When to Start Using Anti-Aging Supplements: Inner Care Guide

A New York Post survey shows 47% of American women feel stressed about aging, with Millennials and Gen Z the most concerned. Many even think they look older than their age.

As a result, the anti-aging trend now includes internal supplements like NMN, Collagen, and Resveratrol. But timing matters—using the wrong product too early or too late can backfire. This article will guide you on when to start and which supplement fits your body’s aging stage.

What Are Anti-Aging Supplements?

Anti-aging supplements are products containing nutrients that help slow down the body's natural aging process, starting from the internal cellular aspect.

Thereby, it can improve overall skin health, prolong life and maintain long-term results. Not only that, these nutrients also have a positive impact on cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, genetic functions, etc.

Below are 4 common groups of anti-aging nutrients, appearing frequently in anti-aging supplements:

The antioxidant group plays a vital role in neutralizing free radicals—key contributors to cell damage and aging. Notably, Glutathione is one of the body’s most important antioxidants.

It helps remove harmful substances (toxins) and protects cells from damage caused by oxidation. Research in both humans and animals has shown that enzymes called glutathione S-transferases play a key role in breaking down foreign chemicals and defending cells from stress [3,4].

In addition, vitamin C helps boost immunity and promotes collagen synthesis, while vitamin E contributes to maintaining membrane integrity, keeping the skin smooth and youthful.

Notably, when combined with ferulic acid, this antioxidant trio - vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid has been shown to offer enhanced protection against UV-induced oxidative stress and support collagen preservation in the skin (Ivarsson et al., 2025).

This finding is based on a study conducted using ex vivo human skin explants obtained from consenting adult donors undergoing elective surgery and does not involve in vivo testing on living human subjects.

The group supports cells and mitochondria to function effectively, providing energy to cells to avoid the risk of declining vitality and aging faster.

For example, NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) & NAD + participate in the energy metabolism process, improving cell function to rejuvenate every day [5]; CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) fights fatigue [6]; PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone) helps the body make more mitochondria, which are key for energy and brain function (Chowanadisai et al., 2010).

However, this finding comes from a lab study using mouse liver cells—not human trials—so more research is needed to confirm its effects in people

The group protects collagen and connective tissue, limiting collagen degradation that causes wrinkled skin. These are Collagen peptides that increase elasticity, reduce wrinkles and Hyaluronic acid that hydrates cells for smooth, supple skin, and reduces dryness (Gibson et al., 2024).

Certain natural compounds can influence aging-related genes through epigenetic mechanisms.

For example, resveratrol helps regulate DNA methylation and may promote longevity by activating the SIRT1 gene, which is associated with cellular health and anti-aging responses (Ben-Avraham et al., Epigenomics, 2012).

Additionally, other studies have noted that quercetin and fisetin may help eliminate senescent cells, thereby contributing to the slowing of the aging process.

When Does Cellular Aging Begin?

Cellular aging often occurs when cells lose their ability to divide and repair themselves, so they cannot function effectively. This phenomenon most commonly occurs after the age of 25, but it can also occur earlier if you do not take care of your skin properly, eat and live unscientifically.

Below is the skin aging process in each stage:

• 20s (20 - 29 years old): Cells are active, in which Collagen, elastin, glutathione, NAD + are all at high levels. However, the skin is constantly exposed to harmful factors such as dirt, stress, ... so the DNA shows signs of slight damage.
• 30s (30 - 39 years old): The rate of collagen production gradually decreases (1%/year) while mitochondria decrease in performance. At this time, you feel tired and exhausted easily. At the same time, the concentration of NAD+, CoQ10 and the process of cell self-repair (autophagy) decreases, so the health of the skin, memory, endocrine system, etc. are all affected.
• 40s (40 years old and up): The body has many senescent cells - these are old cells that are no longer able to divide but have not died completely. Along with that, Collagen and elastin decrease rapidly, DNA is severely damaged and cannot be repaired. These things cause sagging skin.

Ideal Time to Start Anti-Aging Supplements

To maximize the effectiveness of anti-aging nutritional supplements, you not only need to choose the right product but also use it at the right time. Below are suggestions for anti-aging groups suitable for each stage:

• 25 - 30 years old: Skin is quite healthy, but skin oxidation occurs. You can increase vitamin C, vitamin E, CoQ10, L-Glutathione (low dose) to improve antioxidant capacity, improve immunity, and support natural detoxification processes.
• 30 - 40 years old: Skin collagen is significantly reduced, cell energy is weakened. At this time, you should supplement NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide), Collagen peptides, Hyaluronic acid, Resveratrol, Quercetin to support NAD + production, cell rejuvenation, skin care, activation of longevity genes - sirtuins, cell purification.
• After 40 years old: Mitochondria are significantly weakened, many senescent cells appear. At that time, you should supplement NAD+ directly, PQQ (Pyrroloquinoline Quinone), Fisetin, Quercetin, SAMe or TMG (Trimethylglycine). Thereby regenerating mitochondria, eliminating old cells.