A beautiful complexion starts with great skincare. As a facial plastic surgeon, I can offer my patients everything from topical lotions, injectables, and surgery. While all these modalities have their place, skincare is where it all begins. Used in combination, these approaches will give you the most youthful, natural appearance. Glowing, clear skin can make a huge difference in the way you present yourself to the world. Whether you’re 25 or 65, it’s never too early to start investing in your skin.
The goal with skin care is prevention and reversal of photoaging, such as wrinkles and dyschromia (discoloration). As your skin needs change as you age, so will the products you use. Here are my tips for skincare at any age.
Twenties: Keeping it young
The focus in your 20s should be prevention. Limit your time in the sun, and make sure to wear SPF every single day.
- Wash your face each night with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup
- Exfoliate once per week to help with your skin’s cellular turnover
- Use a lightweight moisturizer before bed
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 every day
Thirties: Fight the first signs of aging
You may begin to see wrinkles, dullness, and redness or brown spots. If you haven’t already, establish a real skincare routine.
- Wash your face twice a day (morning & before bed)
- Exfoliate a few times per week
- Serums are packed with concentrated doses of various nutrients. Start with an antioxidant serum (that contains vitamin C and E) in the morning
- Introduce a topical retinoid. Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that help with reducing fine lines by increasing collagen synthesis and decreasing collagen breakdown.
- Use a moisturizer morning and evening, especially after applying a topical retinoid, as they can be drying
- Consider an anti-aging daily eye cream to help moisturize the delicate skin around the eyes
- Continue to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 daily
Forties: Hydrate and correct
You may notice deepening of facial lines. Common issues at this age include increasing dryness, pigmentation, and dullness of skin. Focus on hydrating the skin and targeting specific areas of concern.
- Use a non-drying gentle cleanser twice a day
- Continue exfoliating a few times per week as tolerated
- Anti-aging serums that contain hyaluronic acid (the main component of facial fillers), growth factors, and peptides can be used to help plump and hydrate the skin. Vitamin C products can help brighten the skin and target areas of pigmentation
- Continue applying a topical retinoid to maintain skin tone and texture
- Use a moisturizer morning and evening, making sure to use a reparative moisturizer at night to help replenish moisture levels
- Apply eye cream daily
- Continue to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 daily
Fifties and Beyond: Protect
At this age, the skin has begun to thin and has lost considerable moisture. Focus on protecting the skin from the natural elements and restoring volume and hydration. Continue a similar regimen as in your 40s, and always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 daily.
Tips for every age
- Hydrate your skin by drinking water throughout the day. Keep a glass of water at your bedside to ensure you hydrate from the moment you wake up.
- Apply products from the lightest to heaviest
- Stay away from pollutants such as cigarette smoke
- Make sure to include the décolletage and hands when applying products to reduce signs of aging in these areas as well.
- Exercise regularly and get enough sleep. Cortisol, a stress hormone, can weaken the skin barrier and accelerate wrinkling.
- Experiment with different products, but aim to use products for at least 6 weeks to determine whether or not they’re effective
