Skin Care

The Right Skin Care for Every Age

Still using that oil-free cleanser your mom gave you when you were 13? To look flawless and fabulous at every age, it's time to rethink your skin routine. Here, your decade-by-decade anti-aging arsenal.

by Hayley Mason

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If you're in your 40s In your 40s, expression lines between your brows and around your eyes and mouth don't disappear like they did in your 30s. "Your estrogen level is tapering so your skin will become dryer," says Lorencin. The neck and décolleté area might start to look crepey as well. Overall you'll need to add moisture and collagen-building ingredients like peptides.

Your ideal regimen:
Step 1: Cleanse using a basic non-foaming, non-drying cleanser in combination with a gentle face cleansing brush to help remove dead skin cells. Because you'll use retinol (a chemical exfoliant) regularly, you'll need to get rid of any flaking skin.
Step 2: Use SPF daily to prevent further damage and choose a product that contains antioxidants to fight free radicals and help reverse some of the damage you already have.
Step 3: Retinoids and peptides are two ingredient groups that you should add into your routine if you haven't already. Peptides can help rebuild collagen, especially when used in combination with skin texture-improving retinoids like retinol. To get both ingredients in one dose (and at one price), opt for a serum like Rodan + Fields Anti-Age Night Renewing Serum, $89.
Step 4: Dr. Murad suggests using an anti-aging product specifically formulated for the neck that includes phytoestrogens, retinols and licorice root to help smooth, plump and erase discoloration, such as Dr. Murad's Rejuvenating Lift for Neck and Decollete, $55.
Step 5: Use a moisturizer that has a high level of glycerin or hyaluronic acid to help skin retain the moisture it needs.

SEE NEXT PAGE: If you're in your 50s

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Older comments

These are sound, useful tips. I've seen many women use Vaseline to moisturize and they have had lovely complexions.

by GigiSD Thursday, May 2, 2013 at 07:28PM Report as inappropriate

feel old now.................

by Zeaundra Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 01:54PM Report as inappropriate

Would not use Vaseline on my face except to protect my hair line when coloring my hair.

by storrevillas Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 09:08PM Report as inappropriate

I agree with no vaseline on your face, maybe a dry patch!

by trishsterette Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 08:45AM Report as inappropriate

Nice routine.

by EricaC123 Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 05:15AM Report as inappropriate

great very informative thank you

by Nicole2814 Friday, January 4, 2013 at 06:54PM Report as inappropriate

This is really informative. I think it's too general though. I'm in my early thirties and I still have combination skin. Not everyone in their 20s, 30s, so on will have the same skin types!

by luckygal79 Monday, December 31, 2012 at 08:41AM Report as inappropriate

thanks

by aishak55 Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 05:21PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks for sharing!

by robyne00 Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 05:30PM Report as inappropriate

time to add retinoids and peptides into my skincare routine.

by lilas Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 04:14PM Report as inappropriate