The Best Skincare Routine For Your 20s, 30s, 40s & Beyond, According To Dermatologists

In Your Twenties

By their twenties, most women have outgrown acne issues. Since having a clear, radiant complexion is often the goal, it's best to focus on products and practices that will ensure that covetable glow.

“The biggest predictor of how our skin will age is our lifestyle," says board certified dermatologist Estee Williams of MADFES Aesthetic. “Make sure to wear sunscreen year-round, avoid cigarette smoking, and keep a healthy diet. If you’re still battling acne, consider seeing a dermatologist for prescription medication that modulates hormone levels.”

Your 20s Skincare Plan:

DAY:

• Use a gentle cleanser like Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser or Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser.
• Follow with a moisturizer with sunscreen, like EltaMD UV Daily Face Sunscreen.

NIGHT:

• Remove makeup and wash your face thoroughly before bed.
• Use a face wash with AHA or BHA, such as Marini SkinSolutions Bioglycolic Face Cleanser or Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser. — “Look for treatments that gently exfoliate and clarify the skin," says Williams.
• Moisturize as usual.

In Your Thirties

“Once you enter your 30s, your estrogen levels start to decline slightly, making you more prone to classic hormonal acne,” says Dr. Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology. “A second focus in this decade is anti-aging and repair.”

Your 30s Skincare Plan:

DAY:

• Nazarian recommends BioClarity products for clearing hormonal breakouts: “This line is soothing to sensitive skin, and works to minimize breakouts, thanks to a combination of classic acne medication with calming ingredients such as green tea, chamomile, and oat kernel. "Of course, sunscreen should never take a backseat — keep it part of the regimen for life.”
• Cleanse and moisturize as usual.
• Apply SPF every morning.

NIGHT:

• Remove makeup, cleanse, and moisturize as usual.
• Apply a retinol cream like Olay Retinol Night Cream to stimulate collagen production.

In Your Forties

“In your forties, estrogen levels start to drop and without this potent youth hormone, skin begins to look more dehydrated and loses its elasticity,” says Williams. “Prepare to up your moisturizer game and look for products with dimethicone, ceramides, vitamin C, and retinol. You should also increase your intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the form of wild salmon and roasted soy nuts.”

Your 40s Skincare Plan:

DAY:

• Cleanse and moisturize as usual.
• Apply SPF every morning.
• For sun-damaged or sagging skin, look into treatments like micro-needling, Intensif, or Lumenis M22.

NIGHT:

• Remove makeup, cleanse, and moisturize as usual.
• As a retinol alternative (to try if you are over-using), Williams recommends Senté Dermal Repair for twice-daily use.

In Your Fifties & Beyond

Loose sagging skin and wrinkles are usually top of mind when you’re in this stage, so Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, Founder of the PFRANKMD Skin Salon, recommends avoiding trying new products and sticking with what works. “At this point the skin starts to become lax, so there really aren’t any products that work for skin tightening — treatments are the most effective.”

Your 50s & Beyond Skincare Plan:

DAY:

• Cleanse and moisturize as usual.
• Apply SPF every morning.
• Avoid products with AHA’s. Mature skin is thinner and can become irritated from products with acids.

NIGHT:

• Remove makeup, cleanse, and moisturize as usual. Choose gentle cleansers such as Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar to prevent dryness and to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
• Follow up with a collagen-boosting serum like SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic.