Skincare Through the Ages: Dos and Don’ts for Every Decade of Your Life

Since as early as the time of ancient Egypt, people have been practicing skincare through the ages. Human skin has changed very little, but our understanding of it has come a long way. Your skin changes as you age. So, it stands to reason that you should alter your skincare routine throughout your life to better deal with your skin’s needs. It used to be that women would stick to the same skin care regimen for life. But as skin care technology advances, a wider variety of skin care products are now available to treat the unique needs of your skin health and achieve beautiful skin at any age.

Skin Care at Any Age

One skin health tip that’s true for any age is don’t sunbathe. The sun’s UVB rays can damage skin, and that damage is cumulative. As we age, years of sun exposure can cause significant skin damage, so the best thing you can do is to avoid the sun at any age. By doing this as early as possible, you can enjoy flawless skin and a younger look for decades to come. Always wear sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or more. Avoid the sun during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. When outdoors, cover your body with long sleeves and pants and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Finally, see a dermatologist regularly for a skin cancer screening.

Skin Care in Your 20s

• Moisturize your skin.
• Bacteria causes acne. If acne is still an issue for you, use a gentle cleanser with salicylic acid to help keep your pores clear of bacteria. Make sure your cleanser won’t strip your skin of moisture, since dry skin can result in higher oil production. Consider a light chemical peel to exfoliate your pores and produce radiant skin.
• Don’t overdo your makeup. In your 20s, your skin is still plump and youthful so you probably don’t need a foundation with full coverage. Try a tinted moisturizer instead. This can especially help if you’re prone to breakouts.

Skin Care in Your 30s

• Moisturize your skin.
• During your 30s, you will start to notice some fine lines and wrinkles. You will start to lose the elasticity in your skin and you may notice an uneven skin tone. This is the perfect time to start using a retinoid product to help delay some of these problems.
• It takes longer for your skin to regenerate as we age, so during your 30s, you may begin to notice that your skin looks duller and less radiant – these are some of the first signs of aging skin and are typically the result of a buildup of dead skin cells. You can consult a skin care specialist to get a glycolic peel, which will help to quickly reveal fresh skin. Moisturize your skin with a moisturizer that contains glycolic or lactic acid – just be careful not to layer on too many active ingredients at once. This will also help to regenerate your skin.

Skin Care in Your 40s

• Moisturize your skin, but don’t use the same moisturizer you used when you were younger. You’ll want to use a product that can help address those fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Try using products that contain peptides and coenzyme Q10. To help even out your skin tone, use skin care products that contain alpha hydroxy acid.
• This is a good time to incorporate medical-grade skincare products and treatments such as laser rejuvenation, Botox, and microneedling, which can help smooth aging signs and boost collagen production.
• Aim for products that are geared toward mature skin, which typically contain more moisturizing ingredients. Consider adding extra moisture to your regimen in the form of hyaluronic acid or aloe vera, which can help sooth irritated skin and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

Skin Care in Your 50s and Beyond

• It’s time to use a heavier cream. At this stage of life, your glands will start producing less and less oil, so your skin will become drier and more sensitive. By using a more emollient cream, you can give your skin the moisture it needs. Look for creams that contain antioxidants and ceramides, as well as cleansers that contain moisturizing ingredients.
• Start using an eye cream in your 50s. Try using an eye cream that contains silicone to help minimize the appearance of fine lines around the eyes.
• At your 50s and beyond, it’s time to become more aggressive about boosting collagen production. Make microneedling or laser skin resurfacing a regular part of your schedule.

Skincare in Charleston, SC

Remember, professional skin care products will help support healthy skin throughout your lifetime, and your skin care professional will help guide you to the right products for your particular skin issues and your stage of life.

To learn more about sun damage and our professional skin care products, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Port City Plastic Surgery serves Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant and Summerville, South Carolina from two locations in Charleston and Daniel Island.