Skincare is part of overall wellness – It’s never too late to start caring for your skin, but the earlier you develop a daily regimen, the better. The reality is that, as we age, so does our skin. And over the age of 35, this can include texture changes and dull, uneven skin that is more prone to wrinkles and fine lines. While the bouncy, smooth complexions of our teens and twenties may seem like a distant memory, dermatologists agree that there are many ways to revive skin, even as we enter our forties, fifties, and beyond.
Just like with fitness, adopting skincare habits that are enjoyable to you can be very helpful with your consistency over the long haul. And in the same way that maintaining a regular schedule matters in the gym, consistency is of paramount importance with a skincare regimen if you want it to be effective and want to see long-lasting results. If your skincare routine is not enjoyable, maintaining continuity is difficult. Choose the highest-quality products that you can afford (more expensive doesn’t always mean better!), and select your active ingredients carefully.
So, how should your skincare change in your 30s, 40s, and beyond?
The changes in your skin that you may be noticing are most likely due to perimenopause (or the years leading up to menopause), during which your estrogen levels begin to decrease. The result? Skin becomes thin and loses its elasticity. So, it’s necessary that you adapt to the changes in your skin with a new skincare routine that better fits your needs.
Start by switching your facial cleanser to something gentle, like an oil, a cream, or something similar that is soothing and replenishing. The name of the game for aging skin is moisturization, so you want to look for richer textures with just about everything that you use.
The tweaks to your diet that you start as part of maintaining your physical fitness help a lot with your skin too. A steady amount of collagen boosting foods and healthy fats, along with plenty of water, can all contribute to clear, plump skin.
There are several skincare ingredients that you also want to start incorporating into your daily regimen if you aren’t using them already:
RETINOIDS: The wrinkle and acne-fighting capabilities of retinoids have been known and celebrated for a long time. They’re the backbone of any acne treatment, and they also work preventatively to fight wrinkles and boost collagen production. Studies have found that the consistent use of retinoids can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in as little as 12 weeks. They are meant to be used at night, so always use them as part of your bedtime routine.
VITAMIN C: Dermatologists agree that the antioxidant vitamin C is one of the most important ingredients to start using in your 20s and 30s (and to continue using in your 40s), as it helps prevent dark spots before they happen and supports collagen before you lose it. Vitamin C is a terrific skin brightener with firming benefits since it boosts collagen and has antioxidant and UV protection benefits as well. Vitamin C is best when used during the day, so be sure to add it to your morning routine.
ANTIOXIDANTS: Antioxidants are one of the most beneficial skincare ingredients that you should be using (starting as early as your 20s). They fight free radical damage, contribute to glowing skin, prevent inflammation, and so much more. Look for one with ferulic acid to maximize the benefits, particularly past age 40.
SUNSCREEN: Using sunscreen daily can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer by about 50 percent, so it’s crucial to develop a relationship with SPF as early as you can. Besides being good for fighting off scary things like skin cancer, it’s also the number one way to protect your skin from the aging and discoloring effects of the sun, which is the number one thing that ages and compromises the health and appearance of your skin. Always be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin surfaces every day, use an SPF of 30 or higher, and be sure to reapply every two hours.
As you age, your skin goes through a myriad of changes and has different needs. Once you identify what those needs are (dullness, fine lines, discoloration, etc.), consistency in skincare is key. From using the right products, incorporating potent ingredients, and living a healthy lifestyle, there are many factors that can aid in keeping your skin healthy and beautiful. And since wellness is a full-body project that involves rejuvenating both the inside and the outside of your physical body, be sure to take care of your skin while you’re starting to take care of your nutrition and internal and physical fitness as well. Your skin is the largest organ that you have, so you want to make sure that it functions, looks, and feels as good as it can for as long as it can.
- More Articles from our VIP Executive Contributor Elizabeth Marshall:
- Connect with our VIP, Elizabeth Marshall.