By Mila Rahmat
There are so many “anti-aging” products out there, but how do you know when to start using what? Here, a dermatologist shares what to expect as your skin ages and how to switch up your routine in your 30s, 40s, and 50s.
In your 20s, your skin care routine is all about keeping skin hydrated, healthy, and protected. Noticing that what worked for your skin then isn’t quite cutting it anymore? As we enter our 30s, 40s, and 50s, we face new sorts of skin issues to focus on such as a slow down of cell turnover and a loss of collagen. To effectively target these concerns, you’ll need to amp up your routine accordingly. Read on for a top dermatologist’s tips.
30s
Our skin naturally goes through a process called desquamation, meaning it sheds dead skin cells on a regular basis which keeps the skin clear and radiant. But once you hit your 30s, your skin’s natural cell turnover rate starts to slow. This can lead to dull, dry lifeless skin that is more prone to acne and enlarged pores.
Dr. Neil Sadick, an NYC-based dermatologist, tells us that in this decade, “gravity and volume loss from the facial fat pads [also] starts.” This is the time when fine lines and wrinkles start to appear more prominent.
Solution:
To combat these early signs of aging, Dr. Sadick recommends “a weekly peel, a moisturizer with an SPF 30+, and a night cream that has retinol to stimulate collagen remodeling.”
For the peel, look for products that contain AHAs. The Troiareuke Acsen Toc Toner, for example, is an exfoliating toner that contains a combination of glycolic acid and sulfur. These ingredients deep clean pores, reboot cell turnover, and leave skin looking clearer and healthier.
I love k-beauty sunscreens because they provide adequate coverage, yet nourish the skin. One of my favorites is the Neogen Day Light Protection Sun Screen. It offers 50 PA +++ protection and is formulated with rose and raspberry extracts to refresh and replenish the skin with moisture.
For nighttime use, the Paula’s Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizeruses a combination of wrinkle-fighting retinol and moisturizing ceramides to smooth and hydrate. This nourishing moisturizer will combat dryness induced by a slowed cell turnover rate and stamp out fine lines and wrinkles so your skin appears more youthful and radiant.
40s
“At 40, fine lines have etched themselves in the skin and skin photoaging will manifest more (sunspots) and the loss of facial volume will make the face look saggier and more deflated,” says Dr. Sadick. This is why you’ll need to rev up your routine to effectively target these issues.
Solution:
Focus on using retinol on a regular basis. The Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Booster is a potent serum that contains a concentrated, pure form of retinol along with skin protecting antioxidants, and nourishing peptides. This lightweight serum will even your skin tone and add firmness back to the skin.
You’ll also want to consider adding in a vitamin C serum if you haven’t already. Together with retinol, vitamin C brightens the skin and leaves it looking dewy and luminous. The Cosrx Triple C Lightning Liquid is an excellent option as it contains 20.5% of pure ascorbic acid (vitamin C). This powerful serum combats all signs of hyperpigmentation including sunspots to give you brighter and even more hydrated skin. To use retinol and vitamin C together, you can either alternate days or use your vitamin C in the morning and your retinol at night.
Dr. Sadick also suggests considering “an in-office laser facial or radiofrequency treatment to really erase some of those signs of aging and skin wear-and-tear” along with a “night cream that contains peptides to help the tissue regenerate and rejuvenate.”
A powerhouse moisturizer to consider is the Easydew EX Repair Control Moisturizer. It contains 2ppm of medical-grade EGF, a protein that promotes cell regeneration and targets fine lines and wrinkles. The formula also contains centella asiatica to soothe irritation as well as niacinamide and adenosine to even out the complexion.
50s
“Fifty is usually a hallmark age for many women, as estrogen levels drop steeply and every bodily system including the skin gets affected. Collagen and elastin degradation accelerates, cell turnover slows considerably, sebum production decreases, and facial fat and bone structures get affected” says Dr. Sadick. You also become more susceptible to sunspots and deeper set wrinkles.
Solution:
No product is a miracle worker and it’s important to remember that no ingredient can stop the aging process. But, what you can do is age gracefully. This means building on your routines from your 30s and 40s to firm the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. If you’re okay with medical procedures, Dr. Sadick suggests fillers and neuromodulators. “These treatments immediately enhance and lift the face, and results can last up to 12-24 months,” he says. “An ultrasound like Ulthera can also help with sagging skin while a laser like Enlighten can help eradicate sunspots.” If you prefer to stick with products alone, it’s important to remain diligent with SPF. SPF diminishes sunspots and protects the skin from further signs of aging induced by unprotected UV exposure.
The Easydew EX DW-EGF Derma Roller Program Special Kit might be something you want to consider, too. It contains a dermaroller that uses microneedle technology to insert a concentrated blend of EGF, niacinamide, adenosine, hyaluronic acid into skin to firm and repair. This is a great at-home treatment to add to your routine that will help to intensively rejuvenate the skin.
Bottom Line
Each decade presents its own new set of skin challenges, which is why it’s important to evolve your routine. While you can’t stop your skin from aging, you can slow down the process with the right products and care.
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