Not all skin care regimens are created equal, at least not when you’re 40 (as compared to 20). Here, in this three-part series, we start with a step-by-step guide for those in their glorious yet frenetic 30s.

With all that’s going on in your life — career, marriage, children — you can’t forget about your skin. Your cell turnover rate is slowing down, collagen production is starting to decrease, and you’re beginning to see deeper lines as well as notable laxity in the neck and cheek area, says Dr. Kally Papantoniou. “Skin discoloration may start to present at this time, with new sunspots appearing overnight.”

 

YOUR REGIMEN: 

Continue the good habits you were doing in your 20s:

• Remove makeup and cleanse every day
• Vitamins and antioxidants to brighten and repair
• Treat blemishes with salicylic acid
• Moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF 30

In addition to the above, add to your regimen:

• Vitamin C and ferulic acid
• Retinol to reverse collagen breakdown and discoloration
• Lifting and firming treatments
• Chemical exfoliants like glycolic or salicylic acid
• Eye cream

 

TRY THESE:

 

A powerful one-two punch of 30% stable vitamin C and 0.5% time-released retinol. Revision Skincare Power of 2, $199, revisionskincare.com

This patented serum has been shown to exfoliate like a 20% glycolic acid treatment, while hydrating and reinforcing skin’s barrier. Skinceuticals Retexturizing Activator, $78, skinceuticals.com

This lifting serum with 100% natural phytoestrogens was created to address the loss of estrogen as women age, which affect collagen and elasticity. VENeffect Firming Phyto-Lift Serum, $195, veneffect.com

An eye cream to de-puff and improve the elasticity of the under-eye area. Le Métier de Beauté Revive Eye Concentrate, $175, neimanmarcus.com

Ellagic acid from white birch leaf is the powerhouse brightener in this mask. Glamglow Flashmud Brightening Treatment, $69, glamglow.com

 

 

Next up, your skin care regimen in your 40s and beyond.

Originally published in Composure Magazine.