The Best Skincare Products For Every Age
As you grow wiser, your skin will undergo a variety of changes. Every stage is uniquely different and your skincare routine should adapt to whatever journey you may be on. Therefore, it is important to know how exactly you should protect your skin now, and what you can do to maintain it as you age. Read on for our complete guide on achieving your best skin in every stage of your life, from your 20s through 60s and beyond!
In your 20s
The skincare focus in your 20s should be all about taking preventative measures to avoid aging caused by pollution, environmental stressors, and most notably, ultraviolet radiation (UV) Research shows that as early as age 25, our skin starts to lose elasticity and firmness so it’s important to start early!
Sun Protection
It is crucial to use sunscreen on a daily basis to shield against UV rays, which can degrade collagen in the skin and lead to photo-aging. For top-notch sun protection, we recommend applying the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Cream SPF50+ everyday as it provides the ultimate protection without any greasiness. It’s also water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes so it’s great for an active lifestyle. Pro tip: Carry your sunscreen with you so you can reapply every few hours throughout the day!
Nightly Cleanse
It happens to the best of us, but washing your face before going to bed is a must! When we sleep, our skin works hard to repair any damage incurred throughout the day, and any makeup residue or pollutants left on the skin might disrupt the recovery process. We love the Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser as it effectively cleanses the skin and contains additional goodies to nourish the complexion. Pro tip: if you wear a lot of makeup and sunscreen, try double cleansing by using a cleansing balm first and a gentle cleanser afterwards. We love the Sisley-Paris Triple-Oil Balm Make-up Remover and Cleanser as a first cleanse!
Weightless Moisture
To reinforce the skin barrier, it is important to incorporate a skin-loving moisturizer. The Indie Lee Active Oil Free Moisturizer is perfect for the 20s because it deeply hydrates the skin without leading to breakouts which can still be a concern during this decade. Plus, it also protects against pollution and environmental stressors.
Adult Acne
Unfortunately, breakouts are not only reserved for the teenage years. The 20s can often be a stressful time with important life decisions that need to be made and the continuous fluctuations of hormones. If you struggle with acne, consider using a spot treatment containing salicylic acid. The RéVive Acne Reparatif Acne Treatment Gel contains 0.5% salicylic acid to exfoliate pores, which can effectively fight and prevent acne breakouts. It also contains anti-aging ingredients so you can get a headstart on taking preventative measures!
In your 30s
For the most part, the skincare routine you established in your 20s is still relevant (especially sunscreen!). But you could be noticing a loss of volume, hydration, and radiance due to slower skin cell turnover, so it’s a good idea to add anti-aging products to the mix.
Exfoliating Acids
To restore the rate of cell turnover and support skin hydration, we recommend adding exfoliating acids into your routine to help improve texture, remove dullness and brighten the skin. The Amore Pacific Treatment Enzyme Peeling Masque is a great option as it contains Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) to facilitate cell turnover, soften dry patches, and improve overall skin barrier function.
Hyaluronic Acid
Delayed skin cell turnover can contribute to drier skin, since the build up of dead skin cells interfere with water retention. Another reason for dryness is that your skin stops making as much hyaluronic acid, which is a skin component that holds water and keeps skin plump. The Chantecaille Blue Light Protection Hyaluronic Serum is an amazing moisturizing serum that contains a blend of hyaluronic acid and botanicals to not only instill hydration, but also shield against blue light pollution from electronic devices. We talk all about Hyaluronic Acid in this blog here.
Retinol
Another ingredient you may consider adding to your skincare routine is a topical vitamin A or better known as Retinols. 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Retinol Oil contains topical vitamin A in the form of 1% retinol. If used consistently, retinol can increase collagen production, which firms the skin and improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles. In 111Skin’s formulation, retinol is placed in a blend of eight natural oils to prevent the dryness and irritation that can arise with high-strength retinol treatments. Read all about retinol in our in-depth blog here.
Vitamin C
At this age, the levels of antioxidants in your skin (e.g. vitamin C and vitamin E) also start to decline. These are important defenses against environmental stressors, and without them we become more vulnerable to damage by UV and pollution. Vitamin C, when applied to skin, has been shown to improve collagen production and elasticity. It has also been shown to brighten up areas of hyperpigmentation and smooth out wrinkles. Zelens Power C High Potency Vitamin C Treatment Drops delivers these benefits at maximum efficacy with a 20% vitamin C concentration.
In your 40s
With age, we start to produce less oil and our skin becomes drier, which predisposes us to irritation and stinging when using certain skincare products. During your 40s it is important to start incorporating richer creams and cleansers into your routine.
Nourishing Cleanser
It is important to reassess the type of cleanser you are using in your 40s to avoid any unnecessary drying of the skin. Things such as a foaming cleanser tend to be more stripping and can leave the skin feeling dry. If you are experiencing age-related dryness, you should consider switching to a gel or cream cleanser, such as the Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel, which can provide a gentle and nourishing cleanse.
Creamy Moisturizer
To further combat dryness, it is especially important to start incorporating a richer moisturizer into your routine. To restore radiance and combat dullness, try a thick moisturizer such as the La Mer Creme de La Mer. With Miracle Broth as their secret ingredient, this cream has been praised for its miraculous moisture-retention and skin-healing properties.
Repairative Sunscreen
In your 40s, the adverse consequences of sun exposure throughout our lifetime will start to show so using a restorative sunscreen is a great choice. The RéVive Soleil Superieur Broad Spectrum SPF50 not only contains powerful sun protection properties, but is infused with anti-aging benefits to erase fine lines, repair cell damage, and smooth the complexion.
Niacinamide
To tackle all things such as fine lines, dryness, hyperpigmentation, and lack of firmness at once, we recommend incorporating the ingredient niacinamide into your routine. The Chantecaille Rose de Mai Cream will deeply hydrate the skin while providing all the benefits that niacinamide offers.
In your 50s
In your 50s, you might already have a skincare ritual that you are happy with, and it’s okay to stick with this routine as the skin concerns are similar to the previous decade. However, here are some additional steps that can help you put your best face forward.
Hydrating Oil
In addition to diligently using a hydrating moisturizer, you may also elect a nourishing oil, such as the Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Multi Repair Oil. Apply the oil to the face and any dry patches on the body to help plump and revitalize the skin. Pro tip: Make sure to apply oils last as they have large molecules that make other products unable to penetrate the skin.
Sculpting Neck Cream
Give some extra TLC to your neck and décolletage with a luxurious rich cream such as the Natura Bissé Tensolift Neck Cream. Infused with niacinamide, the cream helps to visibly sculpt, smooth, and tighten the delicate skin around the neck and décolletage!
Strong Nails
Over the age of 50, dry nails are more common, and the reason is similar to what leads to dry skin. As we get older, we have less hydration in our nails, which makes them more prone to breaking, cracking, and peeling. The Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream is a wonderful holistic hand treatment that strengthens nails and nourishes cuticles. It’s an easy way to pamper yourself anytime of the day!
Beauty Sleep
Lastly, you might consider incorporating a sleeping supplement such as the HUM Mighty Night Overnight Renewal Supplement to not only get a goodnight's sleep but for boosting skin cell turnover. Women in their 50s may be approaching or going through menopause and many experience insomnia as a symptom, which can drastically impact your skin health due to lessened nighttime recovery. Establishing a good sleep routine will help the skin heal to wake up glowing and refreshed!
60s and beyond
Beyond your 60s, your skincare routine does not need to drastically change, especially with the proper sunscreen, cleanser, serum, and moisturizer. However, as your skin barrier starts to weaken, you might find yourself having to slowly scale back the dosage of active ingredients such as AHAs or retinol.
Simple yet Effective
If you’re searching for a minimal routine that won’t compromise quality and luxury, look no further than the Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, which can be used as an all-in-one product to replace all your other skincare rituals. Simply apply the luxuriously moisturizing cream to your face and neck after cleansing and watch it work its magic. With a patented TCF8 technology, this cream works to directly support your body’s renewal functions, effectively addressing a range of concerns such as hyperpigmentation, elasticity, redness, and fine lines.
Simple yet Effective
To boost your glow, try using the ultra-luxurious Sisley-Paris Black Rose Cream Mask twice a week. Get lost in a swirl of fragrant roses while rich vitamins and plant extracts restore skin vitality. Apply a generous layer to the face and neck and leave on for 10 to 15 minutes to completely revitalize the complexion.
In the end, there’s no magic formula that can stop your skin from changing, and that’s okay! There’s nothing wrong with having visible signs of aging because it is a manifestation of wisdom. The goal is not to diminish every last sign of aging, but incorporating the right products at the right time to keep your skin healthy as long as possible. Also remember, consistency is key! Take care of your skin and your skin will take care of you. We hope this guide helped you to feel happy and comfortable in your own skin at whatever stage you may be in!
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