Can you say you’ve always treated your skin well? Cared for it perfectly? Of course not. We all take our skin for granted from time to time. We go out in the sun without sunscreen, forget to take off our makeup before bed, or take a few puffs of a cigarette. Unfortunately, those occasional skincare slip ups can cause real damage, speeding up the aging process and making skin look weathered. You don’t have to feel guilty about occasionally neglecting your skin, but it’s a good idea to do what you can to take care of it during every phase of your life.
Proper care will help to preserve your skin’s youth and beauty, making you look and feel great for decades. But how do you care for your skin properly? The truth is, caring for your skin changes during each decade of your life. Wondering if you’re doing everything you should be? We’ve put together a guide to help you keep your skin glowing as it changes and ages.
In Your 20s…
Enjoy these years. For most people, the first signs of aging don’t appear until their 30s. That doesn’t mean you can neglect your skin, however. Start getting into habits that will set you up for beautiful skin in the future, like establishing a skincare routine and using sunscreen every time you’ll be out in the sun.
During your 20s, consider starting mild skin treatments. Periodic chemical peels can be great skin refreshers that help keep your skin healthy and bright. You could also switch to a professional-grade skincare line like Iridesse to help ward off early signs of aging.
In Your 30s…
Your skin isn’t likely to start sagging in your 30s, but the inevitable decline in collagen production will probably start to begin. You may also start seeing early dynamic and static wrinkles, or see signs of sun damage and pigmentation issues.
In your 30s, you’ll want to build non-invasive skin treatments, such as light chemical peels, into your skincare routine. You may want to add a cream with retinol or other anti-aging product into your skincare regimen to help fight off early signs of aging. If you are noticing wrinkles that bother you, injectable fillers or Botox can be a great solution, as these treatments are minimally invasive and fit into busy lifestyles.
In Your 40s…
If you didn’t start noticing signs of aging in your 30s, you probably will in your 40s. Skin may begin to sag, wrinkles and creases will deepen, and you may notice volume loss in key areas of your face. Subcutaneous fat and collagen loss are responsible for these changes, which can make you feel older than you are.
Many people start to consider skin-tightening treatments like Thermage or wrinkle treatments like injectable fillers in their 40s. Fillers are a great way to replace facial volume loss. Others start thinking about surgical procedures like blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) or a brow lift. If you haven’t started using an anti-aging cream or considered non-invasive anti-aging treatments, your 40s are a great time to start. Laser resurfacing can also be a great option for helping to achieve tighter, healthier skin and resolving pigmentation issues.
In Your 50s…
Aging becomes more pronounced as you enter your 50s. You may have deep furrows and dynamic wrinkles. Collagen and elastin levels continue to drop, causing skin to sag. This is especially obvious in the jowl and neck area. Some people also develop a pocket of fat under the chin, often called a “double chin”.
In addition to the procedures you might have considered in your 40s, some patients need a bit more rejuvenation. A full or mini facelift can help patients in their 50s turn back the clock and look years younger. Kybella, a non-invasive injectable treatment, can destroy fat cells gradually from under the neck, improving the overall contour of the chin for a more youthful look.
In Your 60s (and beyond)…
As long as you are healthy, there’s no reason you can’t continue to work with a plastic surgeon to minimize signs of aging. Nothing can stop the aging process entirely. However, if you care for your skin properly and undergo maintenance treatments, your skin will likely look great into your 60s and beyond.
Skincare Tips for All Ages
Though each decade requires a different approach to skincare, there are some tips that apply to all ages. Whether your skin is still youthful and healthy or showing signs of laxity, you should always:
- Wear sunscreen when you’ll be exposed to the sun—even in the winter or through a window
- Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers daily
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products, as these can cause wrinkles and premature aging
- Do not go to bed without thoroughly washing off your makeup
- Remember to use your same facial skincare routine on your neck as well
- Use high-quality products
- Get professional skin treatments as needed
It’s Never Too Late
You don’t have to be in your 20s to start thinking about your skin’s health. Even if you’ve accumulated extensive sun damage or signs of aging, it’s never too late to start getting serious about skincare.
If you’d like to see a refreshed and rejuvenated you, you may want to consider an anti-aging treatment to help restore your skin’s natural beauty. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ruth Hillelson and her associates offer a wide range of effective treatments that can help you discover a new you. Dr. Hillelson is renowned for her skill with minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments, and for her Iridesse skincare line. For more information, or to schedule a consultation at Hillelson-Whipple Clinic in Richmond, VA, call 804.290.0060 today!