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As you grow older, your skin undergoes noticeable transformations. From reduced elasticity and volume to the appearance of fine lines and uneven pigmentation, these changes can be overwhelming as you adapt to a new skincare routine. While a reliable moisturizing hand soap is effective for dry hands at any age, many products that worked in your early 20s may no longer be as effective just a few years later, requiring constant adjustments to meet your skin's evolving needs.
The GIST, a YouTube channel by Allergan featuring five globally recognized dermatologists—Dr. Doris Day, Dr. Jeanine Downie, Dr. Sabrina Fabi, Dr. Ava Shamban, and Dr. Ruth Tedaldi—aims to cut through the noise of the beauty industry and focus on facts. In one episode, "Aging By The Decade," they delve into the skincare issues to address at each stage of life and provide practical solutions for managing them.
Alongside these esteemed dermatologists, we also sought insights from Caroline Robinson, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology in Chicago, who shared additional skincare tips to enhance your routine as you age.
20s
"In my practice, the most common skincare issue among patients in their 20s is a mild dullness and a tired appearance, particularly noticeable in the mid to late 20s," explains Dr. Robinson. Factors like accumulated sun exposure, insufficient sleep, stress, and genetics often contribute to these concerns.
Dr. Robinson echoes The GIST dermatologists' advice, emphasizing the importance of establishing a solid skincare routine in your 20s to prepare for future skin changes. While signs of aging may not yet be visible, building a strong foundation (especially with SPF) is crucial for long-term skin health. The experts strongly advocate for daily sunscreen application—specifically, a standalone broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, even on days spent indoors, to shield your skin from all light sources, including screens.
Dr. Robinson also suggests introducing more advanced skincare products in your late 20s for prevention and long-term benefits. "Even without acne, incorporating an AHA/BHA serum or topical retinol can combat dullness and promote gentle exfoliation," she notes, cautioning that these can cause irritation, so it's best to start with one product.
30s
The 30s mark a transitional phase, as the doctors explain, with skin fully past puberty (which can sometimes extend into the late 20s). This decade often brings stability in life, allowing individuals to invest in their future—whether it's saving for a home or prioritizing skin health through better skincare practices.
In your 30s, early signs of aging and the initial effects of sun damage from your teens or 20s become more apparent. Dr. Robinson notes that patients in this age group often notice fine lines, reduced cheek volume (making under-eye changes more noticeable), and increased pigmentation from sun exposure. As your skin's natural repair process slows, it may appear duller, and decreased collagen production leads to looser skin, early wrinkles, and thinner areas—especially under the eyes, where blood vessels and discoloration become visible. This is an ideal time to invest in a quality eye cream.
Beyond the basics of cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, Dr. Robinson suggests incorporating a topical retinol (or alternatives like bakuchiol or peptide serums) to address fine lines and improve skin firmness. She also stresses the importance of adding antioxidants to your routine in your 30s.
"Antioxidants are essential for repairing sun damage accumulated over the years—they brighten dull skin and boost collagen production," she explains. "I prefer using them in the morning under sunscreen." While vitamin C is the most common antioxidant in skincare, there are other effective options, including formulations that combine multiple antioxidants. Look for products with plant-based ingredients or those featuring fruits and vegetables, as these naturally contain high antioxidant levels.
The GIST dermatologists often treat patients in their 30s with laser therapies like IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) or Photofacials to reduce discoloration. They also recommend treatments that promote cellular renewal, such as chemical peels, microneedling—a technique that creates tiny punctures to stimulate collagen growth—or radio frequency treatments, which use heat to boost collagen and elastin production in deeper skin layers. Additionally, injectables can help minimize the appearance of more pronounced lines and wrinkles that often emerge in this decade.
40s
The doctors on the show highlight that your 40s bring significant changes to your skin's firmness. This decade often involves a loss of volume and elasticity, resulting in sagging skin, deeper wrinkles, and more visible sun damage, which can lead to conditions like melasma. While aesthetic treatments become more common, the most successful patients combine in-office procedures with a solid understanding of skincare and lifestyle changes to enhance and maintain treatment results.
Dr. Robinson explains that the 40s require adapting your skincare routine to address multiple changes. She suggests using two types of cleansers—a gentle exfoliating cleanser and a hydrating lotion-based cleanser—to balance cell turnover and moisture. For optimal hydration, she recommends adding hyaluronic acid (suitable for both day and night) and a nourishing night cream with ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or fatty lipids to support skin barrier repair.
In their 40s, many patients seek treatments to reduce aging signs. Fillers are used to restore lost volume, while chemical peels address issues like melasma, sun damage, and uneven skin tone or texture. Dermatologists emphasize treating the skin "from the bottom up," meaning targeting deeper layers with laser treatments alongside topical skincare to effectively combat aging.
50s
"After menopause, hormonal shifts—such as declining estrogen and rising androgen levels—impact the skin," says Dr. Robinson. She notes that skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and more prone to dryness. Bone resorption leads to volume loss, particularly in the mid-face area. Hormonal changes may also trigger acne reminiscent of teenage years, while sun damage, like brown spots and photoaging, becomes more noticeable.
The key skincare focus is ensuring your skin retains moisture. Dr. Robinson notes that most skin types can no longer handle harsh exfoliating cleansers at this stage and recommends switching to a gentle, milky cleanser that doesn’t foam excessively. "These cleansers effectively remove dirt and impurities without stripping the skin of its essential natural oils," she explains.
While your 50s may feel like a significant milestone, the doctors emphasize that this decade is just the beginning of a new chapter. They encourage patients, especially women, to invest in themselves and treatments that bring joy. Numerous effective skincare products are tailored to address the unique challenges of this decade, such as hormonal shifts and genetic skin changes. The doctors advise embracing your features with kindness and celebrating your individuality rather than chasing unrealistic ideals.
In their 50s, patients commonly seek treatments like fillers and Botox, but body treatments also gain popularity as signs of aging become more noticeable. Body contouring with lasers and other devices helps tighten skin, while microneedling stimulates collagen production in the face. Dr. Robinson also recommends in-office procedures such as lasers, microneedling, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and chemical peels to promote cell turnover and enhance skin repair in a controlled environment.
60s and beyond
The doctors stress that it’s never too late to begin anti-aging treatments in your 60s. Regular visits to your dermatologist can help you maintain your best appearance over time. Dr. Robinson highlights that the primary concern for patients in their 60s and beyond is maintaining hydration and moisture retention.
"In your 60s, the focus transitions from skincare to more procedure-based treatments," she explains. "I advise keeping your skincare routine straightforward, hydrating, and gentle, while prioritizing treatments like lasers, which can be done once or twice annually for enhancement and upkeep."
