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What Your Skin Needs During Your 30s, 40s And 50s

It's something different every decade.
Lisa Capretto
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Foaming washes, exfoliates, serums, scrubs, spot treatments, masks -- whatever your skincare routine consists of, there's a good chance it's the result of much trial-and-error before you settled on your perfect combination of products and processes. However, as dedicated as you are to this finely tuned routine, it's also important to understand how our skin's needs change as we age. What you should focus on in your 30s, for example, is quite different than what you should focus on in your 40s.

Here's what dermatologist Jessica Wu says we should all incorporate into our skincare routines as we enter each different decade.

In your 30s

Dr. Wu's tip for those in this age range is quite specific; she suggests you start using a skin-brightening Vitamin C product that's packaged in an opaque airless pump. Here's why:

"Chances are, by your 30s, you've got some sun damage and discoloration somewhere on your skin. Now's the time when you need to undo that past damage, to try to get a more even skin tone," Dr. Wu explains. "Also, with a Vitamin C brightener, you can even prevent future discoloration."

And, yes, the packaging does matter, she adds.

"Vitamin C is a very unstable product. It starts to break down the minute you open that jar," Dr. Wu says. "Be sure to look for a product that's packaged in an opaque airless pump because that way, the Vitamin C stays fresh until you're ready to use it, and the dark, opaque container will ensure that even the last drop is still effective."

In your 40s

By the time you hit your 40s, you may start to notice more fine lines and wrinkles begin to form, especially around your eyes. It's not just in your head, Dr. Wu says.

"This is the time of life when your skin starts to lose its collagen, making the skin more delicate," she says.

Your best defense? Retinoid cream.

"Retinoid creams help your skin to produce its own natural collagen. The end result is thicker, smoother skin," Dr. Wu says. "I recommend using a thin layer on clean, dry skin -- and you've got to wait at least 15 minutes after washing your face before applying it. Even if your skin is a tiny bit damp, you might get irritation."

In your 50s

At this age, hormonal changes come into play and make an impact on your skin. "This is a time when your oil glands are less active -- during and after menopause -- so your skin can really become dry and sensitive," Dr. Wu says.

To combat this feeling, ditch your foaming cleanser and switch to a cream or oil cleanser instead.

"Many foaming cleansers tend to strip your skin of its natural oils and this can leave it feeling dry and tight," Dr. Wu says. "A cream or oil cleanser is much more hydrating and does a really great job at dissolving and lifting dirt, grime and makeup without that tight feeling."

Bonus tip for all ages: If you struggle with acne and inflammation, try eliminating dairy from your diet; after about 12 weeks, you may see significant improvement.

Also on HuffPost:

Worst Foods For Your Skin
The Skin Saboteur Hiding In Plain Sight At Every Backyard BBQ(01 of04)
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Heating meat at high temperatures produces a chemical reaction between the fat and protein that results in compounds called "advanced glycation end products" (AGES). These AGES are aptly named, says Dattner, because they're linked to oxidative stress and inflammation that can make your skin look ruddier, duller and more wrinkled -- older, in general. (AGES can also increase your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.) These compounds are found in French fries, potato chips, deep-fried chicken and other foods that have been cooked in oil at extremely high temperatures. What's more, Dattner says, is that AGES can interact with UV rays and wreak havoc on the skin.

Try this: You don't need to go on a raw-food diet, but it might not be a bad idea to eat grilled foods in moderation (deep-fried, too, but you knew that). (credit:Shutterstock)
The Wholesome Drink That's Linked to Acne(02 of04)
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Studies linking the consumption of dairy to breakouts date back to the 1960s. In fact, doctors used to treat acne by recommending patients give up milk, says Alan Dattner, MD, a holistic dermatologist who practices in New York and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). But then, as medication to treat pimples became more effective and available, Dattner says, there was less of a focus on preventing breakouts through dietary changes. That didn't stop the evidence (and the anecdotes) from piling up over the years, and in 2010, an influential research review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found an association between dairy consumption and acne. Now the AAD suggests that acne sufferers talk to their dermatologist about limiting dairy to see if that helps.

Try this: Consider cutting back on skim milk, Dattner says, which has shown the strongest link with skin flare-ups. (Yogurt seems to have the weakest effect.) (credit:Barry Yee via Getty Images)
The Snacks That Can Inflame Your Skin (While They Inflate The Rest Of You)(03 of04)
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When a team of nutritionists and dermatologists reviewed the scientific connection between food and skin, they came away with a pretty compelling case against a high-glycemic diet. Eating a lot of sugar (raisins, soda, honey, agave nectar) or simple carbs (bagels, pasta, cupcakes) can throw off your insulin levels, which can lead to inflammation both inside the body as well as on your face, explains Dattner. (Bonus: Giving up sweets and starches can also help you lose weight).

Try this: Dattner suggests that those plagued by pimples avoid sugary cereals, which often have a higher glycemic index than both sugar and simple carbs alone. (credit:Shutterstock)
The Little Bags Of Salty Goodness That Cause Little Bags Of Puffy Sadness(04 of04)
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Many brands of chips, crackers and popcorn are loaded with sodium, which can cause water retention. If you're prone to puffiness all over, it will be most noticeable under the eyes, because the skin there is very thin, and it doesn't take much to cause swelling. Dattner adds that these kinds of greasy snacks are likely to have been cooked at high temps, and thus contain AGES, which could result in a double-whammy of puffiness and redness.

Try this: Roasted, unsalted mixed nuts can satisfy your snack craving without the side effects. (credit:Shutterstock)
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