Revamping Your Skincare Routine: How It Should Evolve As You Age

When it comes to your beauty routine, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. But those harsh, alcohol-based toners you were using in your 20s and 30s are the opposite of what you need to be using in your 40s and beyond. Or, maybe you’re at the opposite end of the spectrum and can’t wait to try every trendy new product on the shelves.

Neither of these scenarios is great for your skin. Just like everything else, your skin goes through a lot of changes as you age. You’ve probably adjusted your makeup, fashion, and exercise choices over time, and the same should apply to your skincare routine. After years of sun and environmental exposure, less than optimal diet and lifestyle choices, and the normal signs of ageing, everyone’s skin begins to change. It becomes thinner and more fragile, loses elasticity, and tends to be drier. Fine lines and wrinkles begin to make an appearance, and there might even be some redness or sagging.

Although you can’t put a stop to the natural ageing process, you can slow it down and minimize its effects by revamping your skincare routine and product choices as you age. Here’s what the experts recommend.

Take Extra Care of the Eye Area

Fine lines around the eyes are inevitable as we age, but there are steps we can take to minimize their appearance. Look for an eye cream that contains retinol to slow down the production of wrinkles and crow’s feet. Use it morning and night and wear sunglasses or a hat to protect the delicate eye area from the sun when you go outside.

Fight Back Against Dropping Oestrogen Levels

Your estrogen levels drop substantially when you go through menopause, which can have a major impact on your skin. It’s one of the main reasons skin changes so dramatically as we age. Hormone specialist Dr. Sohère Roked explains that a drop in oestrogen also reduces the formation of collagen and elastin in the skin, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging. Incorporating serums and moisturizers that contain lipids will help to encourage the natural self-repair of the skin, keeping it looking youthful longer.

Be Consistent

If you weren’t too concerned about taking care of your skin in your 20s and 30s, now’s the time to get serious. According to Peach & Lily K-Beauty expert, Alicia Yoon, “years of consistent skincare pays off.” Your skin can remain smooth and radiant in the years to come, thanks to dedicated self-care. Alicia is vocal about how meticulous double cleansing routine every morning and evening can be helpful and how always using SPF is fundamental when out in the sun. Keeping your skin hydrated with serums and moisturizers that are appropriate for the season is also a must. Being consistent with these simple skin care steps can result in youthful-looking skin well into your 60s.

Cut Back on the Sugar

We all heard that cutting back on sugar would keep acne away when we were younger, but it turns out it’s not so great for your skin as you get older either. Dr Frauke Neuser, Head Scientist at Olay Skin Care, says that “excess sugar leads to the breakdown of collagen.” She recommends reducing sugar consumption as you get older, even from sources like fruit juice and honey. Collagen is a protein that keeps skin firm. The body produces it naturally, but production decreases as you age. Supporting collagen production is crucial for preventing fine lines and wrinkles.

Incorporate Peptides into Your Skincare

Dr Neuser also says that peptides are fantastic for boosting the production of collagen and elastin. They’re great for keeping skin firm and preventing sagging. Look for a moisturizer that includes peptides and use it in conjunction with a broad-spectrum sunscreen for best results.

Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Lips

The lips are one of the first areas on the face to show the signs of ageing. Fine lines are inevitable, but their appearance can be slowed down with some lifestyle and skincare changes. Dr Manish H. Shah, a leading plastic surgeon in Denver, recommends wearing a lip balm with sunscreen every day and reapplying regularly. He also says to avoid smoking and drinking from narrow mouth water bottles to avoid overusing the area. And finally, choose lip care products that contain retinol to soften lip lines.

Your Beauty Allies

Reading labels is more crucial now than ever before. Look for anti-ageing ingredients that are gentle on the skin. Alpha-hydroxy acids are great for encouraging cell turnover and boosting collagen production. Hyaluronic acid is wonderful for drawing in moisture and plumping up the skin. Niacinamide brightens the skin and reduces dark spots. Being consistent and proactive with your skincare choices now will pay off for years to come.

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