When it comes to skincare, your 20s is the time to seriously nurture your complexion. This decade is the most important time for your skin, so it’s time to rethink your routine and start giving your skin some TLC. The way you care for it now will determine what it will look like for the rest of your life. Little by little, your skin begins losing collagen, elastin (the tissues that keep the skin supple) and hyaluronic acid, so let’s maintain that youth!

Even if you’ve taken good care of your skin through your 20s, you’ll probably start noticing fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes, forehead and mouth. Skin becomes thinner and finer, there’s some loss of collagen, and cell turnover has begun to slow down, making your complexion look a little dull. You’ll see an immediate improvement if you incorporate exfoliation, retinoids at night, glycolic or salicylic acid.

Those great beach vacations you took in your teens are making a come-back! You’re beginning to see cumulative sun damage in the form of blotchiness, red spots, and flushing. You’re also losing more collagen and elasticity, and your skin retains less moisture. Your skin no longer reflects light evenly, so your complexion is losing some of its glow. During your 40s, the body is undergoing profound changes, and the skin is no exception.

A decline in skin barrier function is seen in the 50s. The skin often becomes drier, duller, and more easily irritated. Cell turnover is slow; the most significant change you’ll notice is dryness and loss of elasticity. Expression lines no longer disappear after you stop smiling, and pores are more visible. You’re likely to have developed spider veins or age spots. However, it’s never too late to prevent the progression of damage!