A guide to skincare for every age

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This article was written by Bona staff writer.

The signs of aging become more prominent with each passing decade of life. This is mostly due to the declining production of collagen in our bodies leading to the formation of wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity. However, beauty does not have to be defined by age and luckily we live in an era where various beneficial, safe, and credible avenues exist to maintain one’s appearance without needing to turn back the clock. While some may opt for cosmetic procedures to maintain a radiant appearance as they age, others seek non-surgical treatments that can be just as effective.

“Different stages in life come with different considerations for maintaining healthy-looking skin,” says Dr Alek Nikolic, aesthetic medicine specialist and owner of Aesthetic Facial Enhancement. “If you’re in your twenties, the best advice for maintaining your skin’s appearance is to take preventative measures. Whereas later in life, it can be smart to look into a skincare routine specific to  aging prevention and specific treatments to maintain a beautiful glow.”

Dr Nikolic shares how the following regimes and treatments can help preserve and maintain your skin’s nourished and natural look at each stage of life:

Twenties

Our twenties are when our skin’s naturally produced collagen supply is at its best. Taking good care of this supply is important and there are numerous ways to do it. According to Dr Nikolic, consistently applying a good sunscreen with broad UV protection is important because unprotected sun exposure is one of the fastest ways to break down collagen. You can also use skincare products that contain antioxidants and collagen-boosting ingredients like vitamin C and retinol.

According to Dr Nikolic, applying creams and serums containing collagen can help boost collagen production while moisturising the skin. “If you’re serious about maintaining a vibrant appearance as you get older, investing in a series of collagen-encouraging treatments like injectable skin boosters, IPL, and superficial peels, as early as your twenties would be a good move,” says Dr Nikolic.

When asked about cosmetic procedures, Dr Nikolic explained, “Most people’s skin health is at its peak in their twenties. This is why it is more common for people to consider aesthetic enhancements later in life. Factors such as sun damage and the desire to change one’s physical appearance can prompt young individuals to undergo aesthetic-enhancing procedures. It is best to consult with an aesthetic medical specialist who can explain the reasons behind this and the processes involved.”

Thirties

Some people may be lucky pulling off the twenty-something look well into their thirties. For the rest of us, adjustments may be an option, as early signs of aging become more apparent. In your thirties, your under-eye area may appear darker and your lower eyelids may start to look puffier than before. Additionally, you may notice fine to deepening lines around your eyes, forehead, mouth, and lips.

If you haven’t been the best at keeping your skincare routine in check in earlier years, plenty of skincare creams and serums can help restore your complexion’s balance. For example, Dr Nikolic’s skin range includes a medi shot called skin pure which provides an oxygen-boosting, at-home facial peel designed to promote beautiful, fresh skin. The result is a minimised appearance of wrinkles and improved moisture levels, leaving your skin with a straight-from-the-spa glow and smooth texture.

Cosmetic injectables such as Botulinum Toxin are popular among thirty-year-olds, and for good reason. Recognised as a safe and effective solution for lessening the appearance of wrinkles, Botulinum Toxin helps to temporarily relax facial muscles and reduce muscle contractions in the areas that cause wrinkles, giving your skin a refreshed, collagen-boosted look.

Dr Nikolic explains, “Botox Type A is the “gold standard” in the treatment and prevention of facial wrinkles and typically lasts three to four months”.

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Forties

If left untreated, the reality of uneven and dull-looking skin often sets in. In our forties, collagen production noticeably declines and facial volume loss becomes prominent. “In your forties, you can no longer afford to skip your morning and evening skincare routines or do less than what you did in your thirties or twenties,” advises Dr Nikolic.

He further recommends starting injectable treatments such as Botulinum Toxin or soft tissue fillers. If you have already begun these treatments in earlier years, continue them. SPF also becomes an even more essential ally. Ensure your foundation offers adequate SPF protection (at least SPF  30 or higher for facial application) and make it a habit not to expose your skin to the sun without applying sunscreen. Soft tissue dermal fillers should be considered in ones forties mostly to slow the aging process down, to reduce the appearance of shadows and indents, to help replace the lost supportive fat pads, to help lift sagging structures such as the jowls, and finally to redefine the jaw line and enhance a more youthful ratio.

Fifties and beyond

This is when signs of aging become clearly visible in the neck and facial areas. Dr Nikolic recommends targeting these areas with innovative skin boosters  which are a hyaluronic acid treatment that works beneath the skin using NAHYCO technology. When injected into the skin, the HA stimulates skin cell receptors to counteract skin laxity and enhance firmness by maximising collagen stimulation. In addition to boosting and hydrating the skin, the treatment remodels aging and sagging tissue. It can also be used for the chest area and hands—two areas of the body where aging is most prominently visible.

This article first appeared on Bona.

Also see: How to keep your skin healthy this winter.