By Bridget Sullivan, PA-C, Coastal Skin Surgery and Dermatology

As our body ages, our skin changes and so should our skin care routines. This article will briefly outline what steps and ingredients to incorporate into our skin care routine at different stages of our life. It is important to note that if you have a medical condition, such as acne or eczema, it is imperative to see your dermatology medical provider to get a tailored regimen and possibly incorporate prescription strength ingredients into your routine. Adapting your skincare routine to your age ensures that your skin stays healthy, balanced, and radiant at every step.

Teens & Adolescents:

It is very trendy now, thanks to Tik Tok, for young kids and teens to have a 12 step skin care routine. This trend has mislead kids and parents that a young teen and adolescents need to incorporate many ingredients into your daily routine. Having too many ingredients at a young age can actually cause harm, disrupting a young persons skin barrier and causing inflammation. At this stage of life the key is consistency and simplicity. The three products recommended for a skin care routine are: a gentle cleanser, light weight moisturizer, and SPF. Establishing good skincare habits early- especially SPF- sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy skin.

Middle Aged: 20s-40s:

At this stage in life we are starting to lose collagen formation. Skin cell turnover begins to slow down, and early signs of aging such as fine lines, dullness, and uneven tone may appear. This is the time to focus on prevention and repair. Incorporating antioxidants like vitamin C helps protect against environmental damage, while retinoids or retinol stimulate collagen production and improve texture. This point in life would be an ideal time to incorporate anti aging procedures such as micro needling facials, chemical peels, botox, fillers, and/or laser resurfacing. It is also important to note to start to incorporate our skin care routine and procedures to our neck and chest as well!

50s and Beyond:

Hormonal shifts become more noticeable, leading to thinner, drier skin, and sometimes brittle hair and nails. With reduced elasticity and moisture, a nourishing, barrier-focused routine becomes essential. Creamy cleansers and rich moisturizers help maintain hydration, while peptides and growth factors support firmness and smoothness. It’s best to avoid harsh exfoliants and instead choose products with peptides and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin supple and healthy. No matter your age, consistency, protection, and a gentle approach remain the core pillars of great skincare. Healthy skin is always the most beautiful skin.