As we age, our skin evolves and changes with us – even as adults we aren’t immune to the unique skin challenges each life stage throws at us. From the hormonal fluctuations of our twenties to the natural skin aging processes in our sixties and beyond, understanding how our skin changes over time is key to maintaining healthy, radiant skin.

Children and Teens: Building Good Habits Early

While we’re young, our skin doesn’t usually need a complex skincare routine, but if you have children and young teens, now is a great time to establish good habits that will get them in the habit of looking after their skin for years to come.

Unless your child is grappling with specific skin conditions such as acne or eczema, there is no need for them to be using very active products – in fact, this could actually CAUSE problems for their skin. Instead, encourage them to wash their face daily with a gentle cleanser to remove sweat, dirt, and excess sebum from the skin, followed by a light-weight, non-comedogenic moisturiser. It is also essential that they get used to wearing SPF daily, to protect against skin damage, so building the habit of wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen is crucial.

The key at this age is to keep the routine simple and consistent without overdoing it. By focusing on these foundational steps, young people can maintain healthy skin and develop good skincare habits that will benefit them for years to come.

20s and 30s: The Foundational Years

Our 20s and 30s are your foundational years, where we set ourselves on the path for future skin health. This is when collagen and elastin production in our skin reaches a peak, and then starts to decline, reducing the amount of support for the skin’s structure. Hormonal fluctuations may cause an increase in oil production and breakouts, and you may start noticing the early signs of aging such as fine lines and sun damage.

One of the most important things you can do at this age is to establish a consistent skincare routine. It doesn’t have to be complicated; even just cleansing, moisturising, and wearing sun protection at this age will go a long way towards maintaining your long-term skin health.

40s and 50s: Aging Gracefully

As we enter our forties and fifties, the signs of aging become more pronounced. The loss of collagen and elastin increases, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots. It is common for sebum production to slow down, drying the skin out, and the skin may feel thinner and less elastic.

Nourishing products like rich moisturisers, serums and facial oils will help address any dryness and dehydration, while switching to anti-aging products containing ingredients that boost collagen production (like retinols, peptides and vitamin c) can help protect and restore skin firmness and elasticity. Paramedical treatments such as dermal needling and IPL are also effective at rejuvenating the skin, as well as addressing other age-related concerns like hyper-pigmentation and uneven texture.

60s and Beyond: Embracing Mature Skin

In our sixties and beyond, our skin undergoes significant changes due to decreased cell turnover, diminished oil production, and reduced collagen synthesis. Wrinkles and fine lines become deeper, the skin becomes more fragile, and the risk of pigmentation increases. Often our skin texture changes, and can become rough and uneven, or thin and crepey. Our skin’s natural protective abilities also decline as we age, making us much more susceptible to conditions such as rosacea, skin cancers, and other dermatological conditions.

Despite these challenges, we can still support mature skin and enhance its resilience by focusing on gentle, nourishing skincare to hydrate the skin and improve its protective barrier. Including ingredients like anti-oxidants and epidermal growth factors will help support skin repair and regeneration. Continue to use SPF daily, and discuss any spots, moles, or other new skin developments with your GP so they can be tested.

By understanding the unique challenges and changes that our skin goes through and adopting a proactive approach to skincare, we can promote healthy and radiant skin at any age. Whether you're in your twenties or your sixties, prioritize self-care, sun protection, and a holistic approach to skincare to ensure the health of your skin and embrace your natural beauty through every stage of life.