Basic Steps for Your 20s, 30s, & Beyond
We all want beautiful, healthy skin that doesn’t show signs of aging. But each stage of life comes with its own unique set of skin care needs. The skin of your thirties is not the same as the skin of your fifties. That’s because, as we age, our bodies go through hormonal fluctuations, and our skin can lose moisture and elasticity while cell regeneration rates slow. Fortunately, while there isn’t a one-size-fits-all routine, there are some basic steps you can take to keep your skin glowing, no matter what stage of life you’re in!
20s
At this stage in life, your skin care routine can be fairly minimal while still accomplishing everything you need. The most important goal to focus on during this decade is establishing healthy habits. For instance, you should be washing your face once to twice daily with a gentle cleanser, moisturizing after at least one of those cleansings, and wearing sunscreen on a regular basis. Applying at least SPF 30 every morning and reapplying it throughout the day may be the single most important routine you can establish – it helps prevent damage and premature aging. Even if you spend most of your day indoors, general sun and atmospheric exposure will still cause damage. Wash, moisturize, and protect daily.
30s
By now, you should be maintaining a simple routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting (with SPF). Continue this regimen while adding in some exfoliation and cellular regeneration support. This is the decade where fine lines and some dullness might make their debut. Expression lines around the mouth and eyes and enlarged pores could become more evident. But fear not! A weekly deep exfoliation or daily light exfoliation, paired with a serum or cream containing retinol, can really support new cell turnover rates. (Be sure to apply retinol treatment at night, as it makes skin more sensitive to sunlight.)
40s
As the signs of aging continue to emerge, the name of the game is, “treat and repair.” In addition to your basic maintenance routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting, you can address specific concerns. For example, if you’re seeing uneven skin tone, find a pigmentation serum to apply nightly. If you suffer from dullness, increase exfoliation and find a brightening cream. A common concern is facial skin volume loss due to a natural decrease in collagen and elastin. You can address this issue with added moisturizers and products containing collagen, peptides, and antioxidants like vitamin A. A retinol is still a beneficial nighttime treatment – just make sure it isn’t causing dryness. If it does, offset that by combining it with a moisturizing cream.
50s and Older
Continue the routine you’ve perfected throughout your forties, increasing potency where needed. Also, expect to experience an additional decrease in skin volume, elasticity, and moisture. Dryness will likely become one of the bigger factors during these years. Rich creams are encouraged, and even changing your cleanser to one with a moisturizing component is a good idea. Keep in mind that makeup may contribute to dryness, so consider altering your makeup selections or reducing their use.
Beyond skin care products, you can also support your skin’s overall health with a well-balanced diet and by drinking plenty of water. And remember, embracing your natural beauty is the best approach to every stage of life!
