Between the thousands of skin care products and the billions of dollars spent advertising those products, it’s daunting to decipher what you really need to do for your skin.
Life looks and feels different at every age—and so does your skin. Here’s a glance at what a skin care regimen should include in your teens, 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond.
In Your Teens
1) AM: Use sunscreen.
2) PM: Wash your face.
All skin care regimens must start with an excellent broad-spectrum sunscreen that should be worn year-round. Yes, you heard me, year-round. Protecting yourself from the sun decreases your risk of getting skin cancer and slows the signs of aging. Studies show that the sun’s UV radiation causes 90% of skin aging. It’s never too early to start protecting your skin and a great habit to start young.
Also non-negotiable: Washing your face before bed. You need to get the day’s grime off, including makeup, oil, pollution and dirt to decrease the risk of skin irritation, clogged pores and acne. It is also the first step in helping your skin cells in their efforts to reverse the day’s wear and tear.
Related Read: 10 Best Face Cleaners for Acne-Prone Skin
In Your 20s
1) AM: Use sunscreen
2) PM: Wash your face.
3) PM: Apply moisturizer before bed.
Skin cells have a lot of work to do while we rest up—and they function better in a moist environment. Applying moisturizer before bed protects the skin from dehydration as you sleep, making it easier for them do the repairs they need do. Despite the common myth, moisturizers do NOT cause pimples. If you have oily skin and are worried, pick a product that is oil-free. If you have acne or redness, pick one with niacinamide (vitamin B3), to combat that redness.
By Your 30th Birthday
1) AM: Use sunscreen
2) PM: Wash your face.
3) PM: Use retinoid.
4) PM: Apply moisturizer before bed.
We have 30+ years of data showing that topical retinoids (vitamin A) help with reducing fine lines by increasing collagen synthesis and decreasing collagen breakdown. They also correct sun damage and improve skin texture and discoloration. Topical retinoids increase cell turnover, which is why some people experience irritation if they use too much or do not follow it with a moisturizer.
Many over-the-counter products contain retinol, the pre-drug of tretinoin. Tretinoin is a prescription drug you get from your dermatologist that can directly activate your skin, while retinol needs to be converted into tretinoin by the body before it can get to work. Studies show you need a strength of 0.25% retinol or 0.025% tretinoin for it to be strong enough to cause these positive changes in the skin. After washing your face, but before your face cream, apply a very small amount and start slow, using it just twice a week, only at night, and work up from there. Read more
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