The Derma Corner: The changes our skin goes through as we age (from our 10s to 50s)
I’ve mentioned several times now how our skin changes over time and that we need to be aware of it to adapt to their needs. Today, I’ll be discussing a sort of skincare guide for every generation from teens to adults, what skin changes usually happens as we grow older and what are some of the skincare ingredients best suited for our skin at particular times in our life.
Before I start, I just want to say that these skin concerns/issues and skincare may not apply to everyone. Our skin is different from one another. I’m only going to discuss the skin concerns I’ve encountered most commonly.
Adolescence
The adolescent period, defined as the period between 10 to 18 years of age, begins when puberty starts and the changes that happen to the skin are due to hormones. The oil glands of the skin start becoming active which then causes acne formation. Adolescents should start with a basic skincare routine, a pH-balanced cleanser, a moisturizer suitable for his/her skin type and a sunscreen. Initial acne treatment for this age group comes in the form of retinoids or benzoyl peroxide in most cases. However not all types of acne can be treated by these so dermatologists may add an antibiotic or salicylic acid.
20s
Hormonal acne will still be an ongoing issue for some at this age which can be influenced by external factors like stress, lack of sleep and exposure to pollution. They can also weaken the skin barrier by forming free radicals and make the skin more look duller. By mid-20’s, the skin starts to show signs of aging around the eyes. Skincare at this time should focus on strengthening and maintaining a healthy barrier by using continuing to use the right kind of moisturizer and sunscreen for one’s skin needs. An addition of antioxidant to the skincare routine may help against the formation of free radicals.
30s
The aging process continues and the areas around the eyes and mouth are more affected forming fine lines and wrinkles because of repeated facial expressions like smiling or squinting. The turnover rate of the skin cells begins to slow down hence why there is a need to exfoliate regularly. Collagen production also begins to decrease and signs of sun damage like pigmentation and photoaging can be seen. It is during this time that I recommend the addition of anti-aging skincare like retinols, antioxidants and glycolic acid.
40s
By the time you arrive in your 40’s, you would notice the skin on your face beginning to sag. There’s loss of firmness and elasticity with more wrinkles and pigmentation. This is also the time when patients get curious about anti-aging cosmetic procedures like fillers, botox, lasers, and RF therapy. For skincare, aside from retinols and antioxidants, I would suggest adding vitamin C serums and peptides to the skincare. Combining an anti-aging routine with aesthetic treatments have better results in reducing the signs of aging.
50s and above
When one reaches the age of fifty and beyond, wrinkles and signs of sun damage are more pronounced. The skin starts to sag in other areas too other than the face because of the loss of muscle tone, bone volume and fat. Menopause in females begins with the decline of the hormone estrogen, causing the skin to be drier, thinner and less elastic. For this population, I focus on moisturizing the skin and using ingredients like ceramides and shea butter to help with the dryness while continuing to use anti-aging skincare like retinol, vitamin C, antioxidants and sunscreen.
In conclusion, our skin goes thru a lot of changes as we age and our needs change with it. It’s better to have your skin properly analyzed by a board-certified dermatologist to help and guide you properly in what skincare or treatments your skin may need.
Until my next article then, stay safe!
Dr. Nikki Paderna is currently available for online consultations thru the HealthNow and Medifi app on Google Play for Android devices and on the Apple store for iOS devices, or thru the FB page, Vivestrata Dermatology Clinic (for face-to-face consultations, kindly message the FB page for details).
