The quest for healthy, radiant skin is a lifelong journey from your 20s through your 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. To achieve ageless beauty, your skin becomes a reflection of the care you’ve invested in it to give you the confidence vital for each life stage. It is therefore, crucial to recognise the evolving nature of your skin, cater to its unique demands during these various phases, and be in on the beauty skincare secrets from your 20s to your 50s and beyond.
We are spilling all the skincare secrets to achieving ageless beauty at every stage of life.
Radiant skin in your 20s
Your 20s mark youthful exuberance and endless possibilities, and your skincare regimen should mirror this vibrant phase. This juncture emphasises the importance of preventive and maintenance measures to lay the groundwork for timeless beauty in the years ahead.
Desire Uba, a skincare and cosmetic scientist, underscores a significant aspect that during our 20s, the collagen synthesis rate naturally declines, resulting in a gradual loss of skin elasticity and firmness. Concurrently, there’s a decrease in hyaluronic acid production, affecting the skin’s ability to keep moisture and plumpness. These changes continue as we age, potentially leading to drier, more dehydrated skin, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone as Lara, 28, faces.
To address these issues, cleanse gently and adequately, apply sunscreen diligently, and adopt sound hydration. As Desire aptly shares, “If we haven’t been practising sun protection, we may already have significant sun damage at this stage, so it’s crucial to prioritise this.” In addition, you should also develop good dietary habits and ensure you get your essential beauty sleep.
Lara added chemical exfoliation (twice or thrice a week), retinol and sunscreen to her skincare routine.
Some people experience adult-onset acne in their mid-20s, a more common issue than expected. For those affected, Desire recommends incorporating acne-fighting components like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid.into their skincare routine.
Ageless beauty in your 30s
As you gracefully enter your 30s, your skincare routine should adapt to skin’s changing needs, as this phase warrants a proactive approach to preserving your youthful radiance. Oladotun and Tomisin, both in their 30s, confirmed they were more susceptible to severe acne and hyperpigmentation.
To combat these and any other skin concerns in your 30s, prioritise hydration by ensuring you drink enough water daily, use hydrating sheet masks, and maintain a diligent cleansing routine. It would help if you also exfoliate with care; Oladotun exfoliates with sea salt three times a month.
For maximum skin protection from UV damage, we recommend using a high SPF and introducing serums into your daily routine. Consider vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, niacinamide, retinol, retinaldehyde, or hyaluronic acid serums. These serums address various skin concerns, such as acne, fine lines, and wrinkles, and boost collagen production while combating premature ageing symptoms.
Desire also recommends exploring professional treatments like microneedling, hydrafacials, photofacials, LED light therapy (blue for acne, red for fine lines and wrinkles), and chemical peels.
These treatments excel in hydrating, rejuvenating, firming, brightening, exfoliating, and addressing ageing-related issues like texture, fine lines, and wrinkles. However, it’s imperative to consult with your aesthetician or dermatologist to determine which treatments are most suitable for your skin.
‘I used to be proud to say I wasn’t doing much for my skin whenever people complimented me and asked what I was using. Now, I realise I was neglecting my skin. I take self-care more seriously now for my skin, and am happy to see results.’ Tomisin confesses.
She now keeps a simple skincare morning routine of cleanser-toner-eye serum-hyaluronic acid-moisturiser-sunscreen with the addition of vitamin C every other morning. Her evening routine comprises cleanser-toner-eye serum-niacinamide or collagen serum-moisturiser, with the addition of benzoyl peroxide three nights a week. Her skin consultant approved this routine, which has aided her glowing skin.
Embracing timeless elegance in your 40s
Your 40s mark a transformative journey, and your skincare regimen should exude the elegance and grace accompanying this stage of life. It’s crucial to embrace the natural signs of ageing, including fine lines and wrinkles, as these are part of a beautiful and natural process. With age, your skin faces more challenges in shedding old, dead cells and maintaining its natural barrier.
To nurture your skin in your 40s, prioritise deep hydration to counteract moisture loss and preserve skin elasticity. Consider introducing hydrating elements like hyaluronic acid and ceramide into your daily routine for enhanced moisturization. Serums enriched with peptides, antioxidants, and growth factors help to stimulate collagen production and reduce visible signs of ageing.
We cannot reiterate the importance of SPF in your routine enough; sunscreen is a non-negotiable in protecting your skin from premature ageing. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF to shield against both UVA and UVB rays.
Maintain your established cleansing, exfoliation, and regular facials routine. If you have specific skin concerns, seek guidance from a dermatologist or skin care professional to tailor your skincare regimen to your unique needs.
Graceful ageing at 50 and beyond
As you step gracefully into your 50s and beyond, skincare and self-care take on an even more significant role in your beauty regimen. This phase is about embracing your life’s beauty with confidence and grace. Your steadfast ally is a skincare routine consistent with the fundamentals such as hydration, collagen-boosting treatments, sun protection, and essential serums like retinol.
Eyiyemi Olivia, a vibrant 52-year-old, focuses on holistic well-being, particularly with her dietary choices. She opts for 80% organic produce, free from chemicals and pesticides, and minimally cooks her meals using clean cookware. Her beverage choices lean toward ample water intake and natural teas.
She prioritises her sleep quality, recognising its profound impact on her skin’s vitality. “I believe it’s not just what you put on your skin that determines the outcome; it’s also how you live and what you live by.”
Skincare secrets for ageless Beauty
No matter the age, there’s a dynamic relationship between self-care, skincare, and your overall well-being, radiance and confidence. Embrace holistic self-care practices such as meditation, yoga, and age-appropriate exercise to keep your body active.
Healthy skin is an inside-out affair as we age. Prioritising your beauty sleep, aiming for 7-9 hours each night, supports skin repair and regeneration.
In addition, your diet also matters. We recommend foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, green vegetables, fruits, and collagen-boosting nutrients. Reduce processed and greasy foods because they promote cell inflammation and free radical production.
Skin barrier maintenance is also significant, so ensure you steer clear of bleaching products as they accelerate skin damage, thinning, and increase the risk of skin cancer.
“Overconsumption is now a part of the industry, as we have increased the use of social media. People think they need every new serum and cleanser their favourite influencer endorses. No one does. Pay attention to what your skin needs and be consistent with a routine. Avoid product hopping, as this also protects your skin”, Desire concludes.
Consistency is the name of the game in skincare; stick to it, and you’ll achieve ageless beauty.
