Skincare and aging: Do women of different ages need different skin creams & products?

Being proactive with your skincare can significantly reduce signs of aging in the long term, regardless of when you start. Whether you’re 25 or 65, it is important to approach your skincare by age and adopt a routine that’s appropriate for your stage of life. That’s why Clarins’ beauty experts have carefully crafted skincare products for all ages.

In this guide, you’ll learn the tips and routines that help ward off signs of aging — like wrinkles and dark spots — at all life’s stages. Discover how to keep a healthy, natural glow your whole life through. 

When should you start a skincare routine?

Start your skincare routine as early as possible. The sooner you start using plant-based, targeted skin products, the easier it will be to visibly reduce the signs of aging, like wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots in the future.

Skincare routines by age

A challenge many people face is not knowing where to start. Fortunately, Clarins is here to help. Follow these guidelines for the perfect skincare routine by age. 

Skincare in your teens

Teen skin is still developing, and many have oily or acne‐prone skin. Keep routines simple to avoid overloading delicate skin. At this point, your focus should be on keeping your skin clean and protected from the sun.

Daily routine:

• ● Cleanser: Use a gentle, foaming cleanser like Clarins Purifying Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser which uses plant-based ingredients like Moringa, Lemon Balm, and Gold Gentian to soothe, protect, and soften your skin.
• ● Toner: Use a purifying toner like Clarins Purifying Toning Face Lotion for Oily Skin to hydrate, balance, and remove shine from your skin. It features ingredients like Saffron Flower and Witch Hazel, which balance skin’s microbiota and tones and hydrates, removing that extra shine that can appear as the day goes on.
• ● Moisturizer: Opt for a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. You’ll also want one specific to your skin type. Shop our oily skin or dry skin moisturizer products to find your perfect fit.
• ● Spot treatment: Apply spot treatment products on blemishes to reduce them without over-drying your skin.
• ● Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen formulated for sensitive skin.

Additional tips:

Avoid harsh scrubs or chemical exfoliants since they can irritate young skin. Products that maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier are key. Consistency is essential — cleanse twice daily (morning and night) and always remove makeup before bed.

Skincare in your 20s

Skin is generally resilient in your 20s, but early prevention is crucial. Your routine will stay mostly the same, but you’ll want to start introducing products like serums to set a good foundation of skin hydration and elasticity as you get older. Establishing a consistent, well-rounded routine at this time of life is crucial to winning the fight against fine lines, wrinkles, and other blemishes as you age.

Daily routine:

• ● Cleanser: Use a moisturizing cleanser with gentle exfoliating agents, like Clarins’ Gentle One-Step Exfoliating Cleanser, to support healthy skin renewal.
• ● Eye cream: Don’t forget the delicate eye area! Our RE-FRESH Eye De-Puffer visibly de-puffs, hydrates, and targets those pesky dark circles.
• ● Moisturizer: Choose a lightweight moisturizer with a hydration-boosting formula (often containing hyaluronic acid).
• ● Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning — it’s the cornerstone of anti-aging.
• ● Optional: Incorporate a nutrient-rich serum, like our Double Serum Light Texture Firming and Smoothing Anti-Aging Concentrate, to brighten and protect against environmental damage.

What are the main considerations for skincare in your 20s?

Around 25, you’ll start to notice your skin changes, with functions beginning to slow down. Focus on hydration, healthy lifestyle habits (adequate sleep, water intake, nutrition), and avoiding excessive sun exposure. At this stage, less is more — avoid heavy formulations that may clog pores. Introduce products gradually and always follow up with sunscreen to maintain skin integrity for the future.

Skincare in your 30s

You’ll want to keep your skin as clean and refreshed as possible, implementing products into your routine that can support collagen production and help maintain skin elasticity. It’s in this age range that your anti-aging prep truly begins. Much like in your 20s, this is another decade of your life that will set the tone for your skin health as you grow older.

Daily routine:

• ● Cleanser: Use a hydrating cleanser to support gentle cell turnover.
• ● Serum: Apply in the morning to protect against free radicals and visibly smooth lines.
• ● Eye cream: Continue taking care of your delicate eye area and targeting those fine lines and dark circles. 
• ● Moisturizer: Opt for a slightly richer cream, like our Multi-Active Day Cream for All Skin Types, to combat early dryness without feeling heavy.
• ● Night Cream: Introduce a night cream to help lock in moisture and fight early signs of aging. Our Multi-Active Night Face Cream boasts Niacinamide and Sea Holly to target early lines and wrinkles caused by stress-related aging.
• ● Sunscreen: Continue using a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day.

How should my skincare routine change in my 30s?

As always, lifestyle choices matter. Your diet, exercise level, and sleep level all play a pivotal role in your skincare. If you start to experience consistent acne or sensitivity, consult a dermatologist. 

Skincare in your 40s

In your 40s, hormonal changes and collagen loss lead to increased dryness, fine lines, and a less resilient barrier.

Daily routine:

• ● Cleanser: Use a soothing cleanser that supports hydrates and cleans for a comfortable complexion, like our Soothing Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser for Dry Skin.
• ● Toner: Continuing the theme of hydration, use a hydrating toner to help balance your skin.
• ● Serum: Continue using a serum for visibly firmer skin. Our Double Serum Anti-Aging and Anti-Wrinkle Serum should be a must in your skincare routine.
• ● Eye cream: Don’t forget the sensitive eye area! Our Total Eye Lift Cream focuses on a variety of under eye concerns for a visible lift.
• ● Moisturizer: Use a moisturizer made for stressed skin that visibly smoothes wrinkles while offering a radiant glow.
• ● Sunscreen: This step will always be a part of your routine, so don’t forget your daily application of SPF 30+.

Additional Tips:

Give your skin what it needs during this time of your life. Take the time for self-care and supplement your routine with weekly scrubs and face masks. Consider incorporating neck treatments to address delicate areas. 

Skincare in your 50s

Menopause and continued collagen loss make skin thinner, drier, and more prone to pigmentation issues in your 50s. Protect your skin and make sure to take time for self-care with a quality skin routine.

Daily routine:

• ● Cleanser: Select a hydrating, gentle cleanser that cleans without irritating.
• ● Serum: Continue using a serum for visibly firmer skin. Our Double Serum Anti-Aging and Anti-Wrinkle Serum should be a must in your skincare routine.
• ● Eye cream: Continue to protect that delicate under-eye skin with a lifting eye cream.
• ● Moisturizer: Use a moisturizer made for mature skin that visibly smoothes wrinkles and offers hydration. Our Super Restorative Day Cream incorporates Organic Harungana, nature’s retinol to help visibly improve skin slackening.
• ● Sunscreen: Continue with a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every day.

Additional tips:

Extra hydration is crucial. Layer serums and creams to lock in moisture anHi d give your skin the extra hydration it needs. A weekly mask is just what your skin needs for a treat.

Skincare in your 60s, 70s & 80s

Mature skin in later decades becomes much more fragile and extremely sensitive, demanding extra nourishment and barrier support.

Daily routine:

• ● Cleanser: Use an ultra-gentle cleanser to clean without stripping essential moisture.
• ● Toner: Soothe your skin with a toning face lotion to hydrate and comfort your skin.
• ● Anti-aging serum: Prioritize serums that offer anti-aging benefits such as visibly firming and smoothing skin.
• ● Eye cream: Continue to care for your under-eye area and provide extra support to that delicate skin.
• ● Moisturizer: Employ a nourishing anti-aging day cream that will illuminate your mature skin. Clarins Nutri-Lumière – Nourishing Anti-Aging Day Cream is a great option.
• ● Sunscreen: To prevent further UV damage, it is essential to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, even on cloudy days.

What products should I focus on for mature skin?

Focus on multi-layer hydration and use products with soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera or Oat extract to minimize irritation. For an extra anti-aging boost, check out the Cryo-Flash Mask to provide an instant visible lift in skin. A gentle massage while applying cream can improve circulation. Additionally, consult with a dermatologist for tailored advice, as skin may require more personalized care in these years.

What are common signs of aging at 30? 40? 50? 60+?

Even if you have a great daily skincare routine, your skin will continue to age naturally with time. That being said, if you can identify the common signs of aging for your age range, you can get the right skin products to directly target those skin imperfections.

Here are common signs of aging for each decade of your life:

Signs of Aging in your 30s

The 30s are a common time for signs of aging to appear on your face and body. Issues arising after 30 include signs of sun damage from your youth, including fine lines, visible pores, and dull skin.

Skincare in your 40s

In your 40s, it’s common to see the skin on your face loosen significantly. You’ll need firming skincare products to maintain your skin’s visible tightness. By now, you’ll also start seeing more intense effects of sun damage from your youth, such as wrinkles.

Signs of aging in your 50s

After menopause, your skin will be less voluminous and elastic than before. It’s also increasingly common for skin to thin out and become drier at this age.

Prioritize volumizing and moisturizing skincare products to keep your skin comfortably hydrated and to achieve a visibly youthful complexion.

Signs of aging in your 60s, 70s & 80s

Post-menopause, you will need to be proactive in using hydrating skincare products. Your skin becomes dehydrated due to less water retention and loses vitality due to less nutrient absorption.

Maintain your natural beauty with a skincare routine tailored to your age

Approaching your skincare by age is a positive step towards getting the best results. Starting to care for your skin and monitoring your daily habits works best in your teens, but it’s never too late to take up the practice.

Clarins’ line of nutrient-rich cleansers, essences, toners, moisturizers, and more are uniquely formulated to bring out the best in your skin. Our 70 years of cosmetics and botanical research have culminated in a catalog of products with something unique to everyone’s skincare needs.

Start shopping today and discover the revitalizing, radiant effect Clarins can have on your skin. With the right skincare products and routine, it doesn’t matter what age you are — you’ll look nothing but timeless. 

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