Best skincare products and routines for every decade of life

Dermatologists say the best skincare isn’t about looking youthful but about protecting this precious organ — Photo courtesy of Anna Frank / iStock Via Getty Images Plus

As the largest organ in the human body, your skin deserves special care and attention. Affected by life experiences, the environment, and natural aging, our skincare needs evolve over time.

“Over the years as we lose our ability to hold moisture in the skin, we experience accumulated damage to our collagen and elastin caused by aging and sun exposure,” says Dr. Mary Lupo, a dermatologist in New Orleans, Louisiana.

We asked dermatologists and beauty experts to recommend skincare products and regimens for every stage of life, from your 20s to your 70s. Here’s what they had to say.

Best skincare in your 20s

Establishing a solid skincare routine is paramount in your 20s. — Photo courtesy of Ridofranz / iStock Via Getty Images Plus

The name of the game during this life stage is prevention, says Dr. Saami Khalifian, a practicing dermatologist in Encinitas, California. “Sunscreen and antioxidants are essential to keep skin defended against environmental damage,” he says. “Products like Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral SPF 36 for sun protection and SkinMedica’s Vitamin C+E Complex for antioxidant support set a strong foundation.”

Lupo recommends Neova Silc 2.0.

Another great option with a higher SPF is Fig.1 SPF 50 mineral sunscreen. “We designed this sunscreen to be broad spectrum, high SPF protection utilizing mineral filters for those with even the most sensitive skin,” says Fig.1 co-founder and Los Angeles-based dermatologist Dr. Courtney Rubin, “and it rubs in totally clear on all skin tones.”

Establishing a consistent skincare routine in your 20s is also critical for ensuring your skin’s longevity. Diane Hibbard, chief treatment officer at California-based Burke Williams Spa, suggests the following routine for those in their 20s:

• Cleanse daily.

• Exfoliate two to three times weekly.

• Apply a mask one to two times weekly.

• Tone daily.

• Identify and treat specific skin conditions, as needed.

• Use sunscreen during the day to moisturize and protect your skin.

Best skincare in your 30s

Use products that boost collagen synthesis as part of your skincare routine — Photo courtesy of Delmaine Donson / E+

Hibbard suggests you should start incorporating anti-aging products in your 30s to slow the signs of aging.

“As collagen production begins to slow, you may notice a loss of elasticity and the emergence of fine lines,” she says. “Gradually introduce products with key ingredients that boost collagen synthesis or combat fine lines and wrinkles, like the H2V Advance D3 Moisturizer, which contains peptides to promote collagen production and strengthen elastin.”

Khalifian recommends adding hydrators and growth factors (i.e., peptides and proteins to promote skin cell regeneration).

“Adding growth factors or retinoids helps give the skin the boost it needs to keep up,” he says. “For example, SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum provides growth factors to stimulate collagen, and Alastin Renewal Retinol promotes increased cellular renewal. These additions build on the previous decade’s routine, bolstering the skin’s ability to handle increased environmental damage.”

For folks who spend (or have spent) significant time in the sun, Lupo recommends DNA repair enzymes, like HYDRINITY Renewing HA Serum with PPM⁶ Technology.

Retinol also becomes increasingly important in your 30s. “We developed the Retinol Level-Up System, which includes three retinol night creams with different concentrations of retinol,” says Rubin. She explains this approach enables you to adjust your retinol concentrations over time, maximizing the benefits of retinol while avoiding skin irritation.

Best skincare in your 40s

Signs of sun damage become more prominent in your 40s, so products with brightening ingredients are key to a good skincare routine — Photo courtesy of miniseries / E+

By our 40s, more significant signs of aging and sun damage may become apparent, especially as women enter their perimenopausal years, notes Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, a dermatologist at the Premier Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

“For dark spots and sun damage, look for brightening ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide,” says Gabrielle Harrison, a licensed esthetician and founder of SISH Beauty, a vegan skincare line. “La Roche-Posay Mela B3 serum is targeted to brighten and address pigment.”

Harrison suggests products containing retinol to address fine lines and wrinkles and products with peptides and ceramides to replenish and nourish the skin. She says products like First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum with Peptides are effective, because they contain both ingredients.

Best skincare in your 50s

Hormonal changes influence what your skin needs most from a skincare routine — Photo courtesy of insta_photos / iStock Via Getty Images

As we face hormonal changes — namely, the menopausal years for women — skin becomes thinner and many people experience increased dryness.

“This is the time to consider hormone modulators and mTOR inhibitors like rapamycin to restore the form and function of aging skin,” says Khalifian. “Products that target collagen synthesis, such as SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, combined with richer moisturizers, such as SkinMedica Dermal Repair Cream and SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair, are highly beneficial in addressing hydration, firmness, and elasticity to support aging skin.”

While some folks may turn to Botox to help combat the signs of aging, experts suggest other products that may help achieve similar results without facing the needle.

“H2V G10 Serum can reactivate your skin’s response to (skincare] treatment, helping to deliver active ingredients deeper for maximum results,” says Hibbard, noting that you can pair this with H2V R3 Transform, which adds extra peptides for tightening and lifting.

Best skincare in your 60s

Use gentler products for more sensitive skin in your 60s — Photo courtesy of Cheschhh / iStock Via Getty Images

For women in their post-menopausal years, using gentler products becomes increasingly important.

“As you enter your 60s, your skin continues to thin due to loss of elasticity, and sensitivity may increase,” Hibbard says. “If you haven’t already, now is a great time to introduce Vitamin C into your routine. Additionally, switch to a moisturizer focused on hydration and sensitivity.”

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For example, products like H2V’s Quench Moisturizer, which contains azelaic acid, is anti-inflammatory and treats redness and sensitivity, she says.

Hibbard also recommends moisturizers that include ceramides to help strengthen and maintain your skin’s lipid barrier. Dr. Dennis Gross’ Advanced Retinol and Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream can be a good option for those looking to moisturize and smooth the skin. Lupo recommends Neova Copper peptide cream for added emollients.

Best skincare in your 70s

Add arnica and vitamin for the best skincare routine in your 70s — Photo courtesy of FG Trade / iStock Via Getty Image Plus

Zubritsky says skin tends to bruise more easily in this life stage. To protect the skin barrier, she suggests taking either oral or topical supplements that contain ingredients like arnica and vitamin C to decrease the risk of bruising.

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Focusing on products that combat dark spots also can be helpful, such as H2V Erase. Khalifian also suggests products that improve cellular metabolism and prevent free-radical damage. These can include products like SkinMedica LumiVive System.

All experts agree that, no matter your age, the primary goal of skincare isn’t about looking youthful but about protecting the largest organ in your body so that it continues to function at optimum levels.

“If optimal barrier function is always the goal, a byproduct of this will be healthy, beautiful skin,” Harrison says.