DCSI shares with all of our patients that skin care is almost like a fingerprint. It is unique to each person. The difference between skin care and fingerprints is that skin care needs to change as we age. As our skin matures, it will have different needs and issues that come along. As the issues change, the products will need to change, as well.
Here are some products needed for skin care by age.
Your 20s
Skin care in your 20s is all about minimalism. It's a busy couple of years, so you might not have time for a 10-step routine. Skin in your 20s is at its peak, strong with collagen production, a ton of elastin, and all around plump and firm. Now is the time to take preventative measures and develop good habits for your skin. Here are the best skin care products for women in their 20s:- Acne-Fighting Treatment: If you find that you are dealing with breakouts, then trying a cleanser or spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide will be a good option. These are active ingredients in acne-fighting treatments.
- SPF Moisturizer: This is the foundation of any good skincare routine! Sunscreen is the first line of defense against sun damage. Too much sun can cause premature aging, and UV rays are one of the main culprits of visible signs of aging and skin cancer. A 30+ SPF is recommended to prevent skin cancer and other damage.
- Over-the-Counter Retinol: Collagen can start to break down in your mid-20s, including retinol, so even a mild one can help prevent early signs of aging and stimulate collagen production.
Your 30s
As you reach your 30s, women typically start thinking a little more about anti-aging products. This is also when the natural aging process usually begins as well. Skin becomes drier as the decline of collagen production starts and then diminishes the function of sweat and oil glands. Our dermatology offices have put together some products for the skin regimen for 30s:- Exfoliating AHA: A lot of issues begin underneath the skin in your 30s. Using a chemical exfoliant like an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) 2 to 3 times a week can help combat visible changes like discoloration and dullness appear. This product helps prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, minimize pores, and even out the texture and tone of the skin.
- Antioxidant Serum: Antioxidants are key to include in your beauty routine once you hit 30. They help soothe any damage from UV rays. We are only human and don’t always remember to reapply sunscreen when it's needed. Using serums with vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid can help repair the skin during the day.
- Prescription Retinol: Your 30s is a good time to talk to your dermatologist about prescription retinol of 0.25% as part of your nighttime routine. All treatments should be applied to your face, neck, and decolletage.
Your 40s
Around this age, most women are entering perimenopause, which means their body’s hormonal makeup is in flux, affecting the skin. Collagen and elastin begin to break, clump together, stiffen, and thicken, resulting in wrinkles and aging lines. Here are some products for the best beauty routine for over 40:- A peptide serum: Peptides are like the building blocks of the skin. They help counteract aging.
- Eye cream: If an eye cream isn’t already being used, this is the time to add it. The skin around the eyes is delicate and will benefit from using a retinol eye cream.
- Stronger retinol: This is also a time to strip the retinol prescription to 0.5% or 1% after talking to your dermatologist about it.
Your 50s and Beyond
By 50, you will notice drastic changes, such as a drop in hormones, possibly due to menopause. This is also when the natural signs of agents are clear. As hormone levels drop, so does collagen production. Around this age, you can also start to back off the harsher products and treatments. Here is the best skin care 50s should use:- A gentle cleanser: Cream or oil cleansers will remove dirt without stripping the skin of its moisture.
- Hyaluronic acid serum: This will give the skin more moisture without being too heavy or sticky of a product.
- Ceramide moisturizer: Ceramides lock in moisture and help give the skin a plumper appearance.