Curating a good skincare routine is timeless, and it’s best to start now
We’re sure you’ve heard the saying “Good skin starts from young”. And it’s only absolutely true—your skin needs to be maintained even as you grow older, especially when age brings about a whole lot of changes, including dry skin or sensitive skin, pigmentation and more. While there’s no surefire way to look indefinitely youthful, we’ve got a couple of useful tips for glowing skin based on your age.
When you’re in your 20s
Most women in their 20s are blessed with generally manageable skin so long as they stick to good diets and a basic skincare routine. However, common problems that may arise include acne (a part of adolescence that refuses to leave you!) and not taking the right steps to protect your skin from sun exposure at this stage of your life. In an interview with Total Beauty, New York dermatologist Heidi Waldorf says that in addition to your face, proper UV protection should include your neck, chest and hands as well.
The quintessential skincare routine
Get a cream cleanser if you have dry skin, or one that gently fights acne and breakouts if you have oily skin. Cleanse twice a day (morning and night), and always gently tap your face with a soft towel after—never vigorously rub your face dry as this can cause premature wrinkles. Youth may be on your side, but it doesn’t hurt to get your skin plump and hydrated with a lightweight moisturizer like the Ultra Moisturizing Repair Gel. Follow up with sunscreen of at least SPF 30 before going out of the house. If you have oily skin and not confident with moisturizers, try the Ultra Pore Refiner Anti-Blemish Night Cream, a non-greasy formula that effectively helps with excess sebum and blemishes.
Remember, your 20s might be where you feel free to stay up as late as you want, eat whatever you please, and drink more alcohol than you should, but bad habits are harder to kick as you age—and will show on your skin!
Shop:
When you’re in your 30s
According to Jenna Rink in 13 Going on Thirty, this is the time when you’re “thirty, flirty, and thriving!” Ladies in their 30s are usually looking at stable careers and possibly starting families—so there’s no excuse to not have a solid skincare routine down. Navigating skincare in your 30s can be tricky because you’re starting to get dry skin, and you start to see signs of hyperpigmentation and fine lines appear.
The quintessential skincare routine
First up, exfoliate at least 2-5 times a week! In your 30s, your skin only exfoliates naturally every 35 days as opposed to every 14 days when you’re in your 20s. In the day, use a moisturizer like the Cell Regenerate Gel Cream to combat anti-aging early while hydrating your skin. At night, reach for the Ultra Pore Refiner Anti-Blemish Night Cream to combat any blemishes, while tackling any early signs of aging.
Get the Clear & Youthful multi-moisturizing bundle here.
Shop:
When you’re in your 40s
When speaking to Refinery29, Dr. David Colbert, leading dermatologist at the New York Dermatology Group, founder of Colbert M.D. skincare and author, says women in their 40s really go on the defensive about aging. And for good reason, because in addition to hormone fluctuations, it’s when you start to spot jowls, wrinkles and large pores appear. Pigmentation also gets more apparent, and there’s a noticeable loss in skin elasticity. Few women can escape having dry skin too.
The quintessential skincare routine
Switch to a hydrating cleanser and stock up on anti-aging, antioxidant-rich serums and retinols that target problem areas on your skin. Women in their 40s will find that their skin lacks the robust ability to retain moisture, causing them to look aged and tired. In the day, we recommend using the Ultra Moisturizing Repair Gel before your sunscreen—it contains the key ingredient calendula to promote skin repair while gently moisturizing, giving you an overall younger complexion. At night, switch your moisturizer for a more potent one like the Cell Regenerate Gel Cream to combat anti-aging while ensuring your skin receives the ample moisture it needs.
Get the Healthy & Youthful multi-moisturizing bundle here.
Shop:
When you’re in your 50s—and beyond
If you’ve been diligent with skincare in your younger years, you’re in good stead! You may start to experience sagging as you lose even more skin elasticity, and your skin may start to show signs of increased blotchiness and redness.
The quintessential skincare routine
Things to focus on: a highly hydrating cleanser, facial oils, prescription retinoids (to nudge the production of elastin and collagen), glycolic acid with at least 10%-15% concentrations to increase retinoid absorption, and a rich moisturizer like the Brightening Moisturizing Cream to intensively lighten pigmentation, deliver rich actives and Vitamins A, C, and E to your skin. We also recommend the Cell Regenerate Gel Cream, our ultimate age prevention solution that uses resveratrol to protect from free radical damage and increase collagen production to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Follow up with adequate SPF (Waldorf shares that there are evidence antioxidants act synergistically with sunblock to guard against photodamage). Your skin will lock in as much moisture as it can, while subtly evening out lines and having a more plump, healthy look.
Get the Radiant & Youthful multi-moisturizing bundle here.
Shop:
Our goal has always been to help you ladies feel beautiful in their own skin, no matter what stage of your life you’re at! Moisturizing is something we feel strongly about as it’s the last step of skincare and one that is often easily overlooked. We are always here to help you with your questions—drop us a note here if you’d like to find out more about the products, and which will work best for you.
About us: We are Skintelligence, a team focused on a 'skin-first' approach to beauty through artificial intelligence. We match products to you based on your unique skin type and needs. Results are highly accurate and personalized with AI and machine learning. It's fun, convenient, and it works. Try it here.
As featured in Her World, CLEO, FEMALE, Shape, Nuyou, Singapore Women’s Weekly, Daily Vanity, Layers of Skins.