What Is the Right Skincare Routine for Every Age

You look at photographs of Hollywood A-listers and wonder how most of them still look the same as they did a decade or two ago. Seriously, how does Reese Witherspoon at 42 look like she did when ‘Legally Blonde’ came out in 2001? Or Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow or even ‘Hollaback Girl’ singer Gwen Stefani who is currently 48 but one would easily mistake her for a 25 or 30-year-old. Yes, wealth and great genes can turn things around for everyone but is there someone hiding a ‘Fountain of Youth’ that only a few privileged folks have access to? Not really. Our research (mostly online) says it is still a myth. But recognising your skin’s needs as you grow older and also bringing in a few changes in your beauty routine can reinvigorate your skin and leave it with a healthy glow.

A newborn’s skin is soft and delicate followed by our teen years when the skin is ridden with oil and acne. You grow older and then skin issues shift to wrinkles, pigmentation, etc. Apart from the internal factors or the natural ageing process, there are external factors like exposure to the sun as well as lifestyle choices that impact your skin over the years.

A skincare regimen that worked for you in your 20s will not necessarily have the same result when you’re in your 30s or 40s. We must customise our skin care strategies as we reach our golden years.

IN YOUR 20s

You’re fresh out of your post-graduate school and just a few months into your new job, there’s not much time to set a hard and fast skincare routine that you stick to. You might still be suffering from acne that has continued from your teen years and minor skin issues pop up maybe due to your lifestyle choices like long working hours, late night binge drinking sessions, sun bathing with no sunscreen on. Even though your skin is at its peak during these years, you must protect its youthful glow for as long as possible.

Wash your face at least twice with a mild cleanser that will also help remove your makeup. If your skin is dry then use a cream cleanser and in case of oily skin, opt for a product that will remove excess oil and prevent breakouts.
Apply a light moisturiser with at least 30 SPF and massage your skin gently. If you are going to spend some hours under the sun then you may apply SPF up to 60. it is always best to check with your dermatologist about the recommended level of SPF because of geographical differences as well.
If you suffer from mild acne then products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide help.
You don’t need to blow up big bucks buying anti-ageing creams. Instead, maintain your diet and drink plenty of water. Avoid the harsh rays of the sun with sunscreen and hats and limit your drinking. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the way to go.

IN YOUR 30s

If the 20s was all about living your life in the extremes, 30s is when you start curbing your enthusiasm. You are not rushed or compelled to work in overdrive. The acne would’ve been cleared up by now but there a new issues to tackle. You might notice the first signs of ageing like fine lines around your eyes, age spots or hyperpigmentation, dark circles and enlarged pores. The skin also becomes drier and thus it is time to now move on from your 20s skincare routine.

Cleansing is always a must and at least twice a day.
Use a toner to tighten those pores and balance your skin’s pH levels.
Exfoliate at least three to four times a week to remove dead skin cells.
The skin around your eyes is thin and delicate than the rest of your face. Apply hydrating or SPF-based eye cream in the morning and at night to help fight those fine lines that might’ve begun showing.
Massage anti-oxidant rich serums, moisturisers or lotions before applying sunscreen if you’re stepping out. Anti-oxidants help in collagen production which is essential for your skin’s health.

IN YOUR 40s

We often tend to blame the weather when we feel physically or mentally low but when you enter your 40s, it is to be blamed on your hormones. You’ve entered a pre-menopause phase where your oestrogen levels have also begun to diminish. Oestrogen is responsible for your skin’s glow and its fall is accompanied by skin problems like dryness, dark spots, permanent wrinkles and fine lines. There’s loss of collagen which helps keep your skin supple. The décolletage area (neck and chest) also begins to sag a little and you will notice spots on other exposed parts of your body.

First, do a gentle cleanse twice a day but use a hydrating, non-drying cleanser.
Peptides should be definitely added to your skincare routine because peptide-rich serums or creams promote collagen production, revitalise your skin and helps combats skin ageing.
Since your skin starts to lose its moisture, you may also use facial oils like passionfruit or marula and moisturisers with high glycerin and SPF.
Continue using eye creams in the morning and before you hit the sack.

IN YOUR 50s

Menopause hits and there’s a sudden drop in your hormone levels. You notice new wrinkles and the old ones now seem deeper. The skin around your eyes and mouth is saggy, there is dryness and the collagen production further deteriorates. These issues can be addressed by moving on to a new routine for your mature skin.

Use a cream or an oil cleanser that’ll remove the dirt without making your skin dry.
Massage with a facial oil, a retinoid (which reduces fine lines) and a moisturiser rich in antioxidants and SPF.
Peptide-rich serum helps with collagen and improve skin texture.
If you wish to skin moisturising at night, you can apply petroleum jelly that would help retain your skin’s moisture.

You understand your body as no one else does and when in doubt consult a dermatologist or your physician is always helpful. One ages gracefully by taking complete and best care of themselves while remaining confident and having fun along the way.