Should your holy grail skin care products change as you age?

Should your holy grail skin care products change as you age?

Simply put, aging is “the process of growing old.” No brainer, right? But when it comes to your skin, aging means noticeable changes over time. As your skin ages, should your go-to products change too? Let’s dive in. 

How does the skin age?

Younger skin has tightly wound collagen fibers that keep it firm and smooth. As you age, these fibers become less coiled and weak, leading to lines and wrinkles. Genetics plays a major role in how your skin ages, controlling several natural processes.

Your skin is constantly renewing itself by shedding old, damaged cells and replacing them with newer ones. This keeps your skin looking fresh and revitalized. However, starting in your mid-20s, this renewal process slows down. Your skin becomes thinner and more prone to damage from external elements like the sun, harsh weather and pollution. This results in a dull, rough and uneven texture. Collagen and elastin fibers also break down, revealing fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. Additionally, your skin produces fewer lipids – natural fats that protect against water loss – leading to dryness.

What ages the skin?

Environmental Factors: Prolonged sun exposure is the primary cause of premature aging. Ultraviolet rays trigger your melanocytes to produce excess pigment, causing freckles and age spots. Sunlight also accelerates collagen and elastin breakdown, leading to fine lines, wrinkles and increased skin laxity.

Mechanical Factors: Gravity and repetitive muscle movements affect the skin. Those with expressive faces tend to have more lines around the eyes, mouth and forehead.

Lifestyle Factors: Stress, poor diet, lack of sleep and poor skin care habits also impact skin aging.

Skin care must-haves based on your age

20s: Early signs of aging like fine lines and dullness can start to appear. Often spending more time socializing than skin pampering? Now is the perfect time to establish a simple, effective skin care routine.

Pro Recommendation: hydroplunge This lightweight immersion mask instantly refreshes the skin while improving line appearance and providing hydration that endures. 

vc10 daily glow A potent Vitamin C serum that brightens, evens tone and targets the appearance of collagen breakdown

30s: Loss of firmness and elasticity, uneven tone, texture and dryness become more common. Career and family stress – combined with a lack of sleep – can accelerate aging. While you may focus on specific concerns, such as lines around the eyes and mouth, try incorporating standout products into a comprehensive routine to enhance overall skin health.

Pro Recommendation: collagen rehab This face and lip mask renews and firms the skin, helping to restore lost elasticity and smoothness.

time sensitive This age advocating serum is formulated with bakuchiol – a natural retinol-alternative – and legacy peptides, targeting premature aging with a powerful antioxidant defense against environmental stress. 

40s: Drier, duller skin with more pronounced wrinkles and loss of volume are common concerns. Hormonal changes and slower lymphatic drainage can cause puffiness and stress-related skin issues. Focus on reparative and nourishing products to keep your skin looking its best.

Pro Recommendation: sleepwear This overnight age activist creme works while you sleep to smooth the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and dramatically improve moisture and tone. 

plump start A plum-infused antioxidant concentrate that instantly improves fullness, nourishes and smoothes out fine lines, tackling the visible signs of aging.

50s and up: Significant volume loss, thinning skin, and increased sensitivity are prevalent. Hormonal aging and lifestyle factors can make your skin more fragile. Focus on replenishing, nourishing and rejuvenating products to maintain skin health and vibrancy.

Pro Recommendation: age activist clinical youth serum This serum unites proven ingredients with innovative ones to brighten, hydrate, exfoliate, smooth roughness, improve the appearance of lines and pores, and firm the skin.

createfirm An age-defying serum with algae and ceramide-rich Aquamide-5 that boosts collagen production and tightens the skin.