Rethink Your Skincare Routine

That foam face cleanser you’ve been using since you were a teen was only ever meant to be a fair-weather friend. Here’s how to best take care of your skin in every season of life…

It should come as no surprise that our skin changes as we get older—after all, we get a first-row seat to the changes every day in the mirror!

But did you know that your skincare should adapt and change according to your season of life too?

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In your teens…

• Thanks to the crazy hormone fluctuations in this season, your skin needs some special TLC.
• Start by identifying your skin type: Extra oily? Dry? A combination of the two? Really sensitive?
• Generally speaking, your hormones as a teen will trigger your skin to produce more oil, which causes your pores to enlarge and breakouts to be more common.
• Daily cleansing is therefore really important. Use an anti-bacterial soap, anti-bacterial creams, and oil-free moisturizers.
• Regularly exfoliate too — although no more than 2 or 3 times a week — to stop your pores from getting clogged.
• Using a good SPF is always essential, especially as a teen, as any pimples exposed to the sun can leave hyperpigmentation.
• Ingredients to look for: Benzoyl Peroxide, which is proven to help break-outs, salicylic acid to clean deep into pores, and tea tree oil and witch hazel, which are naturally antibacterial.

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In your 20s…

• Of course, you should enjoy the party, but make it your goal to also preserve and protect your skin. If you haven’t done so already, now’s the time to get into a good skincare routine.
• Wear a light moisturizer with sunscreen every day (no matter the weather), remove your make-up before going to bed, and treat any breakouts using a spot treatment containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
• An antioxidant will also help to counteract any late nights and uneven skin tone. Apply serum at night that contains pomegranate extract (ellagic acid), vitamin C, or grape seed extract.
• You could also introduce eye creams as long as they are not too harsh.
• To treat adult acne, sulfur-containing acne treatments are best, as sulfur has antibacterial and antiseptic properties.

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In your 30s…

• By the time you hit your thirties, the collagen in your skin has begun to break down and your skin is producing less oil.
• Now’s the time to start to look for richer formulas that are really hydrating and to prevent any further skin damage.
• Serums deliver a higher concentration of active ingredients and can be absorbed at a much deeper level, so consider investing in one. At this stage, vitamin C, vitamin E, Ferulic acid, chamomile, hyaluronic acid, and collagen are all great ingredients to look out for.
• A few times a week, after cleansing (or instead of your usual cleanser), use a product containing alpha-hydroxy acids (or AHAs), like glycolic acid, or a mild scrub to help boost skin cell turnover — a process that starts to slow in your 30s.
• Another must for bedtime is an under-eye cream containing ingredients like retinol (to boost collagen), caffeine (to de-puff the area), and niacinamide (to reduce redness).
• Remember to also always apply sunscreen during the day, and be extra gentle when you apply products as your skin is becoming more fragile.
• It’s also the best time to consider adding retinol to your skincare routine. It’s a form of vitamin A that boosts skin cell renewal by smoothing out wrinkles, increasing collagen production, and helping to decrease oil production, which helps tighten pores and improve acne. It’s best to start slow with retinol – especially if you have rosacea, sensitive or very dry skin (consider consulting with your dermatologist first). For the first two weeks, start using it only once or twice a week. By week three, use it two to three times a week, and after one month, if your skin hasn’t had a reaction (or become very dry), you can then try using it every other night.

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In your 40s…

• In your 40s, expression lines won’t disappear like they used to.
• As your hormones begin to shift toward perimenopause, your skin will become dryer too. Owing to this, now’s the time to add moisture and collagen-building ingredients like peptides (which boost collagen production, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles).
• Add a hydrating mask once or twice a week for extra moisture. Look for products containing natural humectants like aloe, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, as these will draw water to the surface of your skin (plumping your skin), while also delivering nutrients and moisture deep in the dermal layers.
• Switch from a drying foam face wash to richer cream cleansers and cleansing oils.
• Pay extra attention to your eyes too – look for an eye cream that contains anti-aging ingredients like retinol and hydrolyzed collagen, as these will help strengthen and smooth the skin around the eye.
• Eating lots of protein will also help your body build strong collagen and elastic tissue. You could even try drinking collagen!
• Be sure to moisturize nightly before you tuck in, extending your skin-care products down your neck. Use a moisturizer that has a high level of glycerin or hyaluronic acid to help the skin retain the moisture it needs. And don’t forget the SPF during the day (every day)!

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In your 50s and beyond…

• These are the years when dryness will likely be your biggest skin issue, so moisturizing and keeping your skin properly hydrated has never been more important.
• As the collagen in your skin has depleted, you’ll also begin to notice volume loss, resulting in skin sagging.
• Hyaluronic acid is an amazing moisturizing ingredient for any age, but it should certainly be in your skin-care lineup by the time you hit 50. Look for it in serums, day lotions, and night creams, and aim to work it into your routine at least once a day.
• When it comes to skin repair, retinol is still top of the list.
• In addition, look out for skin products with probiotics. Yes, probiotics! As your skin ages, the outer layer becomes more alkaline (the optimal pH balance of the skin is 5.5, which is slightly acidic), which means its defense is weaker, and it’s more prone to sensitivity and dryness. Adding a topical probiotic will help restore the skin’s pH balance, helping it to produce fatty acids so that it can retain moisture. It also helps your skin maintain any remaining collagen by neutralizing free radicals that destroy those cells.
• If you’re using retinol (which you should be), it can tend to dry your face, so using facial oil will rebalance your skin’s hydration levels. Argan oil, Passion Fruit oil, or African Marula oils are perfect for you.
• Slather on your nighttime products too—don’t be stingy! Work them into your skin for an even layer of ample coverage, extending all the way down your neck and across the top of your chest, and even over the tops of your hands.

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Special thanks to these great sources here, here, and here.

So mums, which age group are you in, and are you up to date with the products you should be using now?

Comment below to let us know.

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