Your skin is the biggest organ on your body, but it’s an often overlooked aspect of our health and wellness. Many people view dermatology services as something to repair skin for older people instead of making it a crucial part of your skin care plan from an early age.
At what age should you start taking care of your skin? It should be a lifelong pursuit to keep your skin healthy and beautiful and feel the impact of healthy skin in all areas of your life.
What Age Should You Start Using Skin Care Products?
Your skin starts to change during puberty, which is when most people experience acne and breakouts for the first time. As your body produces more oil and creates different types of hormones, it can be difficult for your skin to balance the changes. For this reason, dermatologists recommend using skin care products starting around age 12, or whenever puberty starts. The earlier the better when it comes to skin care. Taking care of your skin from an early age will lead to healthier skin for the long term.
Your skin care routine will vary and change as your skin changes with age and lifestyle adjustments. A 12-year-old doesn’t require a complicated skin care plan but will benefit from using a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and perhaps a spot treatment for acne as breakouts arise.
In your 20s, your skin care routine can grow to include anti-aging products. Although it may seem strange to use anti-aging products as a young adult, preventative measures can help your skin age beautifully over time. Investing in your skin from an early age can pay off in the long run.
By the time you are in your 30s, your skin care routine should also include retinol and retinoid products, which fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Beyond your 30s, your skin care routine doesn’t need to change drastically. However, as your skin starts to mature and age, you may notice changes and want to adjust the types of products you use.
Skin care is a lifelong pursuit. The earlier you can get into the habit of a great skin care routine and provide your skin with the nourishment and protection it needs, the better your skin will age in the long run.
What Age Should Women Start Using Skin Care Products?
Women should start using skin care products as they go into puberty, which tends to be when the skin gets oilier and is more prone to acne. Starting with a few basic skin care products, such as cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, can protect your youthful skin as you age.
No matter how old you are, it’s a good time to use skin care products. You’ll never regret taking care of your skin from an early age, especially because that care will show as your skin ages and naturally loses its plumpness and dewiness. Taking action early in your life can help you have great skin as you age.
Women can stick with the same basic products throughout their lives and adjust as their skin and health change. Many women find that as they go through pregnancy and become parents that their skin changes, which may require trying new skin care products. Taking care of your skin from an early age sets you up for success as your skin changes.
What Age Should Men Start Using Skin Care Products?
Skin care products aren’t just for women. Many men think they are exempt from having a skin care routine, but they also have skin that needs to be cleaned and protected and can benefit greatly from starting a skin care routine at an early age.
Men should also start using skin care products as early as possible, typically around the beginning of puberty when their body and skin start changing. By the time men are in their 20s, they should be using a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen daily to preserve and protect their skin. There are skin care products designed specifically for men that are effective, but men can use any sort of cleanser and moisturizer that meets the needs of their skin.
By around age 25, or earlier for smokers, men stop naturally producing collagen, which can lead to wrinkles and signs of aging by their early 30s. At that age, the goal is to delay the aging process by using anti-aging products and moisturizers. Beyond age 40, the goal is to maintain protected skin as it naturally changes with age.
Like with women, the earlier men establish a skin care routine and start protecting their skin, the more likely they are to have youthful and healthy skin later in life.
What Are The Best Skin Care Products For Teenagers?
Although teenagers may feel self-conscious about their changing skin, they don’t need an arsenal of complicated products to help get clear, healthy skin. A basic teenage skin care routine can be incredibly effective.
There is a lot of skin care advice targeted at teenagers because their skin is likely going through a transition. But simple, classic products can still be just as effective as whatever trendy item is going around. Teenagers should start with a gentle cleanser to wash away the dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that naturally accumulate on the skin. A cleanser cleans the pores and leaves the skin clear and ready for other products to be applied.
Teens can also exfoliate their skin occasionally. Exfoliation rubs away dead skin so that the fresher skin underneath can shine through. However, because exfoliation is rougher on the skin, it should only be done once or twice a week to avoid causing any damage.
Next, teens should use toner. Toners come in a variety of forms but act to balance the pH in the skin.
There are two other products to use for skin care for teens. Moisturizer and sunscreen. Often, these products are combined, but you can also use them separately. Moisturizers give the skin a layer of protection to keep it from drying out and provide essential nourishment. Sunscreen protects the skin from harmful sun rays. Even if you don’t live in a sunny place or won’t be outside much, it’s essential to put on sunscreen every day. Aim for an SPF of at least 30, but higher if you’ll be spending time outside.
What Are The Best Skin Care Products For Middle-Aged People?
As we age, our bodies naturally stop producing collagen, which is what makes skin look plump, elastic, and youthful. As you get into your 30s and 40s, skin care products play a large role in reducing the effects of aging and replacing collagen. Unfortunately, if you wait too long to fight the effects of aging on your skin, it becomes incredibly difficult to repair natural damage. That’s why using the right skin care products during this time is so important.
No matter your age, the essential skin care products stay the same: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. However, by the time you’re in your late 30s and 40s, you should be using products that target anti-aging and collagen production. Adding anti-aging serums to your routine can replenish and hydrate the skin to help restore some of its natural plumpness and bounce. There are a variety of serums available that are tailored to various skin needs. Meet with your dermatologist to find the right serum for your skin. Other beneficial products include night creams that act as thicker moisturizers and soak into the skin while you sleep for an added layer of protection. As you age, you may also want to add a daily or nightly eye cream to protect and hydrate the sensitive skin around the eyes.
What Are The Best Skin Care Products For Older People?
As you age, your skin gets thinner and less vibrant. To reiterate, maintaining a good skin care routine at any age can help keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. Older people can benefit from using similar anti-aging or age-defying products from their 30s and 40s. A moisturizer is especially important for mature skin because older skin tends to be dryer, which is what leads to lines and wrinkles. Look for products that contain ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid that can provide lasting moisture.
Older skin still requires a gentle cleanser and sunscreen. Aim for gentle products to clean your face and thicker moisturizers and serums to lock in moisture and nourishment.
It’s never too early to start taking care of your skin. The earlier you get serious about a skin care routine, no matter how basic it is, the healthier your skin will look in the long run. It is far easier to maintain healthy skin as you age than it is to reverse the signs of aging. Visit your dermatologist for personalized recommendations of how to care for your skin, no matter your age.