Skincare Tips For Every Age

Fine lines and wrinkles creep in during the 20s and 30s, and many people mix up their skincare to try to prevent aging for as long as possible. These years are key for maintaining healthy skin in the future, so use products rich in antioxidants, retinoids (a type of vitamin A), and vitamin C. You can also increase your intake of berries and fruits; absorbing nutrients through diet is the best way to get the most out of them.

These ingredients will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promote cell regeneration, and protect the skin from free radicals. They'll also protect against sun damage.

Find a daily moisturizer with SPF and vitamin C that will both guard against the sun and reduce the appearance of dark spots. It's recommended that people of all ages use sunscreen or SPF protection daily—even if it looks cloudy outside.

Later in life, elasticity in the skin decreases due to reduced collagen production. This can lead to less firm skin with wrinkles and fine lines.

In your 40s and 50s, your skincare routine should include products with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.

Peptides are amino acids that help maintain collagen production and improve skin firmness. Meanwhile, vitamin E protects the skin from environmental stresses, which improves texture and keeps everything hydrated.

In the golden years, skin can easily become dry and fragile as the production of natural oils significantly decreases. You might find that your skin is itchier and flakier, but it's nothing good products can't solve. To keep your skin healthy, incorporate ceramides, glycerin, and shea butter into your routine. This will help to strengthen the skin's natural barrier, draw in and hold moisture, and soothe any itchiness. Shea butter can also help to improve elasticity.

Anyone over 80 should focus on products that hydrate, nourish, and protect the skin. In later years, the skin can no longer retain moisture in the same way, which makes it much more susceptible to dryness and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and shea butter can all help to improve texture. You should also consider vitamin C, vitamin E, and a daily sunscreen to protect against damage. Experts also recommend gentle products, as older skin could become sensitive to fragrance.

Regardless of your age, antioxidants play a huge part in keeping your skin—and your body—healthy. They can be found naturally in food, but for an added boost, vitamins C and E can be incorporated into your skincare routine through skin oils and serums. Another antioxidant to look out for is green tea extract. This can smooth skin and reduce inflammation, so it's ideal for anyone who's feeling a little puffy.

Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, giving your skin the hydration bomb it needs. This blast of hydration can quickly make skin feel more radiant and plumper. For a healthy pamper, find a face mask with hyaluronic acid or use a daily serum.

Vitamin C is a popular ingredient for skincare products because it leaves the skin feeling bright and firm. The antioxidant helps the body continue to produce collagen that maintains the skin's elasticity and encourages healing. It can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Retinoids boost collagen production and promote cell regeneration, which in turn improves the appearance of the skin. Retinoids are often found in over-the-counter products or can be prescribed at stronger doses in a cream or gel. When introducing them (or any new ingredient) into your regimen, make sure to start with a low-strength lotion or serum and work your way up, to find the lowest concentration that works for you and doesn't irritate your skin.

Sunscreen is absolutely essential and should be part of your skincare routine at any age. It protects against UV rays, which are known to age the skin prematurely, produce dark spots, and—most importantly—increase the risk of skin cancer.

Even if you don't want to wear greasy sunscreen every day, there are plenty of daily moisturizers that have built-in SPF protection. Just make sure your product protects against both UVA and UVB rays and has a rating of at least SPF 30.

If you prefer to stick to an all-natural skincare routine, there are many natural products and ingredients you can use at different ages to keep your skin healthy. Aloe vera, for example, doesn't just soothe sunburn; it's perfect for hydrating the skin and reducing inflammation.

Tea tree is a natural antiseptic that cleanses the skin and keeps breakouts at bay. Tea tree face washes are often recommended for those with acne-prone skin. Jojoba oil works to nourish the skin and improve its elasticity.