I’m turning the big 4-0 this year. Are there things I wish I could have done differently for my skin in my 20s and 30s – you bet! But worry not – now that I’m older and wiser 
, I can give you the tips that I would tell my younger self. Plus, I have tips to keep my skin and yours looking great as we age gracefully over the decades.
20s – Create Good Skin Care Habits
Your skin is glowing and plump at this age. Its youthful and bright so treat it right. Now is the best time to establish a healthy skin care routine. As dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman explains: "the earlier this routine is started, the better off you will be in terms of preventing wrinkles." The basics of a good skin care routine include cleansing at least once a day, moisturizing often and daily sunscreen.
Oh and about the sunscreen – it’s definitely something I wish I had done everyday. It’s the most important skin care tip I would have told my younger self. As Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City says:
“Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen…the most important thing to do in your 20s is actually apply it every morning.”
30s – Stay Vigilant and Get Extra Help If You Need
So that amazing routine you established in your 20s – carry it into your 30s.
But in our 30s some of the frown lines become a little more prominent and we start to see spots forming. Our skin also becomes less bouncy as collagen production slows down. Now is a good time to consider scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist. As dermatologist Dr. Arash Akhavan explains:
"Beginning non-invasive options in your 20s and 30s could help you to avoid a larger invasive procedure down the line.”
40s – Sleep Well
You’re still practicing those fantastic habits from your 20s and 30s. Keep up with the sunblock everyday!
At this age the quality of our sleep matters even more. As Dr. Zeichner explains:
“When we sleep, the skin undergoes rest and repair…Not sleeping means that the skin won’t repair itself from today’s damage as well as it could.”
I’m definitely having a hard time with this one as I enter my 40s with a young child but I know everything looks and feels better when I am able to sneak in some good sleep.
Beyond – Hydrate and Exercise
Oh so those habits you started in your 20s, thirty years later they’re still at play. And because you used SPF everyday, your skin might just look 10 years younger.
The key at these ages is not to dry out the skin. Dr. Jaliman says:
"If you don’t have acne-prone skin, give up products that have salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as they can dry the skin…Women in their 50s should use products that hydrate the skin."
And stay active – Dr. Zeichner believes that:
"exercise has been shown to help stimulate mitochondria activity, which are the skin cells’ powerhouses."
Of course, daily SPF products should still be a part of your routine – it’s really a lifelong thing. And moisturizing becomes even more important…hydrate that skin!
Skin Care Advice For All Ages
With the right knowledge about our skin – we can ensure that we are protecting it and preventing sun and skin damage as much as possible every step of the way. That feels good to me and I’m excited to enter my 40s.
For more tips and tricks check out our Skin Care blog series.
