Ageing is one of life’s inevitabilities - our bodies, minds and skin all age, and there’s no getting away from it. That’s not a bad thing though; it’s something to embrace. After all, with age comes wisdom - or so we hope!
However, we all want our skin to look its very best, regardless of how old we are and, thankfully, there are now so many options to help us do exactly that.
So, what are the effects of ageing on the skin, and how can we make sure it always looks its best, regardless of how old we are? Let's take a look at what happens to our skin as we get older, plus some of the skincare products and treatments available that help us look after our largest organ.
Skin in your 20s
So, what's our skin like in our twenties? Put simply, it's super soft, and our bodies produce tons of collagen and elastin, which gives us glowing, toned skin. Cheekbones and jaw are defined, and we have very few lines. Sigh! I remember those days!
Skincare essentials: Cleanser, exfoliator, moisturiser, sunscreen. You may also consider introducing a low strength retinol into your evening routine if you're in your mid to late 20s.
Possible treatments include: Chemical peel to reduce acne and scars.
Skin in your 30s
In our thirties, fine dynamic lines start to appear around our eyes and on our foreheads. Collagen and elastin production begins to slowly decrease. I know - it's just not fair!
Skincare essentials: Cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, moisturiser (a day one and a night one), retinol (for PM only), sunscreen.
Possible treatments include: Wrinkle relaxing to reduce the appearance of fine dynamic lines; chemical peels to rejuvenate the skin; dermal fillers to add volume to cheeks; Profhilo to add plumpness to skin.
Skin in your 40s
In our forties, smile lines, marionette lines, under-eye bags and dark pigments begin to show; jawlines begin to soften; skin starts to look duller.
Skincare essentials: Cleanser, toner, serum, eye cream, moisturiser (a day one and a night one), vitamin C, retinol, face oil (for PM only), sunscreen.
Possible treatments include: Botox to reduce 11s (frown lines), forehead lines, crow’s feet and bunny lines; dermal fillers to add volume to cheeks, combat static lines, eye bags or sagging skin and jowling; chemical peels to give skin a more youthful look, microneedling to induce collagen production.
Skin in your 50s
In our fifties, age spots begin to appear and our bodies produce less collagen, meaning we get more defined wrinkles and our skin starts to sag.
Skincare essentials: Exfoliating cleanser, toner, eye cream, anti-ageing serum, low strength retinol, rich moisturiser, rosehip face oil, sunscreen.
Possible treatments include: fillers to add volume to cheeks or lips, or combat sagging skin and wrinkles; Botox for the neck; microneedling to boost collagen; thread lifts to lift face at multiple points.
Skin in your 60s+
In our sixties, collagen and elastin production continues to decrease, skin becomes duller, and we start to notice broken capillaries around the nose, cheeks and chin.
Skincare essentials: Oil-based cleanser, gentle exfoliator, eye cream, antioxidant serum, nourishing anti-ageing moisturiser, vitamin C oil, sunscreen.
Possible treatments include: Wrinkle relaxing for the neck; Profhilo; Ultherapy to lift and firm skin.
So, regardless of age, there are several things we can all do to stay looking fabulous. And while it's obviously better to start a great skincare regimen as early as possible, it's never too late to get started.
If you're dreaming of glowing skin and reduced wrinkles, check out the amazing cosmetic practitioners in your area, who will be able to advise you on the best way to achieve the best version of you. Get glowing!
AND if you're looking to update your skincare routine, find a skin pro in your area on Glowday.