Of course, finding the best cleansers, lotions, or serums can take some trial and error, but there are some products that will work their magic to make your skin look young and radiant. The key is knowing when to incorporate them into your routine. To
get the best skin ever, here's how to adapt your skincare in your 20s, 30s, and 40s.
20s- Adjust Acne Care and Prevent Collagen Loss
In your 20s, it's likely that you're still dealing with the same acne problems from your teenage years. But instead of using harsh products that target acne, you'll need to take a gentler approach by finding out what's causing the problem. Acne can be triggered by stress, and most people in their 20s are highly stressed because of the transition from academic life to having a career. In fact, research shows that women from 22 to 24 years in age
had higher acne severity when stressed. Finding ways to de-stress can be a holistic solution for mild acne in your 20s. Using cleansers and toners with salicylic acid or cica, as well as a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid, will keep your skin clear without drying it out.
Preventing collagen loss should also be prioritised in your 20s. We lose 1% of collagen in our skin each year, and while your skin may look plump and smooth right now, loss of collagen may lead to fine lines and wrinkles once you're in your early 30s.
To nourish and plump skin, eat a protein-rich diet to boost skin elasticity. You can also have microneedling treatments every few months or so to encourage collagen production, and use a sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from UV rays and prevent collagen breakdown.
30s- Treat Fine Lines and Improve Skin Firmness
Your 30s is when you'll likely start to see signs of skin ageing, and at this time, you'll probably notice some fine lines around your eyes and loss of volume in your cheeks. This would be the perfect time to add a good eye cream into your skincare routine. Apply it every night to reduce fine lines, and make sure to gently tap the cream into your skin with your ring finger to avoid pulling or dragging the delicate skin around your eyes. Meanwhile, to boost skin firmness, switch to a moisturiser with peptides or Vitamin B3 to keep your skin taut. You'll also need to eat a diet high in antioxidants and Vitamins C and E to maintain your skin's elasticity.
40s- Enhance Skin Radiance and Treat Discolouration
In your 40s, you'll notice that your skin starts to look somewhat dull and lifeless, and you'll also see hyperpigmentation or dark spots from sun damage or melasma. According to Alabama-based dermatologist Dr. Corey Hartman, your first line of
defense against dark spots is sunscreen, so make sure to apply SPF and reapply every two hours if you'll be outside or if you're sitting near a window. You may also need to incorporate a gentle exfoliant to encourage cell turnover, get rid of dark spots, and have a more even skin tone.
Meanwhile, to enhance skin radiance, use actives such as retinol or a glycolic acid cream to brighten dull skin. If you're unsure about using actives though, consider using brightening Korean skincare products, which are a lot more gentle on the skin. These products typically contain ingredients such as snail mucin extract and yuzu or tangerine extract, which can boost skin radiance.
Adjusting your skincare as you age is a smart way to have great skin through the years. Consider these tips to adapt your skincare in your 20s, 30s, and 40s to have clear, healthy, and young-looking skin.
