What Age Should You Start Skincare?

One question our aestheticians hear often is, “When should I start a skincare routine?” The answer might actually surprise you - healthy, glowing skin can benefit from care at any age. Beginning early and adjusting your regimen as you get older sets the foundation for lifelong radiant skin. Now, we’ll walk you through exactly how to approach skincare at every age and what products specially to be focusing on.

Why Start Skincare Early?

Starting skincare early is all about giving your skin a head start on staying healthy for the long term. Even when you’re young, things like sun exposure, pollution, and other environmental factors can impact your skin -  often in ways that sneakily add up over time. Building a simple routine with key basics, like daily SPF and a gentle cleanser, helps protect your skin from this damage and sets you up for better skin health as you get older. No need for an elaborate routine; just a few age-appropriate steps now can make a big difference. As you age, you can always add products that match your skin’s changing needs.

A Guide To Age-Specific Skincare From Our Aestheticians:

All About Setting the Basics: Ages 10-12:

For pre-teens, skincare should be all about simplicity and consistency. Skin at this age is typically clear and resilient, so the goal is to build good habits without overloading young skin. Think of this as establishing the foundation for a lifetime of healthy skincare.

Skincare Routine Basics:

Sunscreen: The #1 skincare step for any age! Sun protection is essential, as UV damage is cumulative. Teaching pre-teens to apply sunscreen daily sets them up for healthier skin in the future.

Gentle Cleanser: Introduce the importance of washing away dirt, sweat, and oils from the day. A mild cleanser is ideal to keep skin clean without stripping it of moisture.

Moisturizer (if needed): For kids who experience occasional dryness, a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer can keep skin comfortable and hydrated.

This stage is about teaching the basics and making skincare enjoyable, so it’s easy to stick to as they grow.

Addressing New Skin Challenges: Ages 13-17

During the teenage years, hormonal changes ramp up oil production, which can lead to acne and breakouts. A consistent skincare routine helps keep skin balanced, prevent acne scars, and manage oily skin effectively.

Teen Skincare Tips:

Cleansing: Washing the face twice a day in the morning and night with a gentle foaming or gel cleanser helps control oil and remove dirt and impurities that can clog pores.

Targeted Exfoliation: Using a product with salicylic acid 1-2 times a week (like our bestselling Polished Pads) can help prevent acne and keep pores clear, but avoid over-exfoliating to prevent irritation.

Spot Treatment: For active breakouts, apply a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid spot treatment directly on blemishes to treat them effectively.

Moisturizer: Choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep skin hydrated without clogging pores or contributing to oil buildup.

Daily Sunscreen: This is especially important for teens using acne treatments, as these can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Sunscreen protects the skin and prevents long-term damage.

In Your 20s: Focus on Prevention

By your 20s, it’s time to focus on prevention. While skin is still youthful and resilient, establishing a consistent skincare routine with protective ingredients can help maintain that glow for years to come.

20s Skincare Essentials:

Antioxidants: Serums with antioxidants like Vitamin C are key to fighting damage caused by pollution and UV rays. They also help brighten skin and even out tone!

Moisturizer: Hydrated skin is happy skin! Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep your skin plump and dewy.

Sunscreen: Daily SPF is a must. It shields skin from sun damage, which can lead to early wrinkles, dark spots, and other signs of aging.

Eye Cream: If you're starting to notice fine lines around the eyes, a lightweight eye cream can keep this delicate skin moisturized and smooth.

In Your 30s: Anti-Aging Becomes a Priority

By your 30s, you may start to notice signs of aging such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, and sun damage. This is the perfect time to focus on ingredients that support collagen production, improve skin texture, and promote cell turnover to maintain a youthful appearance.

30s Skincare Must-Haves:

Retinoids: Retinoids stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and reduce fine lines. We recommend starting with a lower concentration and gradually increase use to avoid any skin irritation.

Hyaluronic Acid: A hydration powerhouse, hyaluronic acid helps maintain skin plumpness and reduces the appearance of fine lines, keeping skin smooth and supple all day.

Peptides: Peptides promote skin elasticity, adding firmness and improving the overall texture and tone of the skin.

Daily Sunscreen and Antioxidants: Continue using sunscreen and antioxidants daily to protect skin from sun damage and environmental stressors that speed up aging.

In Your 40s and 50s: Support and Strengthen

As you enter your 40s and 50s, skin texture, elasticity, and moisture levels may begin to change more noticeably. At this stage, it’s crucial to focus on hydration, firmness, and addressing pigmentation issues to maintain a youthful appearance.

Recommended Routine for the 40s and 50s:

Retinoids and Peptides: Retinoids and peptides continue to be helpful for stimulating collagen and maintaining skin’s elasticity. 

Brightening Ingredients: If you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation or age spots, look for ingredients like niacinamide and other brightening agents to even skin tone and reduce discoloration.

Hydrating Serums and Moisturizers: As skin tends to dry out with age, opt for richer moisturizers containing ceramides, which help support and strengthen the skin’s barrier.

Daily Sunscreen: Consistent sun protection remains important in your 40s and 50s to prevent further damage and protect against UV-induced aging.

These products help address aging concerns while reinforcing the skin’s natural defenses.

In Your 60s and Beyond: Hydration and Repair

In your 60s and beyond, skin can become more delicate and prone to dryness. At this stage, focus on intense hydration, repair, and maintaining skin resilience to help combat thinning skin and enhance comfort.

Suggested Routine for 60+:

Gentle Cleansing: Use a gentle, creamy cleanser that won't strip the skin's natural oils, as older skin can be more sensitive and drier.

Rich Moisturizers: Look for nourishing moisturizers that contain ingredients like ceramides and shea butter to restore hydration and protect the skin’s barrier.

Growth Factors and Peptides: Growth factors and peptides support the skin's structure, enhancing elasticity and promoting overall skin health.

Sunscreen and Antioxidants: Sunscreen is still essential to prevent further damage, while antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental stress and promote repair.

Remember These Key Takeaways:

Start Early: Establishing skincare habits early - especially with sunscreen - can prevent long-term damage and set a foundation for healthy skin in the future.

Adjust for Age: Tailor your skincare routine to your skin’s changing needs as you age.

Stay Consistent: Consistency is key! It’s much easier to prevent issues than to correct them, so starting early and sticking to a routine makes a big difference.

Remember, skincare isn’t just about preventing wrinkles; it’s about maintaining your skin’s health and vibrancy over time. Schedule a consultation with us to build a skincare routine that’s right for your skin at any age. 

Whether you're interested in filler, Botox/Dysport, collagen-boosting skin treatments, or want to learn more about our Defy Monthly Facial Membership (a perfect choice for those who want to transform their skin without the price tag over the course of a year!), we’d love to see you in our Bethesda medical spa soon.