How Your Skin Changes With Age: Everything You Need To Know
There’s no getting away from it: our skin is ageing. From our mid-twenties, we produce 1% less collagen a year and the visible signs of skin ageing gradually begin to appear. Our skin changes with age and, as we move through our 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond, our skincare routine needs constant adaptation to combat the age-related skin changes that occur...
Our skin is in a constant state of evolution and consequently needs different anti-ageing skincare products relevant to particular needs and stages of life. The best anti-ageing skincare products for those in their 20s, for example, would be very different to the best anti-ageing skincare products for 40s.
Whilst it’s never too late to start implementing the best skincare for aging skin, prevention is always more effective than correction, so the earlier you develop a good skincare regime the better. This means incorporating certain ingredients and habits into your skincare regime in your younger years so that by the time you reach your 40s, you have less age related skin changes.
The most important thing to remember is that no skincare advice in the world can stop the sands of time, so do look after your skin’s health, but also embrace the changes and appreciate what an utterly incredible job your skin does.
Generation Z Skincare
How does your skin change in your 20s?
Your 20s is the most important decade for your skin because the anti-ageing skincare rituals and regimes that you introduce now will influence you skin ageing in decades to come. From the mid 20s age related skin changes take hold; skin starts to lose its natural elasticity, collagen production begins to decrease, and cell production slows down. By the late 20s, the effects of lack of sleep, stress, and sun damage can start to show.
What are the main skincare concerns in this decade?
The number one complaint among women in their 20s is acne, although by the late 20s this worry tends to have been superseded by concerns about premature aging and prevention.
What are the key ingredients 20-somethings should be introducing to their regime?
Your 20s are the time to prevent and maintain. Establishing a solid basic skincare routine with a balancing cleanser and a really good moisturiser is vital. Starting early with the best skincare for aging skin will stand you in good stead as the skin changes with age. Hyaluronic acid, as the ultimate hydrating molecule, is an essential, and your 20s is also the age you need to introduce retinol to your skincare routine.
What are the recommended skincare products Gen Z should be investing in?
1. Venn Skincare Moisture-Balance All-in-One Face Cleanser
Clinically proven to deeply cleanse the skin, the formulation of Venn Skincare Moisture-Balance All-in-One Face Cleanser is 96.8% naturally-originated and 82.7% are bio actives. Perfect for this early stage of skin ageing, this hydrating cleanser is vegan friendly, dermatologist tested, non-irritating, and non-sensitising.
2. Venn Skincare Synbiotic Defense Mist
Recommended by Vogue, Venn Skincare Synbiotic Defense Mist is formulated for all skin types, but particularly recommended for acne-prone skin. Packed full of probiotics and prebiotics to balance the skin’s microbiome, plus free radical-fighting antioxidants, Synbiotic Defense Mist is the perfect addition to any anti-ageing skincare regime, and is clinically proven to hydrate the skin for 24 hours.
3. Venn Skincare Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster
Combat age related skin changes with Venn Skincare Age-Response Compound K Hyaluronic Booster; an anti-aging and brightening boosting serum supercharged with VENN’s patented form of Ginsenoside Compound K. Clinically tested to brighten skin’s appearance, improve skin elasticity, improve skin firmness, visibly reduce wrinkles, and visibly minimise pores. In a consumer perception study, 100% agreed that skin tone evenness improved and skin felt smoother and softer.
Millennial Skincare
How does your skin change in your 30s?
Your 30s is the decade that usually bring the first age related skin changes. As cell turnover and collagen production both slow down, the skin will have less volume and elasticity, and you might also notice the appearance of fine lines. Cell turnover will have slowed down in this decade so your complexion may look a little dull and you may start to get some hyperpigmentation
What are the main skincare concerns in this decade?
Your 30s is the decade that many age-related skin changes become noticeable. Even if you've taken good care of your skin, you'll probably start noticing signs of skin ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. You’re also more likely to have dry or dehydrated skin or experience other skin changes with age such as increasingly sensitive skin or skin that is prone to irritation.
What are the key ingredients 30-somethings should be introducing to their regime?
Anti-ageing skincare in your 30s needs to be a combination of prevention and correction. Exfoliating with ingredients such as AHA's and glycolic acid is absolutely key, as is replacing lost collagen, upping the ante with your retinol, and really, really taking sun protection seriously.
What are the recommended skincare products Millennials should be investing in?
1. Proto-col Intense Protection Day Moisturiser SPF 50+
Best skincare for aging skin doesn’t get much better than Proto-col Intense Protection Day Moisturiser SPF 50+. Proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this soothing moisturiser improves skin tone, is formulated to leave skin soft, supple, and helps hydrate, protect and fight fatigue leaving the skin replenished, radiant, and plump. The added SPF 50+ helps protect the skin against harmful UV rays to prevent further sun damage and related skin ageing.
2. Proto-col Clinical Collagen Shot Blood Orange
Diminishing collagen levels are one of the major skin changes with age but you can combat this by introducing Proto-col Clinical Collagen Shot Blood Orange to your daily routine. The innovative drink provides Type I and III collagen, biotin, Vitamin B6 as well as many other vitamins which all work to repair and rebuild collagen. Restores collagen levels, reduces depth of wrinkles, reduces appearance of cellulite, supports the health of skin, hair, and nails.
3. Proto-col Microdermabrasion
Anti-ageing skincare in your 30s starts with exfoliation and there’s no better product than Proto-col Microdermabrasion. The gentle glycolic acid and collagen-infused Microdermabrasion combines a triple exfoliating formula of physical, chemical and fruit enzymes to transform the skin after just one use. It also contains AHAs, glycolic acid, and lactic acid to dissolve congested pores, loosen dead skin and encourage skin renewal.
Generation X Skincare
How does your skin change in your 40s?
The skin changes with age that we’ve seen in our 20s and 30s appear to accelerate in our 40s. Sebum production reduces in our 40s and the lymphatic system slows down which, from a skin ageing point of view, can result in increased puffiness and a duller complexion. Hormonal changes also have a huge impact on age related skin changes as oestrogen production declines during perimenopause, which leads to thinner skin, dry skin, and increased sagging.
What are the main skincare concerns in this decade?
Without a doubt, the visible signs of ageing are a major worry for 40-somethings. Fine lines may have become more pronounced, particularly around the eyes, and there may also be wrinkles, dark circles, changes to the skin’s texture and tone, and signs of sun damage. Hydration is also a key concern in this decade as the skin becomes much drier and loses its elasticity.
What are the key ingredients 40-somethings should be introducing to their regime?
To promote cell renewal, anti-ageing skincare for anyone over 40 has to include exfoliation, and one of the best anti-ageing skincare products for 40s is a hydrating, nourishing night cream. Last but by no means least, this is the decade to swap retinol for retinoid. In terms of best skincare for aging skin, research has found that the consistent use of retinoids can improve the appearance fine lines and wrinkles in as little as 12 weeks.
What are the recommended skincare products Gen X should be investing in?
Best Sleep Serum winner and Beauty Shortlist Awards winner, Oskia Retinoid Sleep Serum is absolutely one of the best anti-ageing skincare products for 40s. Formulated with OSKIA’s advanced Super-Nutrient Retinoid Complex, this highly effective serum brightens and firms skin, improves skin texture, and provides powerful antioxidant protection. Retinoid Sleep Serum contains hydroxypinacolone Retinoate; a fourth-generation retinoid which provides unrivalled skin ageing and skin health benefits.
2. Oskia Micro Exfoliating Balm
Promoting cell renewal is paramount to anti-ageing skincare in our 40s, so multi-award winning Oskia Micro Exfoliating Balm is amongst the best skincare for aging skin. The nutri-active nourishing and refining polish is suitable for all skin types and has been cleverly formulated to not only buff away tired skin cells and impurities but to also nourish the lipid barrier to leave your skin soft, radiant, and glowing with health and vitality.
Recommended by Vogue, and Editor’s Choice in the 2021 Beauty Shortlist Awards, Oskia Bedtime Beauty Boost, is our pick for best night cream for 40s. Packed with patented anti-age ingredients, the luxurious night cream is light in texture but rich in essential cell nutrients. Designed to help stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration process, iron out the appearance of wrinkles, reduce age spots and give skin a naturally radiant, youthful glow. What more could you want from an anti-ageing skincare product?
Shop our edit of skincare essentials to add to your regime, here.
