Guess what?
If you have Sea Breeze, Stri-Dex pads, tinted Clearasil, or this WWI-era cleanser on your sink, you're just like them -- and it's time to move on.
Dermatologists are the first to point out that our skin care routines need to evolve as we do. In much the same way that your hairstyle should change at least every decade or so -- see why here -- you must update your skin care regimen. No joke. There's more than just your ego at stake here, this is your complexion we're talking about.
Experts agree that because your skin acts differently at 20 than it does at 30 and 40 and so on down the road, you need different products (like these) to keep yourself looking great.
Here's a snapshot of what you should be using (and ditching) as each decade ebbs and flows …
In your 20s:
The issues you're most likely facing are acne and some discoloration from sun damage. The most important thing for you to do is to keep your skin protected with sunscreen -- everyday. And "start protecting your neck, chest and hands along with your face," says Dr. Heidi Waldorf, New York dermatologist.
Cleanser
Use a gentle foaming cleanser that will remove makeup and excess oil, but won't over dry your skin.
Daytime Moisturizer
Use a light moisturizer that contains sunscreen, and provides UVA and UVB protection. Look for a product that contains either zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone or Mexoryl.
Treatment
Plan A: For acne prone skin
If you get mild breakouts (not serious acne -- your dermatologist should recommend the ideal treatment for that) use a spot treatment containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. And whatever you do, don't pick -- it can lead to long-lasting scars.
Plan B: For the partiers
If you are one to stay up all hours drinking, smoking, etc. you might want to kick start your anti-aging program now by applying a serum at night that contains Vitamin C. It'll help fight the free radical damage your lifestyle is causing.
Nighttime Moisturizer
Choose a basic light moisturizer if you need it. "You don't want to play too much or you'll over do it and your skin will get out of wack," says Olga Lorencin, aesthetician and co-owner of Kinara Spa in Los Angeles.
In Your 30s:
Discoloration caused by sun damage or melasma (aka the mask of pregnancy that can also be caused by birth control) are two of your biggest skin challenges. "At this point you need to start exfoliating regularly because skin only exfoliates naturally every 35 days as opposed to every 14 in your 20s," says Lorencin.
Click here to see your ideal skin care routine for your 30s
In your 40s:
In your 40s, the lines of movement between your brows and around your eyes and mouth don't disappear like they did in your 30s. "Your estrogen level is tapering so your skin will become dryer," says Lorencin. Overall you'll need to add moisture and collagen-building ingredients like peptides.
Click here to see your ideal skin care routine for your 40s
In your 50s
"Moisture, moisture, moisture," says Waldorf, should be your main concern in your 50s. Loss of tone and sagging are your biggest issues and creams and serums can only do so much. If you're looking for more dramatic results, in addition to using powerful products that contain peptides, retinoids or alpha hydroxy or amino acids, consider talking to your derm about laser treatments and other non-evasive or evasive skin rejuvenation options if you haven't already.
Click here to see your ideal skin care routine for your 50s
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