Skin changes with age, as do our skincare needs.  Mostly these changes coincide with specific life stages due to altering physiological functions within our skin.  As a rule of thumb, age can help you to predict these changes and take a more proactive approach to your skincare routine. 

0 - Teens

Other than encouraging good skincare habits with a daily cleanser, the primary goal is the prevention of photo-damage.  The first visible signs of photo-damage begin to appear in our twenties or thirties, but sun damage continues to accumulate over a lifetime.  Though professional help may be required to treat acute cases of acne or dermatitis, young skin needs very little help other than a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

• On average, as much as 23% of all sun damage occurs by the age of 18, with an additional 10% occurring for every following decade.
• A single, blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles the risk of developing skin cancer as an adult.   
• Each year in the US, the diagnosis of skin cancer exceeds that of all other cancers combined.  

20's

In our twenties, antioxidant protection and ceramide production within the skin begins to slow.  Though skin tone and smoothness are excellent, the first visible signs of photo-damage begin to appear as fine lines. Occasional breakouts may continue to occur due to hormonal fluctuations.  Fortify your skin by expanding your skincare routine to include:

• Antioxidants: Limits the production of free radicals, which can damage skin cells, defending against environmental damage (UV, pollution, extreme temperatures, etc.).
• Niacinamide: A multi-purpose, antioxidant (Vitamin B₃) that improves hydration, mitigates breakouts, and strengthens skin. 

30's

Collagen and elastin production begin to drop in our thirties, resulting in diminished smoothness and elasticity. Fines lines deepen, especially around the eyes, and skin texture begins to show the first signs of crepeyness. Sun damage accumulation becomes visible in the form of uneven skin tone or sunspots.   Decelerated cellular turnover and declining hormone levels inhibit adequate skin hydration. Smooth your skin by expanding your skincare routine to include:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Powerful humectant that aids hydration, as well as improving skin’s elasticity.  
• AHAs/BHAs: Exfoliation of dead cells improves the appearance of skin texture and hydration levels. 

40's

Along with forty candles, comes a dramatic decline in collagen production, intensifying the loss of skin smoothness and elasticity. Dullness, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and crepeyness are a daily contention.  Hallmark of this decade are visible signs of aging – lines, sagging and wrinkling.   With more than 90% of all visible signs of aging attributable to sun damage, the priority to repair and restore your skin are escalated.  Repair your skin by expanding your skincare routine to include:

• Ascorbic Acid: Robust antioxidant (Vitamin C) with multi-reparative capabilities – wrinkle smoothing, improved elasticity, diminished hyperpigmentation, increased hydration, and additional photo-protection.
• Retinol: Potent antioxidant (Vitamin A₁) prized for restoring a more youthful complexion – speeds cellular turnover, boosts elastin, while diminishing roughness and hyperpigmentation. 

50's & Beyond

Life may not begin at fifty, but it is far more enjoyable – truly.  Regrettably, our skin is getting a bit weary with some thinning, spider veins, and tired pores.  Sagging surges with changes occurring beneath the skin, such as bone recession, fat pad slippage, and the re-alignment of supporting structures. Dryness becomes increasingly difficult and may lead to sensitives or irritation. More than an AARP card, your skin needs some help to fill and plump.  Plump your skin by expanding your skincare routine to include:

• Peptides: The building blocks of collagen, peptides help to fill and plump.  Expensive and rapidly evolving, seek clinical efficacy studies prior to purchase.
• Seed Oils: Unlike silicones, many seed oils deliver additional benefits to your skin, like antioxidants, fatty acids, polyphenols, and/or flavonoids.   

Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) is an excellent choice to keep handy, thanks to it's multitasking capabilities - burns, irritation, dehydration, inflammation and more. Not having a very green thumb, I haven't had much luck in keeping the adorable plant living longer than a few months.  Will be giving it another shot, thanks to the grow tips provided by Happy DIY Home.

As always, feel free to share your comments or contact me directly with any questions.  

Cheers to better skin!