By Bridget Sullivan, PA-C, Coastal Skin Cancer Surgery and Dermatology
As our body ages, our skin changes and so should our skin care routines. This article will briefly outline what steps and ingredients to incorporate into our skin care routine at different stages of our life. It is important to note that if you have a medical condition, such as acne or eczema, it is imperative to see your dermatology medical provider to get a tailored regimen and possibly incorporate prescription strength ingredients into your routine. Adapting your skincare routine to your age ensures that your skin stays healthy, balanced, and radiant at every step.
Teens & Adolescents:
It is very trendy now, thanks to Tik Tok, for young kids and teens to have a 12 step skin care routine. This trend has mislead kids and parents that a young teen and adolescents need to incorporate many ingredients into your daily routine. Having too many ingredients at a young age can actually cause harm, disrupting a young persons skin barrier and causing inflammation. At this stage of life the key is consistency and simplicity. The three products recommended for a skin care routine are: a gentle cleanser, light weight moisturizer, and SPF. Establishing good skincare habits early- especially SPF- sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy skin.
Middle Aged: 20s-40s
At this stage in life we are starting to lose collagen formation. Skin cell turnover begins to slow down, and early signs of aging such as fine lines, dullness, and uneven tone may appear. This is the time to focus on prevention and repair. Incorporating antioxidants like vitamin C helps protect against environmental damage, while retinoids or retinol stimulate collagen production and improve texture. This point in life would be an ideal time to incorporate anti aging procedures such as micro needling facials, chemical peels, botox, fillers, and/or laser resurfacing. It is also important to note to start to incorporate our skin care routine and procedures to our neck and chest as well!
50s and Beyond:
At this stage in life, we see hormonal changes and our skin, hair and nails can start to become thin and brittle. As the skin matures, it naturally loses elasticity, moisture, and volume. A routine that focuses on nourishment and barrier repair becomes vital. Creamy cleansers and emollient-rich moisturizers help combat dryness, while peptides and growth factors can improve firmness and smoothness. Avoid harsh exfoliating cleansers and look for moisturizers that contain peptides and hyaluronic acids.
No matter the decade, consistency, protection, and gentle care are timeless keys to healthy, beautiful skin. Remember healthy skin leads to beautiful skin!
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