It’s really important that we look after our skin from the get-go, from our parents putting suncream on us as babies, to when we start looking after our own skin needs from our teenage years and beyond. Our Dermatologists have teamed up to give their top tips on skincare rituals for all ages.

Skincare rituals for Generation Z (1995-2010)

The most common reason for spots appearing in this age group is due to changes of hormones during puberty. This causes excess oil production which mixes with dead skin cells, leading to a blockage within our pores resulting in inflammation and spot formation.  Generation Z is the age in which this tends to happen.

This is the time to establish a good skincare routine. This includes a cleanser, moisturiser and SPF. Using over-the-counter skin cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help remove excess oils and dead skin to unclog the pores.

Following your cleansing regime with a moisturiser that’s suitable for your skin type is also really important. If you have oily skin, make sure you use something that’s non-comedogenic (non-pore blocking) and oil-free, whereas if you have dry skin, you can use something that contains oil to help inject moisture. However, be aware that the use of oil-based skincare products may worsen acne-prone skin.

One of our most popular products is our sk:n Hydrator for Oily/Blemish Prone Skin, its non-comedogenic formula doesn’t block pores and it contains anti-inflammatory properties to help calm and soothe the skin and reduce redness.

As the summer starts to roll in and the weather begins to improve, it may be tempting to top up the tan and spend time in the sun, but it’s important to ALWAYS wear sunscreen.  Apply a non-comedogenic sunscreen with SPF30 or above before applying make-up but after moisturising first thing in the morning. Heliocare 360 Oil Free Gel  is a good choice for acne-prone skin. Sun exposure is linked to skin cancer and skin ageing, so it is important to start wearing sunscreen from an early age.

Skincare rituals for Millennials (1980 – 1994)

We start losing collagen in our mid-twenties. Retinoids are a class of synthetic and naturally occurring Vitamin A compounds and include retinol and retinoic acid (for example, tretinoin, only available on prescription).

Retinoid promotes cell turnover, boosts collagen production and reduces collagen breakdown. However, they can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure therefore should always be applied at night. Use a pea-sized amount of retinoid and apply it between the forehead, cheeks, chin and nose whilst making sure to avoid the eye area.

One of the downsides of retinoids is that they cause a lot of irritation and must be built up slowly from low strength. It also can’t be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. An alternative trending ingredient, that is becoming much more popular is bakuchiol. Bakuchiol is a plant derivative from the Indian subcontinent and has been found to boost collagen and elastin in the same way that retinoid does but without the irritating side effects. Try using SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3% as a starter product.

In addition, regular gentle exfoliation using cleansers and products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid or lactic acid) or beta-hydroxy acids (such as salicylic acid) will help to improve skin tone and texture. sk:n Facial Exfoliating Cleanser is a gentle cleanser containing glycolic acid and glycerine which is suitable for all skin types.

It would also be good to add an antioxidant in the morning just before putting on any SPF products. Antioxidants reduce free radical damage from pollution and UV which can contribute to ageing skin. Look out for ingredients like Vitamin C, and Vitamin E combined with Ferulic acid. SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic can be used for those with dry to normal skin, and for those with oily skin, try SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF.

Skincare rituals for Gen X (1960 – 1979)

At this age, you will notice more visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, pigmentation or sagging of skin caused by reduction in fat in your cheeks or temples as well as loss of skin elasticity. During this age we will go through hormonal shifts as we near menopause.

It’s essential to use a rich moisturiser that will keep skin hydrated all year round. Look for moisturisers that contain added anti-ageing ingredients like peptides, niacinamide or co-enzyme Q10. sk:n CU3 Intensive Moisture Cream is a rich moisturiser containing anti-ageing copper peptides.

Anti-ageing injectables are the most effective treatment for reducing dynamic lines, which are visible lines on muscle movement with various facial expression. By having injectables, it can also delay deep wrinkle formation. If you are concerned about static wrinkles or a change in contours of your face due to loss of volume in certain part of your face (such as cheeks or smile lines), dermal filler would be the best choice.

Dermal fillers are a good way of replacing volume loss. These are made of hyaluronic acid, the natural substance in your dermis which gives volume. Adding volume to the face will help firm the skin and restore a smoother appearance. This treatment can last up to 18 months.

For Gen X, like the millennial generation, a retinoid at night and antioxidant in the morning is a must – as is sunscreen with SPF 30 or above.

Other ways of improving skin tone, texture and fine lines are skin peels, microdermabrasion or microneedling. These rejuvenating treatments produce new collagen, tackling wrinkles and scarring.

Skincare rituals for Baby Boomers (1940-1959)

Baby Boomers are likely to see deep lines, volume loss and pigmentation on their skin due to hormonal changes. Studies show that a person can lose up to 30% of collagen in the first 5 years of menopause.

We recommend Profhilo is a relatively new treatment that’s increasing in popularity – it’s an injectable hyaluronic acid and also has additional property to stimulate collagen and elastin, giving skin added hydration and improving the quality of the skin.

As with other injectables, Profhilo needs repeating to maintain the effects. The first two treatments should be one month apart followed by regular updates every six months. Most people find that after treatment, their makeup looks smoother and they see a reduction of fine lines.

You may notice more sun-related skin lesions on your skin such as age spots or sun damage at this age. Age spots are brown flat marks on your skin and can be treated with laser or chemical peels. Laser resurfacing treatments can help remove fine lines, even out discolouration and repair sun damage.  To correct pigmentation and protect against it through skincare, SkinCeuticals Discolouration Defense Serum is a good option.

Skin cancers also tend to be more common in this age group. Monitor your skin regularly and see your doctor or a dermatologist if you are concerned about new changing skin lesions.

We hope you enjoyed reading our dermatologist approved skincare rituals for all ages!