The Complete Guide to Gorgeous Skin at Every Age

From your 20s to your 50's

By Elise Minton Tabin · Sep 28, 2015

When it comes to taking care of your skin, it’s important to treat it with the best ingredients and treatments so you can protect it from the effects of aging. If you’re at a loss as to what to use, and why, you’re in luck— we’ve got all the answers you need (and even some information you didn’t know) here.

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In your 20s

If acne is still a battle you’re facing, you’ll want to get it under control (if its hormonal, treat it with oral medication and a retinoid). Breakouts, especially on the chin, jawline and lower cheeks, can be worse in your 20s than ever before. Assess your diet and see what’s working for your skin and what’s not. “You need tons of greens to help oxygenate your skin, fight bacteria and keep it clean. You will have never-ending breakouts if you don’t eat well,” says celebrity aesthetician Joanna Vargas.

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In your 30s

If you haven’t gotten in the habit of using sunscreen daily, now is the time to do so. “Number one, protect your skin from the sun—use sunscreen, UPF clothing, hats and lip balm with SPF,” says Prospect, KY, dermatologist Tami Cassis, MD. When it comes to erasing the first signs of lines and wrinkles, make sure to use of a retinoid regularly. You can also use Botox, Dysport or Xeomin preventatively to stop them from occurring. “Neurotoxins should be part of the equation. And, you might need just a little filler to maintain the volume under the eyes and in the nasolabial folds,” says Dr. Cassis.

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In Your 40s

Your 40s are about improving texture and tone changes that have occurred from years of sun exposure and the damage that comes from with it. At this point, your skin has gone from the transitional phase of aging to the early physical effects of aging. Skin also starts to become dull and loses that healthy glow from a loss of collagen and elastin, as well as skin cells that don’t shed nearly as fast or normally as they used to. Exfoliating regularly, both at-home and in-office with chemical peels or fractional laser treatments, will make skin look smoother and healthier.

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In your 50s

If you haven’t switched up your moisturizer and anti-aging products for a while, now is the time to do so. Collagen and elastin are continually lost from the skin and moisture levels drop, which together create dehydrated, crepey skin. Look for heavier moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which binds to water for an instant plumping effect, or natural oils. Placing small amounts of volume in the cheeks, lips and under the eyes with fillers can make a world of difference in your overall appearance to reinflate these features so they look like they did 10 years ago. “For erasing brown spots, and red splotches, IPL can be great. For crepey skin, choose chemical peels and nonablative lasers,” adds Dr. Cassis.