How To Adapt Your Skincare Routine As You Age
If you’ve been using the same skincare products and following the same routine for years, it may be time to make a few changes. Everyone’s skin ages after a few years, and what worked for you in your teens and early 20s may not be as effective now that you’re a little older. Aging not only results in fine lines and wrinkles, but it also makes you more susceptible to skin conditions such as rosacea. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, this condition is most common in people between the ages of 30 and 60. Moreover, those over the age of 50 have a greater risk of developing melanoma or skin cancer compared to the general population.
To keep your skin healthy and beautiful, it’s important to make gradual changes to your skincare routine before you hit your 30s. Here’s how to adapt your skincare routine as you age.
Late 20s to Early 30s
Your skin may not show signs of aging yet, but your late 20s to your early 30s is the best time to lay the foundation to have great skin later on. One of the first things that you can do to achieve better skin is to strengthen your skin barrier. This barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is made up of ceramides, fatty acids, and linoleic acid, among others. It helps prevent moisture loss and protects your skin from sun damage and allergens. The stronger your skin barrier is, the better your skin looks in the future, and the more protected it is from rosacea, allergic reactions, and other signs of skin irritation.
The skin’s barrier can be damaged by using too many actives, such as retinol, Vitamin C, and common ingredients found in acne products. You’ll know that it’s damaged if your skin feels tight, itchy, or is prone to dryness and redness. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Dr. Kemi Fabusiwa, a UK-based dermatologist, said that rotating your actives can help to give your skin barrier a break. Meanwhile, layering a hyaluronic acid serum under a rich moisturizing cream can repair and strengthen the skin barrier and rebalance moisture levels. Apart from being intensely hydrating, hyaluronic acid is also good for treating signs of premature aging. A study shows that applying any cream or serum that contains hyaluronic acid can improve fine lines around the eyes and mouth by 10 to 20% after three months of use, and improve skin tightness by 13 to 30%.
Late 30s to Early 40s
At this stage, it’s likely that you’ll start to see fine lines forming around your eyes, as well as some signs of sun damage on your face, neck, and chest. Your skin may look duller too, so you’ll need to focus on rejuvenating collagen to give you younger-looking skin, as well as skin brightening to achieve a radiant complexion. Using products specifically made for aging skin, such as a night repair cream or a brightening eye serum, can help to correct dull and lackluster skin. Switching to a sunscreen with a high SPF can protect your skin from aging and sun spots. Pick one with SPF 50 or higher as SPF 50 provides about 98% protection from UVB rays. To encourage collagen production beneath your skin, consider adding med spa treatments to your skincare routine. Treatments that can boost collagen production include LED light therapy, microneedling, and plasma-rich protein facials.
Late 40s and Beyond
In your late 40s, you may begin to see sagging and pronounced wrinkles, so you may want to start using firming face and eye creams to reduce signs of aging. You may also consider having dermal fillers to restore lost volume, as well as chemical peels to encourage cell turnover. Focusing on moisture retention is key to give you younger-looking skin, so switch to moisturizing facial washes, serums, toners, and creams for daily use. The more gentle and hydrating the products, the better, so make sure that your daily use skincare items don’t contain ingredients that could potentially dry out or irritate your skin.
Having wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and age spots is a part of aging. But by using the right products, getting occasional skincare treatments, and being consistent with your skincare routine, you can have beautiful, healthy looking skin, even when you’re older.
