Skincare for the Ages
With the amount of skincare that is available today, not to mention the endless list of aesthetic treatments just waiting to turn back the clock, it can be an absolute minefield as to what we should be using when.
The truth is there are no magic potions or pills out there to stop the ageing process, and we believe it is something you should embrace as best you can. There is nothing wrong with age, and beauty is always a reflection of the inside.
Read on for our guide on the right skincare for your age, which will help you to project the best version of yourself no matter what stage of life you are in.
In your 20s
Prevention is better than cure as they say, and this is exactly what you should be aiming for when it comes to skincare in your 20s.
Your routine: The big skincare staple you need to be using is sun protection – this should be a part of your daily routine. Washing your face twice daily is also important for acne prone skin and general skincare. Use a cream cleanser for dry skin, and opt for a salicylic acid cleanser for acne-prone skin. Follow this with a light moisturiser and sun protection – we would aim for using an SPF 50 at all times.
Hero ingredients to use: Salicylic acid for acne breakouts; UVA and UVB sun protection, and vitamin C to hydrate and balance skin pigmentation.
In your 30s
In your 30s acne usually does start to subside, but this is also due to your skin starting to dry out. Your 30s will also bring more hyperpigmentation, fine lines, sun spots and dark circles under your eyes, oh, and let’s not forget, our pores become larger too!
Your routine: Diet will be a big factor in caring for your skin as you age – you are what you eat! Cut back on processed foods and refined sugars – not completely, we need some enjoyment in life - and start adding in more fresh foods such as kale, Greek yogurt, almonds, blueberries, olive oil and white fish to your diet. All great foods for great skin!
Cleanse your skin twice a day and use a toner to aid firmness and minimise pores. Exfoliate 3-5 times a week to remove dead skin cells and make sure you wear sunscreen every day (SPF 50). Add a moisturiser to your skincare that contains antioxidants, and opt for a retinol-based moisturiser a few times a week at night.
Hero ingredients: Retinol to help with your skin’s collagen production; hyaluronic acid to soften the skin and aid with fine lines; potent antioxidants such as vitamin C and E to help combat signs of fatigue; and glycolic acid to help remove the build-up of dead skin cells and refresh your skin.
Aesthetic treatments to consider: Botox (used sparingly), microdermabrasion, laser toning and fruit acid peels.
In your 40s
In your 40s is often when everything starts to head south – jowls, wrinkles, large pores, pigmentation, and sagging skin. Also, if your menopause kicks in in your late 40s, then the added bonus of hormones will add further dryness and possible perioral dermatitis to your skin worries.
Your routine: Use a hydrating cleanser twice a day followed by a strong serum. Skincare needs to considered all day, not just at night now, so you will want to use something stronger in the morning. Follow your moisturiser with an SPF, and use facials oils, which sink deeper into the skin aiding in added moisture.
Hero ingredients: Retinol and alpha-hydroxy acids will stimulate collagen production; aloe and chamomile to hydrate and soothe the skin; and essential oils such as yangu, marula and passion fruit will rehydrate the skin and seal in moisture.
Aesthetic treatments to consider: Lasers, microdermabrasion and botox.
In your 50s
If it all started to go south in your 40s, well this is the age where it now hits the floor! Gravity finally catches up with you in your 50s and effects like jowls, loose skin, smile lines etc. all become more apparent. If you have taken our advice and were strict in your SPF use, then these effects aren’t so harsh.
Your routine: Cleanse twice a day with a creamy hydrating face wash followed by facial oil, retinol, a rich moisturiser and SPF. At night your skincare can be more aggressive, so increase your retinol use to every night and use a higher strength. Apply facial oil and rich hydrating night cream also to lock in moisture and boost your skin’s oil levels.
Hero ingredients: Retinol to keep collagen and elastin production churning; facial oil to seal in moisture; vitamin C to protect the skin; peptides to stimulate collagen; and 15% concentration of glycolic acid to help with the retinol absorption.
Aesthetic treatments to consider: Dermal fillers, and collagen and elastin facials.
In your 60s
Your 60s are a continuation of your 50s with regards to skin concerns but at a faster pace. Lip lines will become more noticeable as well as a loss of volume in the lips themselves.
Your routine: Cleanse your skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser followed by an antioxidant cream, facial oil and SPF. At night use a retinol serum followed by facial oil and a rich night cream.
Hero ingredients: Antioxidant borage seed oil to aid in the skin’s glow; hyaluronic acid to help fill in lines; shea butter for hydration; retinol to stimulate collagen, and glycolic acid to help cell turnover.
Aesthetic treatments to consider: Botox, skin peels and laser treatments.
In your 70s and beyond
In our 70s and beyond dryness and sensitivity will be your main concern – skin can sometimes look translucent, scaly and rough.
Your routine: Cleanse twice a day with a very gentle wash, followed with facial oils and super hydrating moisturisers (both day and night), followed with an SPF in the daytime.
Hero ingredients: Ceramides to moisturise; low-dose alpha-hydroxy acids and retinol to help skin cell turnover; and SPFs – both physical and chemical!
Aesthetic treatments to consider: Fillers and ultrasound treatments.
Important note!
Throughout every age, do not forget your neck and décolleté. When moisturising your face, make sure you rub the moisturiser down onto your neck too. Poor skincare on the neck will show your age no matter how young your face looks!