When it comes to skin health, you should be handling it like you would a fitness routine -- with consistency, an end goal, and solid information. When it comes to that last one we’re always here for you. That’s why we want to provide you with 3 strategic ways to care for your skin today, no matter your age group. After all, it’s never too soon (or perhaps better now than never) to start putting some TLC into your daily ritual!
Before we get into it, let’s go over why having a skincare routine is so important.
It goes without saying that caring for your skin will help you as you age. And it’s no secret that (as with most things in life) what you put into your routine is what you’ll get out of it. This is especially true because your skin changes as you age. For example, wrinkles form when your body produces less collagen and your skin becomes less elastic. To slow this process at any age you can use natural skin-care products that support cell regeneration and keep the skin’s lipid barrier hydrated.
Now that’s covered, let’s dive into what you will need to know and do through the decades.
In Your 20s.
When it comes to caring for your skin, your 20s are your defining decade. What you do here is massively important as it lays your skin-health foundation for the rest of your life (no pressure). The reason? It’s in your mid-20s that production of the all-important collagen starts to decrease dramatically, so you want to make sure you’ve prepped yourself enough to make it less visible… for now. The best way to do that is to set up a ritual that becomes habitual for decades to follow.
Here are the 3 things to do in your 20s:
Make sure to always protect your skin with sunscreen. This is non-negotiable. While overexposure to UVA/UVB rays are bad news for your body in general, they are especially terrible for the surface of your skin. In fact, 90% of premature aging is due to environmental factors like exposure to the sun.
Use preventative products. This means using all of those antioxidant-rich, organic serums that your BFF recommends, or going to a dermatologist and putting a plan in place for your skin type. What you do now will help you later.
Improve your diet. Now, we’re not saying go crazy, but we’re saying be more mindful of what you eat. For instance, sugar is known to cause early-onset aging, whereas, eating healthy fats like avocados or fish keeps your collagen levels in a happy place.
In Your 30s.
After the whirlwind of your 20s, when you enter your 30s you’ll see benefits (both now and later) when you put the time into your skincare habits. Just like the decade before, it’s important to establish or fine-tune your routine to meet your skin’s needs. After all, the 30s is when you start to see fine lines pop up, and when those genes from your parents (for better or worse) begin to reveal themselves.
Here are the 3 things to do in your 30s:
Begin using an eye serum. One of the first areas to show signs of aging is your eyes. The skin around your peepers is thin and, as such, likely to become lackluster a bit more quickly than other areas.
Start using an exfoliating product regularly. If you skipped the whole exfoliation thing in your 20s, now is the time to start. Removing dead skin cells is helpful in creating a smoother complexion.
Make use of a night cream or hydrating facial oil. Lather up before bedtime and help your skin with its overnight cellular processes! This will allow you to wake up with a fresh face, ready to be cleansed for the day ahead.
In Your 40s.
By the time you’ve entered your 40s you should pretty much be an expert on your skin type, be aware of your chronic concerns, and have strategies to address them. Yet if you’ve been using the same ritual for the last two decades with minimal variation, your 40s will require updates to your plan! For this decade, it’s all about keeping your skin hydrated, plump, and caring for collagen.
Here are the 3 things to do in your 40s:
Change to a gentle cleanser. In your 40s, you’ll be more cognizant of dryness. To combat this, use cleansers that won’t strip your skin of its natural, nourishing oils, and instead opt for more gentle options.
Use hydrating serums. Just as you’ll be swapping your cleanser for something milder and more effective at combating dryness, the same holds true for your serum; seek ingredients that will reduce the risk of dehydration.
Opt for natural exfoliators. As you age, your skin does become thinner (biology, amirite?). To make sure that you still exfoliate but don’t damage your lovely skin, opt for exfoliants made from naturally acidic sources or fruit enzymes.
In Your 50s.
When you’re in your 50s, the main concerns you had in your 40s still exist now, so it’s best to continue to use the same products you started to use the decade before. But now, in your 50s, a common thing you may experience, aside from dryness, is irregular pigmentation. You’ll want to adjust your ritual accordingly.
Here are the 3 things to do in your 50s:
Begin using retinoids. A derivative of Vitamin A, retinoid can help combat any irregular pigmentation on your skin, allowing it to remain clear and dewy.
Invest in professional facials. There are a ton of pro-facials out there that can help give your skin a little collagen boost, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
Use a stronger sunscreen. Add into your routine a more protective SPF than you may have used in prior years. Stick to it since your skin is more vulnerable than before.
There you have it! A round-up of 3 ways to care for your skin in multiple decades in order to maintain your gorgeous complexion. These things may seem simple when you read them, but the real work is in following through with them daily. So if you need a little motivation, come back to this blog post as a reference point on why it’s important to care for your skin, and as a reminder of how easy it is to do so!