A good skincare routine can make a huge difference to the way your skin looks and feels, as well as how your skin ages over time. But what worked in your 20s might not work the same way in your 50s, as the natural ageing process dramatically alters the skin's behaviour. So how do you tailor a skincare routine for your age? Let’s take a look at how each age group should care for their skin.
SKINCARE TIPS FOR EVERY AGE GROUP
We all know how different skin types have different skin issues, but it’s also true that different skin ages have different skin concerns. This is why you should not only consider skincare for your skin type, but also based on your age, so you can address the right aspects of your ever-changing skin. Remember: ageing skin is a natural process, and what's most important is strengthening your skin's current condition, not preventing the ageing process altogether.
Age group | Skin focus | Key ingredients to incorporate |
---|---|---|
Teens | Oiliness and breakouts |
|
20s | Preventative skincare |
|
30s | Anti–ageing and restoring hydration |
|
40s | Age spots, fine lines and wrinkles |
|
50s | Wrinkles, age spots, skin texture |
|
60s+ | Dry skin, skin texture and age spots |
|
SKINCARE FOR TEENAGERS
In your teens, hormonal changes trigger an increase in sebum production, which can lead to oily, greasy skin, blocked pores and blemishes. Because breakouts in teenagers are so common, teens should look for skincare that purifies the skin and manages excess sebum while maintaining the skin moisture barrier. Teens should also be using sunscreen every day as they are more likely to be outside and expose themselves to UV rays.
DO
- Use a gentle cleanser formulated for oil/blemish control.
- Keep skincare simple with non-comedogenic, fragrance-free products.
- Hydrate with lightweight humectants like hyaluronic acid.
DON’T
- Use pore-clogging ingredients.
- Skip sunscreen—not even in winter!
- Pick at or pop pimples as this can lead to spots and marks.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS FOR TEENAGE SKIN
SKINCARE IN YOUR 20S
Your skincare routine in your 20s will play a large role in how your skin ages, including the development of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as sunspots and discolouration. Keep your routine simple, with a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen. You can also incorporate a vitamin C serum to protect against environmental aggressors which also impact how the skin ages.
During your early 20s you may still be struggling with excess oil production and stick with blemish-control skincare for a few more years. Later on, in your mid-late 20s, as collagen production slowly declines you might start to gradually introduce a retinol product to your routine. Just make sure to balance out any skin-drying products with moisture-locking products.
DO
- Protect from free radical damage with vitamin C.
- Strengthen the skin moisture barrier with lightweight moisturiser.
- Introduce exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and excess oil.
DON’T
- Fight breakouts with very harsh formulas or ingredients.
- Go to bed with your makeup on: this can clog the pores and lead to breakouts.
- Start anti-ageing skincare too early—only introduce these products during your late 20s to early 30s.