Skincare for all ages: Best order to apply skincare

When it comes to your skin, it changes with age and so should your skincare routine. 

Giving your skin exactly what it needs at every age will be a game changer for how you look and feel.

How To Layer Skincare?

There are also various methods to use when applying skincare, and they vary by age.

For your 20s:

As you transition from teenage to your 20s, your skin will change too. Now, you will notice things like dryness, oiliness, and acne. This is when you’re likely thinking: What skincare products do I need?

First things first, a basic skincare regimen includes a suitable cleanser, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen. 

Read on to learn how to layer skincare products in the right way.

Cleanser:

When choosing your cleanser, pick a non-soap face wash if your skin feels dry after washing. But, if your skin is oily, go for a salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide-containing cleanser. If you don’t fall into either of those categories, use a creamy cleanser.

Sunscreen and moisturizer:

Now, for the sunscreen. Make sure you choose one with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. As for when to apply sunscreen in a skincare routine, the answer lies in the nature of the product. If it’s a chemically active sunscreen, apply after washing your face. If you opt for a sunscreen that physically blocks the sunrays, make it the last product you apply before stepping out.

You can opt for a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid as well, and fragrance-free products are recommended to avoid irritating the skin. Another option would be to go for a moisturizer with sunscreen, in which case, there won’t be any need to separately apply sunscreen.

Nighttime routine: 

If you’re really in the spirit of skincare, you can add nighttime skincare steps too. One great option is to add peptide (precursors of proteins) treatments before sleep. For acne, pigmentation, and fine lines, add a retinoid to your nighttime regimen. 

Tip: Opt for retinoids and peptide treatments that have a moisturizing element like hyaluronic acid in them.

For your 30s:

Even with regular sunscreen usage in your 20s, your complexion is likely to darken due to slower cell turnover. Exfoliation and proper moisturization will be your biggest friends.

Cleanser:

To boost your cell turnover and improve your complexion, your best call will be a cleanser with hydroxy acids. You can also opt for scrubbing a few times a week.

Sunscreen and Moisturizer:

Continue using a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30+ moisturizer or use a skin oil to add that glow. To help your complexion, you can layer a vitamin C serum under the sunscreen as well. Find one with at least 15 to 20 percent L-ascorbic acid (the best form of vitamin C).

Nighttime routine:

Your main goal here should be to increase cell turnover and repair the area around your eyes. Retinoids will be your best friends when it comes to an increase in cell turnover. For the eye area, use a cream with retinol (collagen building), niacinamide (anti-redness), or caffeine (anti-inflammatory).

For your 40s:

In the 40s, light-skinned women continue to come across wrinkles. As for the dark-skinned women, they might just be beginning to find fine lines.

Many women in their 40s grapple with acne issues, and wonder: Why am I still breaking out with a good skincare routine? This is mostly hormone-related.

Cleanser:

For those dealing with acne, a cleanser with salicylic acid is best suited. Everyone else can opt for creamy cleansers that don’t strip the skin of all its moisture.

Sunscreen and moisturizer:

To rejuvenate your skin, use serums rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C and E, and follow it with the same SPS-containing moisturizer.

Nighttime routine:

Stick to your retinoids as you brace your 40s. They not only fight complexion issues and wrinkles but also acne! So for those still fighting acne, retinoids are a complete solution.

For your 50s:

As you enter your 50s, you will likely find your skin thinning and sagging, with your complexion darkening further. But with the right skincare, you should be ready to look your best.

Cleanser:

Now more than ever, keeping your skin moisturized is important. So use a creamy cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of its moisture.

Sunscreen and moisturizer:

You can continue using the serums with Vitamin C or E and compliment them with the same moisturizer as before. For hyperpigmentation, opt for creams containing hydroquinone or kojic acid.

Nighttime routine:

A rich moisturizer containing peptides and continuing the use of retinoids will be your best course.