routine with hydration and gentle cleansing works best.

• During your 30s
  Fine lines and dullness start to become more noticeable. Collagen production slows, and skin may feel less bouncy. Retinoids, antioxidants, and vitamin C can address these early signs while boosting radiance.

• During your 40s
  Wrinkles deepen, and skin loses elasticity. Hormonal changes may also cause dryness or uneven tone. Collagen-stimulating treatments, like RF microneedling or skin peels, can restore firmness and improve texture.

• During your 50s
  Skin becomes thinner, drier, and more prone to sagging. Hyperpigmentation and volume loss are common. Advanced treatments such as HIFU, lasers, and hydration-focused treatments can target these changes and support ageing skin.

Consistent care early on can prevent or delay visible ageing. Even later in life, targeted treatments can repair damage and improve skin health.

4 anti-ageing treatments and when to start them

#1 — NAD+ therapy for cellular repair

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme critical for energy production and DNA repair in every cell of the body. However, NAD+ levels decline with age, especially after the late 30s. 

Studies have shown that boosting NAD+ levels slows cellular ageing, improves mitochondrial function, and improves the body’s ability to repair itself.

This therapy is available as oral supplements, IV drips, or injections, though IV and injection methods provide better absorption and faster results.

The best time to start NAD+ therapy and its benefits

NAD+ therapy is most effective when started in the late 30s or early 40s, as this is when NAD+ levels naturally decline. Benefits include increased energy, better focus, improved skin texture, and greater overall vitality. 

It can help anyone looking to feel and look younger from the inside out.

#2 — Retinoids for skin renewal and collagen production

Retinoids, vitamin A derivatives, are considered the gold standard for anti-ageing. They increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and reduce fine lines and pigmentation. 

Over-the-counter retinol is milder, while prescription Vitamin A options offer stronger effects.

While retinoids are highly effective, they can sometimes cause irritation, dryness, and peeling. 

Beginners should start with low concentrations and apply them 2-3 times a week, gradually increasing frequency as the skin adjusts. Also, always use sunscreen during the day to prevent sun sensitivity caused by retinoid use.

When to start retinoids and what to expect

Late 20s to early 30s is the best time to start retinoids to delay visible ageing. In older age groups, retinoids remain effective for improving fine lines, uneven tone, and dullness. 

With consistent use, you can begin to see smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin.

#3 — RF Microneedling to stimulate collagen naturally

Morpheus8 RF Microneedling involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, combined with radiofrequency (RF) energy to stimulate the skin. This process triggers the body’s natural healing response, producing collagen and elastin. 

The treatment helps smooth fine lines, reduce acne scars, and improve overall texture.

Each session usually takes 30-60 minutes, with mild redness lasting 1-2 days. 

When paired with exosomes, the treatment’s anti-ageing effects increase considerably, accelerating skin repair and delivering remarkable results.

For best results, treatments are spaced 4-6 weeks apart, and multiple sessions are typically recommended.

Who can benefit from RF microneedling and when you can start

RF Microneedling can be used in the late 20s or early 30s to maintain collagen levels and prevent early signs of ageing. 

For those in their 40s and beyond, it can be an excellent restorative treatment for deeper wrinkles and texture issues. Many patients experience firmer, smoother skin after just a few sessions.

#4 — Ultraformer for non-invasive skin tightening

Ultraformer is a non-invasive anti-ageing treatment that lifts and tightens the skin using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). It works by stimulating collagen production deep within the skin, improving elasticity and firmness over time. Unlike injectables or surgery, Ultraformer enhances your skin’s natural structure without downtime.

The best time to start Ultraformer and its benefits

Ultraformer is ideal for those in their 30s and beyond who are noticing early signs of sagging or loss of firmness. It’s best to start before skin laxity becomes severe, as collagen production slows with age.

Benefits include tighter, smoother skin, improved jawline definition, and a more youthful appearance without surgery. Results develop gradually over two to three months as collagen rebuilds, with effects lasting up to a year. Regular maintenance treatments can help prolong the results and keep skin looking firm and lifted.

Age isn’t the enemy — but waiting too long might be

Anti-ageing isn’t about reversing the clock. It’s about maintaining and enhancing what you already have. 

Taking care of your skin and body early doesn’t mean fearing ageing — it means respecting it.

Making proactive, informed decisions helps make sure you’re in control of how confident you feel. Whether it’s protecting your skin in your 20s or repairing it in your 40s, the right treatments can support your goals at any stage.

Some say that the best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time? Today. 

Start where you are, and take steps that help you look and feel your best — now and for years to come.

The best way to find the right anti-ageing treatment for you? Consult with a cosmetic physician. Dr. Scott Allison can help you decide on a treatment plan based on your facial anatomy, skin type, and desired outcome.