Skincare Recommendations by Decade
Welcome to our skincare recommendations by the decade! From 20s to 30s to 40s and beyond, we’ve got you covered for best skincare practices that will keep you glowing no matter your age. Read on!
If you’re in your 20’s —
Skincare in your 20s is ALL about prevention, baby. You’re setting the foundation for how well you will age in the years to come! Luckily, at this time it should take very little effort and just a little money to set you up for success. We would implore you that at minimum you should be using a daily Vitamin C Serum and SPF! Invest in a medical grade Vitamin C serum and sunscreen — it may seem expensive now but it is worth it in the long run. (Not sure which Vitamin C serum to get? Take our quiz here!)
Daily Minimum Skincare Musts: Vitamin C Serum, SPF
For those of you who may struggle with mild or occasional breakouts —
Incorporate both Toning Pads & RetinAl Skin Therapy. Tips on how to start using retinoids here!
If you struggle with moderate or cystic acne — see a dermatologist!
If you have scarring from acne this is a perfect time to get Microneedling with PRP to help smooth out the skin. The sooner you treat scars, the easier it is to minimize their appearance.
Consider chemical peels (We love the Vi Peel for evening out the skin tone and treating acne.)
Office treatments in your 20s —
If you’re noticing lines on your face that stick around at rest, consider “baby botox” as a preventative measure. Fillers — you don’t necessarily “need” them at this age but most of my 20-something patients get fillers to contour their face or for profile balancing.
That’s it, 20-somethings. Easy breezy lemon squeezy, you guys are still living the dream. Soak it in and bask in the glory of your collagen producing years.
Hello 30-somethings!
We have just reached an exciting time where our collagenase has begun the process of breaking down our collagen quicker than we can produce it. Waaahoooo — NOT. Normally it takes 5-10 years to start noticing dramatic differences, but this is the time to do some collagen boosting procedures to make sure when the big 4-0 inevitably comes around you are still looking like a million bucks. Unlike the 20-somethings, the third decade of life skincare/procedure recommendations are a a little bit pricier. But thankfully you are still in a prevention stage, so there is great hope!
Daily Minimum Skincare Musts: Vitamin C Serum, SPF, Retinoids
Consider adding a chemical exfoliant for an added glow, like BHA’s or AHA’s. Toning Pads are great for daily use if you have frequent break outs. Glow Peel Pads are a great at home treatment that you can do 3x/week which help exfoliate and brighten the skin. Also, consider adding an eye and neck cream. In our opinion, there aren’t any miraculous eye or neck creams that will completely change you, but your neck and eyes are two areas you do not want to neglect.
Office treatments in your 30s —
Botox- it’s rare that I see someone who is over 30 who does not have static lines (lines present at rest). There is no other replacement for what Botox does for the fine lines on the face. It’s hands down my favorite treatment for prevention.
To help you understand why Botox works as a prevention treatment: repetitive muscle movement causes the skin to age quicker over time thus botox helps slow down the skin’s aging process.
Microneedling, Chemical Peels or lasers (IPL, Clear + Brilliant, Pico, Erbium, etc- lots of options depending on your skin type/concern)
At some point in your 30’s it is likely you might need/want a little filler to contour the cheeks and minimize the smile lines.
That’s it, 30-somethings! Get your three minimum skincare staples going if you haven’t already and keep at them — it will be well worth the continued investment.
To our beautiful 40 + patients -
If you are over the age of 40, we would highly suggest finding a provider you trust in the aesthetic industry to help guide you in making the best skincare and procedure options. Depending on the level of “correction” from sun damage, fine lines/wrinkles, and other factors, the best option would be a customized treatment plan so you don’t waste money on products or procedures that you don’t need. However, see our recommendations for you below!
Daily Minimum Skincare Musts: Vitamin C Serum, SPF, Retinoids
Using gentle exfoliants regularly will give your skin a nice bright glow. If you have sensitive skin, start with Toning Pads 3-4 times a week, and increase to daily. For more oily/resistant skin, consider a daily use of Toning Pads II and Glow Peel Pads as a 3x/week at home treatment.
If you are prone to dryness, consider incorporating a hyaluronic acid serum morning and evening in conjunction with your moisturizer. Not only will it help with hydration, it also helps improve the appearance of crepey skin and increases skin’s firmness by promoting elastin production. Finally, consider adding an eye and neck cream.
Depending on your skin type: we love the Obagi Nu-Derm system to address hyperpigmentation, but don’t buy it without having a consult with a skin specialist and make sure you get the prescription strength one sold at medical offices!
Office treatments in your 40s —
Botox — Consider in the traditional choice by the upper face, as well as adding in small amounts to the lower face if needed. Botox is great for softening the lines around the mouth.
Sculptra - An amazing collagen stimulator.
Skin resurfacing — At this point, a CO2 laser is ideal. If you are not interested in laser skin resurfacing, then Microneedling with PRP is another great option!
Chemical Peels or lasers to address possible sun damage and redness.
Consider fillers to treat age related volume loss to the cheeks and smile lines.
And there you have it, folks. Our best skincare recommendations for 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. Stay in touch with us and know that we’re cheering you on, wherever you are in your barefaced journey!