Want to look young and healthy as the decades go by? Purva Indulkar gives you the definitive anti-ageing skincare routine for your age
The world of skincare can be overwhelming. New products are launched every fortnight, certain beauty routines are complicated, the Korean skincare regime has 10 steps and there are so many new trends popping up. But, whether you try new beauty products that flood your social media feeds (the Pixi Glow Tonic is everywhere!), or stick to your grandmum’s face pack recipe, there is one thing all our skincare regimes have in common — the aim to have young and glowing skin.
However, while Botox and lip plumpers are certainly convenient, opting for permanent, irreversible or chemical solutions should be avoided. When it comes to anti-ageing, the easiest way to have youthful skin is to start taking care of your skin early on. Pick the right products for your skin and use the correct method. But, since there can be an overwhelming amount of information on the Internet, we tell you what to do and when, to help you get a youthful glow at any age.
Trouble in your twenties
If you’re in your early twenties, your skin troubles from your adolescence will have eased up, but new ones will have popped up. While you don’t have to deal with serious acne anymore (and thank god for that!), you do have to battle the occasional pimple and zit. Also, if you are stressed out at your job — which, let’s face it, we all are — you’re bound to spot some grey hair. If you smoke or drink, you might also have other, more prominent skin troubles.
At this age, the most important habit for you to develop is to apply sunscreen every time you go outdoors. If you are in a profession that requires you to spend a lot of time outdoors, always keep a tub of high SPF sunscreen with you and apply it every five hours. If you often breakout in pimples, it could be a hormonal issue. It may be time for a trip to a dermatologist. Your twenties are the perfect time to do this. Get in touch with a trustworthy dermatologist now — not when it’s too late and you can’t hide your blemishes, even under four layers of makeup.
Your regime in your 20s
- Take off your makeup every night with a cleanser.
- Use a moisturiser with UVA or UVB protection.
- For your night-time ritual, try a peptide serum with hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated.
Thriving in your thirties
In your thirties, your pimples might fade, but your dark circles will become more prominent (thanks to juggling a job and taking care of a baby!), and dullness will settle into your skin. If you’ve been out in the sun for long hours you will also notice fine lines, dark spots and a loss of skin elasticity.
Most women have slower cell turnover in their thirties, so you must begin exfoliating regularly (and we mean regularly) around this time. This is also the latest you can begin proper eye-care — any later than this and you’ve lost your chance to get ahead of the curve. To combat crow’s feet, dark circles and sagging of the lower eyelids, never sleep without eye cream. You can use home remedies such as malai or potato peels; just place them under your eyes for a few minutes to reduce puffy eyes.
Your regime in your 30s
- Use a gentle face wash in the morning and evening.
- Apply a mild scrub two or three times a week, or use a cleansing brush.
- Include a vitamin C serum in your night-time routine.
- Make facial oil your go-to moisturiser.
- Prevent wrinkles by using a retinol night cream regularly.
Fabulous in your forties
Starting to notice fine lines and wrinkles around your face? Fear not; there are ways to undo this. If you are fair-skinned, you will notice splotchiness and hyper-pigmentation. This is due to sun damage. You might also experience a re-emergence of acne and pimples (the horror!) and even some pre-menopausal skin dryness.
Apart from the usual cleansing, toning and moisturising, it’s also advisable to get more specific with your skincare routine by discussing it with your dermatologist. Due to hormonal changes, most women will experience subjective issues, so it’s best to get personalised advice from a professional.
Your regime in your 40s
- For your morning and night-time cleanser, choose one with a milky or creamy base.
- If your pimple problem seems to be resurfacing, opt for a face wash with salicylic acid.
- Use a serum that helps improve collagen production.