Regardless of age every basic skincare routine should include a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Sunscreen is especially essential and should be used by all ages. 

But, when it comes to products like retinoids, exfoliants, peels, etc., not every age should be using this. There is really no reason a teen needs an anti-aging product when they are (hopefully) already protecting their skin with daily use of sunscreen. 

Figuring out when to start a skincare routine also depends on your skin concern. There could be a number of factors that can call for a specific routine. For example, teens often get acne breakouts, and in this case it would be helpful to start an acne-specific routine. Or, if you are looking to target signs of aging you may want to start somewhere in your mid to late 20’s. 

There isn’t a set date that any one person should start a dedicated routine since everyone’s skin is different. Skin concerns and skin types can help inform when you should start a routine. 

Teen skincare routine 

As mentioned above, teens don’t really need lots of products in their routines. Since a common concern among teens is acne, it would likely be more beneficial to keep their skincare routine simple. 

Aside from a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, there are acne-fighting products on the market that can help a teen treat their acne. Like an exfoliant and/or retinoid. Exfoliants and retinoids help unclog pores and control excess oil which is often the culprit behind acne. 

But, it is important to be careful with actives in skincare to avoid damaging the skin barrier. Typically exfoliants and retinoids are used only a few times a week to avoid irritating or drying out the skin. 

There are also gentler methods of helping control and target breakouts as they appear. Spot treatments like acne gels/creams or hydrocolloid patches can help address pimples as they pop up. But, you also have to be careful with certain spot treatments. Traditional spot treatments can be pretty drying if you’re not careful. Hydrocolloid patches can be a gentle alternative. 

Hydrocolloid patches are made of a breathable material that uses moisture to help speed up the pimple-healing process. The Hanhoo collection of blemish patches help address a variety of different pimples, whether they’re just whiteheads or deep pimples. 

20’s skincare routine 

Aside from the basics there may be a couple different steps you’ll want to add in your skincare routine in your 20’s. While aging is absolutely nothing to fear, it’s understandable to want to treat signs of aging. This can be helped with retinoids and keeping your barrier happy. 

Retinoids are known to smooth the look of fine lines and support collagen production. But, overdoing retinoids may be detrimental if you’re not careful. Often it is recommended to start slow, using a retinoid 2 to 3 times a week until your skin can tolerate it for daily use. Although if you have sensitive skin you’ll want to stick to using retinoids only a few times a week. 

The state of your skin barrier also determines what your skin looks and feels like. A damaged barrier can look dry, cracked, and have breakouts while feeling sensitive and irritated. And, using too many actives in your routine all at once can contribute to damaging the barrier. So, while you may introduce more actives at this age, you should do so slowly and carefully. 

Always keep the skin hydrated and nourished with ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, Ceramides, Cica, and tons of other moisturizing and soothing ingredients. This can be in the form of serums, toners, sprays, and/or moisturizers. Our newest Barrier Support Moisturizer contains Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides to help restore the barrier and hydrate the skin to give the skin a healthy appearance. 

30’s skincare routine

Much like your routine in your 20’s, you’ll want to keep the basics (cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen) plus any products you use to address signs of aging. 

There are also other signs of aging that can appear the older you get. For example, discoloration can start to appear as you age. So, if you want to keep an even skin tone or address hyperpigmentation you can add a Vitamin C, or other antioxidant serum. 

Other than that, much will stay the same. The barrier is still an important aspect to take care of so keep your skin moisturized!

40’s and onward 

In your 40’s, one big factor that can affect your skin is menopause. Menopause can affect the skin via the fluctuations in hormones. During this period of life, the skin can become thinner and drier. 

While you might not be adding more onto your skincare routine that’s different from your 30’s, you may need to change out a couple of things. For example, if you deal with drier skin in your 40’s and onward, it can help to switch to dry skin-friendly products. This could be in the form of a cream cleanser instead of a foaming one. Similarly, you may want a thicker cream moisturizer instead of a lightweight gel moisturizer. 

But, aside from that many of the steps in your routine will be pretty similar to that in your 30’s (including the antioxidant protection and retinoids). 

In conclusion…

Often the time you decide to start a dedicated skincare routine depends on what your skin is going through. While there are plenty of products that address specific concerns, like retinoids for aging or exfoliants for acne, the primary steps will usually remain the same at any age. This includes a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Aside from these steps you can build up your routine as needed according to the concerns you are targeting.