Everyone’s face eventually wrinkles and ages. But each one of us can do something to help control the speed at which this aging occurs. We all can do something to slow down wrinkle formation and delay other signs of skin aging. The earlier we start good skin-care habits, the more effective our “anti-aging” efforts will be. As cosmetic doctors are fond of saying, it is never too early to start taking good care of your skin. It is also never too late to do just that. Even if you’re already in your 50s or 60s, you can—and should—begin implementing a good skin-care regimen.
Below is a timeline showing how your skin changes at different ages, and what you can do to take best care of your skin.
In Your 20s
At this age, your face begins to become more “womanly,” as you lose much of your body’s “baby fat.” You may not believe it, but it is at this age that your skin also actually experiences the first signs of facial aging. The initial facial movement lines can gradually appear, above the brows and as the beginnings of “crow’s feet” around the eyes. You also need to be on the lookout for a brown discoloration called melasma, which often appears across the forehead or cheeks. This is the result of a combination of factors: sun exposure, hormones, pregnancy, and the use of certain medications.
Here’s what you can do to take care of your skin:
Stay away from the sun as much as possible. If you can’t avoid being exposed to sunlight, use sunscreen.
Use moisturizers regularly. Light, gel-based and oil-free moisturizers are best.
You can also start using retinol-based products. Use these about twice a week in the beginning.
If you still have acne, consider getting laser treatment to have clearer skin.
If you have melasma, consider getting rid of it through chemical peels or laser resurfacing methods.
In Your 30s
This is when your skin can begin to look less radiant and more worn out, especially if you haven’t been taking good care of it. Crow’s feet and other facial movement lines may be more noticeable now. So can small brown spots that are the result of sun damage. Worst of all, the dreaded “11” between your brows can appear.
These are some of the things that can do to take best care of your skin at this age:
Use retinol-based products more often now, up to three or four times a week.
You can start using oil-based moisturizers,moisturizers, which have greater moisturizing strength than oil-free ones.
Use sunscreen every single time that you go out, even when you’re not headed to the beach.
If you have brown spots, consider getting a chemical peel or a laser treatment. These are better than skin bleaching.
Avail of microdermabrasion and chemical peel treatments to remove small imperfections and retain your glowing skin for a few more years.
If you are very keen on trying more aggressive anti-aging treatments, now is a good time to get your first taste of muscle relaxers (Botox) or line fillers. Remember, however, that these aren’t cheap procedures. Also remember to get these at a reliable cosmetic facility that have certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
In Your 40s
More lines and wrinkles are apparent at this age range. More sun damage can also show. And if you have been smoking habitually, your skin will unfortunately take the full brunt of your unhealthy lifestyle.
But it’s never too late to start changing any bad habits and start improving your skin health. Here are some things that you can do at this age range:
Start using night creams if you haven’t done so yet. At age 40, using a night cream regularly becomes a must if you want to have good skin. You need a night cream so that your skin can fully absorb the helpful chemicals as it goes through the natural rejuvenation period that accompanies night-time sleep.
Use stronger moisturizers: the richer and thicker, the better.
Continue using retinol-based skin-care products. Use them four to five times in a week.
Consider adding products that have antioxidants. Or switch to a product that has both retinol and antioxidants.
If you are concerned about deeper wrinkles that may have appeared near your upper lip, consider getting Botox and line filling injections for them. You may also use chemical peels and laser treatments.
In Your 50s and Onwards
If you have been taking good care of your skin in your earlier years, you can now enjoy having smoother and younger-looking skin compared to that of other people your age. Just the same, you will still see some inevitable effects of aging. Because you now have lesser collagen and elastin in your skin, as well as lower estrogen levels due to menopause, your skin at this time is thinner,looser and saggier. There can also be some skin discoloration. The focus of skin treatment should therefore be on tightening and firming up the skin.
Here are some tips to follow:
Continue to use rich moisturizers. Those with shea butter are highly recommended.
Continue to use retinol-based products, up to six times weekly.
For washing your face, stop using soap and water and switch to gentle, non-drying drying facial cleansers.
You can use Botox injections and laser treatments to get rid of wrinkles and other skin flaws. Also consider using non-surgical skin-tightening treatments. These are options that employ radiofrequency and infrared light to tighten the skin. Consult a reputable dermatologist about these procedures.
If you are inclined towards facelifts, you can also talk to a skin specialist about these. Bear in mind that these are costly, and that they entail a lengthy recovery period. They are also considered a major form of surgery, which always has some risks involved. Most doctors recommend no more than one or two facelifts in a lifetime. So consider the timing of this operation should you want one.
