Let’s be honest. Skincare can be confusing. And just when you think you have it down to a science, you suffer a breakout or notice new wrinkles. Argh! The truth is, your skin’s needs change as you age and what has worked for you in the past doesn’t necessarily do what you need it to do now. Though some skincare products should be used throughout your lifetime—hello, sunscreen!—your skin will have specific needs depending on your age. This post will run down what you might face in the mirror and what skincare you’ll want to have in your cabinet, decade by decade. 

In Your 20s: Invite Skincare Into Your Life

GOOD NEWS Your skin is naturally bright and plump without much effort on your part!

NOT SO GOOD NEWS You have acne breakouts. Also, you should know that your healthy skin won’t last forever. Sadly, by your mid-20s, your collagen production decreases, and how you treat your skin will have a direct effect on your skin as you age. Time to start thinking about taking preventative measures!

WHAT TO DO Prevention! Prevention! Prevention! Start wearing SPF 30+ sunscreen, avoid the sun, avoid excessive drinking, don’t smoke (or quite smoking), and start a solid and regular skincare routine. The products you use should include ingredients like salicylic acid which reduces acne by exfoliating the skin and keeping pores clean and niacinamide to reduce inflammation from acne and other skin conditions. 

skincare product pumping

In Your 30s: It’s All About Anti-Aging

GOOD NEWS The zit factory has probably slowed down production. 

NOT SO GOOD NEWS Your skin probably isn’t bouncing back as quickly as it used to. You’re probably starting to see dryer skin, pigmentation, dark circles under your eyes, sun spots, and fine lines. 

WHAT TO DO If you haven’t already, establish a good skin care routine and add topical retinol and hyaluronic acid to the mix. Retinol will speed up cellular turnover, smooth your skin, and boost collagen while hyaluronic acid will draw moisture into your skin and give you a plumper complexion. This is also the time to add weekly exfoliation to sluff off dead skin and encourage new skin cells. Also, as your skin matures, so should your healthy habits: eat healthy, sleep well, drink lots of water. And don’t forget your SPF 30+ sunscreen!

As your skin matures, so should your healthy habits: eat healthy, sleep well, drink lots of water. And don’t forget your SPF 30+ sunscreen!

applying skincare product neck

In Your 40s: Think Rest & Repair

GOOD NEWS You may have more disposable income so you can invest in high quality skincare 

NOT SO GOOD NEWS You can thank you hormones for accelerating the signs of aging: jowls, wrinkles, large pores, and increased pigmentation. If you spent a lot of time in the sun, drank a lot of alcohol, and/or smoked in your previous years, you’ll really notice their effects now. If you want to combat these signs of aging, it will require more aggressive treatments. 

WHAT TO DO See a professional who can analyse your skin and recommend the best skincare products tailored to your specific needs. And then invest in the best skincare you can afford. Continue using hyaluronic acid and retinol but add topical Vitamin C to your routine too. It will help promote collagen production, diminish fine lines, and fend off damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. And, if you’re comfortable with it, start getting professional in-office skin treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, and/or skin tightening.

In Your 50s and Beyond: Time to Hydrate & Correct

GOOD NEWS You know who you are and you feel confident about your age!

NOT SO GOOD NEWS Dryness will likely be your biggest challenge, though you may also be bothered by evidence of sun damage, and the appearance of deeper lines and possibly broken blood vessels. 

WHAT TO DO Focus on using ingredients that keep your skin hydrated and keep protecting your skin with sunscreen. Continue using topical Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and retinol but add skincare products that have peptides or growth factors—these ingredients act as building blocks of the proteins your skin needs like collagen, elastin, and keratin. In other words, products with peptides and growth factors can help firm up your skin, and improve fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and discolouration.

If you so feel inclined, you can also consider medical aesthetic procedures to match the youthfulness you feel inside to how you look on the outside.

Though there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to skincare products or feeling your best at any age, these general guidelines can help boost your confidence levels, lead to a healthier mindset, and allow you to put your best face forward. Don’t forget—if you have any questions about what skincare might be right for you, we’re here to help!

Would you like to discuss why Dr. Suess might be the right aesthetics doctor for you? She’s open to offering all the answers you need about skincare and non-surgical positive aging treatments. 

Reach out to her today to set up a free consultation. 

We’re here to help you feel beautiful.