How to look flawless - no matter your age!
- Paige Herman-Axel, BettyConfidential.com
Most of us take our skin for granted. Moisturizing, facials and applying sunscreen is something that we think we don't have to worry about when we're in our teens and 20s. But the truth is, the earlier you start taking care of your skin, the better it'll look in the future. And if you're in your 30s and 40s, you can still reap the benefits of a good skin care regimen. The key is to not only start something, but to keep it up.
In Your 20s
Your skin is in its prime, and it's unlikely to be showing signs of age, sun damage or the effects of bad habits like smoking, drinking and late nights.
Skincare
If you haven't already started taking care of your skin, there's no better time than now. "Prevention is the key for your 20s," says dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Beer.
What to do: Dr. Beer's first piece of advice: If you smoke, stop now. Sun protection is imperative as well. Dr. Beer says most skin damage is done before the age of 20, but sun exposure thereafter "only adds insult to injury."
What to use: Start using antioxidant-rich products and sunscreen every day to help stave off damage. Dr. Beer advises his patients to use prescription retinoids like Retin-A in their 20s. He says, "If I had it my way, everyone would be on it." To round out your skincare regimen, incorporate a scrub like Scientific Skin White Bamboo Exfoliant ($68, idealskin.com) into your weekly regimen.
Age-specific issue: "Typically, hormones are quieting down and acne starts to abate, but some women have issues related to the hormones in oral contraceptives," explains Dr. Beer. If you're still experiencing acne flare-ups, try a daily face wash that contains salicylic acid, like Clearasil Stayclear Skin Perfecting Wash ($4.49, drugstore.com).
Makeup
The look: To make the most of the radiance your skin has in your 20s, celebrity makeup artist Kimara Ahnert advises staying fresh and natural. "Instead of foundation, opt for a sheer tinted moisturizer with an SPF, followed by a bright blush that will make your cheeks pop." For eyes, Ahnert recommends using eyeliner on your top lids and sweeping on one to two coats of mascara. To finish the look, go with a shiny lipgloss or sheer lipstick.
Must-know info: To polish your look, Ahnert suggests you make sure your brows are groomed and filled in. And avoid sparkles or glitter, she says. "Leave that for the teenagers."
Left: JK Jemma Kidd Cheek ID Colour Adapt Blush ($18, target.com). Right: Rimmel London Sexy Curves Mascara ($7.50, ulta.com)
In Your 30s
Thirty may be the new 20, but you're going to have to do a little more work to look that way. This is the decade when the bad habits of our youth start to catch up with us - it's time to start thinking about targeted products that fight off the initial signs of aging.
Skincare
Lines around the eyes, changes in skin texture and uneven pigment are the first signs of aging that appear in our 30s. This is the time to start working with a dermatologist to formulate an antiaging strategy," says dermatologist Dr. Beer.
What to do: Hopefully you're already committed to a good skincare regimen, but once you hit 30 it's time to start thinking beyond prevention. Dr. Beer believes this is the decade to start repairing any skin damage in earnest, and if you haven't started using a prescription cream containing tretinoin such as Retin-A, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist pronto.
What to use: According to Dr. Beer, "A good eye cream and an exfoliator are two essential products to add (to your existing routine)." Look for antioxidant serums that contain vitamin C and ferulic acid; they're powerful tools to prevent further aging. You might want to try Perlabella's Vitamin C Intensive Antioxidant for Face ($19.99, ulta.com).
Age-specific issue: The skin begins to lose moisture as we progress through our 30s, and some moisturizing ingredients work better than others. Look for products rich in hyaluronic acid, which holds more than 100 times its own weight in water. Another ingredient to look for is squalane, which helps draw moisture into the skin, and you can find it in Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer ($22.50, nordstrom.com).
Makeup
Once you hit your 30s, a good concealer can be your new best friend. Makeup artist Kimara Ahnert recommends "a little more coverage that can conceal fine lines or dark circles." Next, swap out your cream blush for a powder version for more staying power.
Must-know info: Ahnert's rule of thumb for your 30s: "Avoid wearing very trendy colors. Instead, opt for a more classic all-over look but incorporate a color trend into either your liner or a sheer version of that color in an eyeshadow."
Left: Benefit Cosmetics Bo-ing Industrial-Strength Concealer ($18, benefitcosmetics.com). Right: By Terry Crayon Blackstar in Violet Violet ($35, barneys.com)
In Your 40s
By the time we reach our 40s, we're usually more comfortable in the skin we're in, but what if you want that skin to look a little younger? Now's the time to start thinking about stronger products and in-office procedures that can help turn back the clock.
Skincare
At this age, you want to step up your skincare regimen. Dermatologist Dr. Beer sees the 40s as the decade to start renovating your skin. "This typically involves products and procedures that complement each other," he explains.
What to do: There's a wide array of in-office procedures that deliver results with little to no downtime. Dr. Beer suggests Fraxel laser treatments, chemical peels and Intense Pulsed Light along with products that help keep the skin optimally hydrated and protected.
What to use: If you've been using Retin-A or a similar product for some time, Dr. Beer recommends starting a stronger concentration for this decade. "Eye creams and repair serums are essential as well, and I advise using them at night to help your natural repair cycle," he says. Lierac Diopticreme Anti-Wrinkle ($34, beauty.com) contains antiaging botanicals to help improve the eye area.
Age-specific issue: To give your skin repair a jump-start, try a kit like RoC Multi Correxion Skin Perfecting System ($39.99, amazon.com), which takes the guesswork out of creating a rejuvenating skincare routine by including your cleanser, day cream and night cream.
Makeup
Since older skin loses elasticity and moisture, makeup artist Kimara Ahnert recommends finding a good foundation that provides good coverage and hydration. To set foundation, use a large fluffy brush for a dusting of translucent powder.
Must-know info: Ahnert says it's time to leave the dark lipstick colors behing. "Instead, find a nicely pigmented moisturizing lip color, or opt for a sheerer formulation.
Left: Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Comfort Pressed Powder ($50, macys.com). Right: Lancome Le Rouge Absolu Reshaping & Replenishing Lip Colour SPF 15 ($26, dillards.com)
Former magazine editor and go-to gal for all things beauty, Paige Herman-Axel is a freelance writer based in Delray Beach, Florida. Check out her website, insiderbeautybuzz.com.
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