It’s routine and almost somewhat expected to stick with the skincare products that work for us. But as the skin ages and changes, those tried-and-true formulations sometimes need to be swapped out for something more age-appropriate. The skin experiences changes at each decade of life, and to keep it healthy, supple and glowing while limiting the common effects of aging, new ingredients and technologies need to be introduced to benefit the skin at whatever current stage.
Figuring out what types of skincare products to use at certain stages of life can be daunting. So, consider this your comprehensive guide on how to dial-up, or in some cases down, your skincare routine by age to make it compatible with your skin as it ages.
Table of Contents:
- Nurturing Skin in Your 20s
- Thriving in Your 30s
- Flourishing in Your 40s
- Maintaining Radiance in Your 50s and Beyond
- Holistic Approaches to Ageless Skin
- Aging Gracefully with Skin Care Wisdom
- Tailoring Skincare to Individual Needs
- Seeking Professional Guidance
- The Bottom Line
Nurturing Skin in Your 20s
During your 20s, your skin is still in its prime—collagen production hasn’t completely dipped yet, the skin typically doesn’t show significant signs of environmental or sun damage, dullness or tiredness just yet, and the complexion still boasts its healthy, vibrant glow. For some people, the skin may experience the occasional breakout here and there, or adult acne may start to surface. But for the most part, skin in its 20s is still healthy.
Use this period to instill healthy skin care habits if you haven’t already and devise age-appropriate skin care in your 20s routine that consists of regular cleansing to lift away dirt and oil without over drying the skin, light exfoliation, moisturization, and daily sunscreen. No matter how tired you may be, it’s critical at this stage (and every age) to always remove all your makeup and sunscreen before bed. And if the occasional breakout surfaces, a spot treatment will help. Regular exfoliation with an alpha hydroxy or beta hydroxy cleanser or serum is also beneficial to keep dead skin cells out of the pores, which can clog them and cause acne.
Even if your skin isn’t showing any signs of aging just yet, they’re probably right around the corner, especially if, in your 20s, you follow a hands-off approach to skin care. The best skincare routine for the 20s incorporates using an antioxidant in the morning and sunscreen daily (in addition to makeup that contains SPF) regardless of the weather or time of year. This will help set you up for skin success as the skin inches out of your 20s.
Related Article: Dealing with Acne at Any Age