Our skin changes over the years. As we get older, it’s typical to notice a loss of elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles. While these changes are natural, it’s possible to soften the process. 

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to anti-aging skincare regimens. You need to understand your skin type, take the time to establish the products that work for you, and find the ingredients that your skin adores. 

To help you establish suitable skincare practices and discover the best anti-aging treatments, this guide will take you through anti-aging skincare, decade by decade. 

The 20s: Laying the foundations of healthy skin

One of the most important stages of your skincare routine in your 20s and beyond is sunscreen. Getting into the habit now of applying this daily is essential not only for helping with the anti-aging process, but with preserving your health. Dermatologists recommend applying SPF to your face, neck, chest, ears, along with your hands and arms in order to prevent lasting damage from the sun. 

It’s likely the skin is still plump and firm right now. This is because we still have plenty of collagen, the protein that supports the health of our bones, skin and hair.  By our late 20s, we start to slowly lose collagen. That’s why it’s possible to see fine lines appear at this point. Incorporate a vitamin C serum now to support the skin’s production of collagen. 

Maintaining hydration without overwhelming your skin with heavy products is important too. Choose lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers that replenish your skin’s moisture barrier without clogging pores and opt for oil-free products that contain hydrating hyaluronic acid.

The 30s: Time to target early signs

You may notice the first signs of aging in your 30s. Fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth, may appear. Your skin’s collagen production is slowing down at this stage, so there might be slight changes in the skin’s texture and firmness. 

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and one of the most effective ingredients for promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen production and elasticity. It helps improve the appearance of fine lines, smooths skin texture, and evens out skin tone. If you’re new to retinol skincare products, start with a low concentration (around 0.25% to 0.5%) to allow your skin to adjust and minimize potential irritation. Over time, you can increase the concentration as your skin builds tolerance.

Incorporating peptide-based products in your 30s also helps maintain the skin’s firmness and elasticity. Take the time to find the right formulation for your skin. Serums and moisturizers are particularly effective as the peptides are in contact with your skin for longer than a cleanser. 

Think about the skin around the eyes too. It’s much thinner and there’s less collagen here. In your 30s, it’s common to notice the first signs of crow’s feet, puffiness, or dark circles. Eye creams formulated with peptides, retinol, or hyaluronic acid are anti-aging treatments that can firm up the skin, boost hydration, and reduce puffiness.

The 40s and beyond: Embracing mature skin

By the time you reach your 40s, the signs of aging become more pronounced. Your skin’s natural cell renewal slows even further, and you may notice increased dryness, pigmentation, and sagging. 

If your skin has adjusted to retinol, consider upgrading to higher-strength retinoids, such as tretinoin (available by prescription), which offer powerful results. Retinoids like tretinoin are often in the form of a cream or gel. When used as part of an anti-aging skincare routine, they improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and stimulate collagen production. Be sure to use retinoids in conjunction with sunscreen, as they can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. 

Also, keeping your skin hydrated will help it appear plumper and more resilient. Introducing richer, more emollient moisturizers after your 40s can help. Look for creams that contain ceramides as these can also restore the skin barrier, while shea butter or squalane can deeply hydrate and lock in moisture. 

As well as tackling dryness, you might want to address age spots, discoloration, and a general loss of radiance. These are common concerns in mature skin. Brightening agents like vitamin C can help fade pigmentation and bring back your skin’s natural glow. 

Take the time to try different products and ingredients. Establishing a good AM/PM routine is key, whatever stage you’re at.