We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
What our skin needs changes as we age and to keep it looking and feeling its best we need to be fuelling it with the right products and ingredients. Click through to see ELLE’s definitive skincare guide that will get you through the decades...
Concerns: Blemishes, hydration, oiliness.
In your twenties you have the best skin of your adult life - it’s resilient with great collagen levels which make it look and feel plump and smooth. However, with a combination of hormones, daily stresses and busy lifestyles taking their toll, skin can be prone to break-outs and dryness. You need to combat these problems with your skincare regime. And look out for these...
Key Ingredients:
Salicylic Acid to combat blemishes
Hyaluronic Acid to boost hydration
SPF 15+ to prevent sun-damage and pigmentation in later years
Expert Tip:
Dr Sam Bunting recommends the ‘single most effective anti-ageing ingredient that you should implement from a
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF15, £17
Dr Nick Lowe recommends using ‘a daily SPF15 or above to prevent future damage’. ELLE loves this super light, non-comedogenic (non-pore blocking) one by Kiehl’s that provides UVA and UVB protection without leaving a greasy film on skin. Apply a penny-size amount all over face and neck and wait a few minutes before applying make-up.
Clarins Pure and Radiant Mask, £21.50
Twenty-something skins are prone to having oily T-zones and enlarged pores because of the excess production of oils. Use this pink clay mask once a week to eradicate pores and balance oil levels for all over hydration. Light enough for even the most sensitive of skins.
Liz Earle Pure Muslin Cloths, £4.25
Younger skin doesn’t need as much exfoliation, as natural cell turnover is already high. But a very light exfoliation can still have instant and beneficial results. Use a muslin cloth with your cleanser to gently buff away dead skin and stimulate blood flow towards the skin.
Dr Nick Lowe Hydrating Foaming Cleanser, £10.49
Unlike some foaming cleansers that strip natural oils this lightweight cleanser combats shine and impurities for a brighter complexion.
Origins Super Spot Remover, £13
A staple on the ELLE Beauty desk this little pot of wonder will eliminate the most stubborn of blemishes. Just a dot of the gel formula, that uses Salicylic Acid to quickly heal whilst antioxidant extracts soothe redness and inflammation, will do the trick.
Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream, £24.95
Combat daily dehydration with an ultra-nourishing day cream that’s light enough to not clog pores. This cream uses rose hip to soothe redness and strengthen your skins outer layer making it more resilient.
Concerns: First signs of aging, fine lines, pigmentation.
The fun you had in your twenties is starting to show around your eyes (where skin is thinnest) and mouth with fine lines and sun damage from your earlier years is starting to manifest in pigmentation. Skin is starting to lose some of its elasticity but collagen levels still fight against wrinkles deepening. Introduce a targeted serum to pinpoint these issues; an exfoliator to boost cell turnover and an eye cream treatment as the eye area is the first to show signs of aging.
Key Ingredients:
Glycolic Acid to reduce pigmentation, scarring and fine lines
Retinol to rejuvenate the skin without stripping it of natural oils
SPF15 +
Vitamin C which contains skin tightening peptides
Expert Tip:
Dr Ni
Apply these mini gel eye masks under each eye and leave on for 10 minutes, giving time for your skin to soak up the amino acids, vitamins B3, E and B5 to visibly reduce fine lines and fake like you’ve had a weekend a spa retreat.
Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream, £79
With extracts of Chlorella seaweed, rose and mimosa this cult beauty product is on everyone’s dream list because, simply, it does what is says on the tin (we love it when products do that). Hydrates, plumps, reduces fine lines and (we know from experience) is addictive after one use.
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator, £47
Use this serum twice a day (under night cream and day cream) and you’ll notice your dark spots, blemish scars and blotchiness fading for fresher skin underneath.
Institut Esthederm Photo Reverse Hyper Pigmented Skin Sun Protection, £54.50
This brand does sun protection like no other. Without stating the exact SPF like most, you choose protection based on the strength of sun you are in. This face protection can be used in even high sun exposure to prevent burning, pigmentation whilst smoothing out existing damage.
Cane and Austin Retexturising Pads Face, £48
Exfoliators don’t have to be messy. These powerful retexturising pads are strong enough to buff away dead skin cells whilst the high levels of glycolic acid work to smooth out skin’s texture and rebuild lost collagen.
Concerns: Lines, Sagging, Dullness.
Sun damage is forming visible dark spots and blotchiness. Skin is losing its ability to hold on to moisture and elasticity is breaking down which results in a softer complexion. Introducing more antioxidant based skincare, stronger anti-aging peptides and considering at-home wrinkle fillers can counteract the damage.
Key Ingredients:
Retinol creams smooth out wrinkles, improve skin texture and tighten pores
Vitamin A thickens the outer layer of your skin, increasing blood flow for plumper skin
Antioxidants (pomegranate, acai and raspberry
Expert Tip:
Dr Nick Lowe suggests ‘adding more intense rejuvenation to your routine with scrubs and use a filler or book in for pulse light procedures to improve skin quality’.
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Serum, £109
Well worth the price tag, this powerful antioxidant serum helps to rebuild collagen levels, improving skin’s elasticity whilst tackling stubborn pigmentation.
A non-invasive alternative to costly filler treatments. Packed full of Hyaluronic Acid, a molecule that can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water, for long lasting hydration and increased elasticity.
Sisley Phyto-Aromatique Botanical Day Cream, £152
The hard-working combination of shea butter, sage and juniper essential oils keep skin feeling hydrated all day whilst fighting against diminishing elasticity for more resilient skin.
Creme de la Mer The Eye Concentrate, £125
Use the silver-tipped applicator to gently roll the cream over your eye area in circular motions. The instant cooling effect from the ball improves circulation whilst the powerful combination of anti-oxidants and algae make dark circles into little nothings.
Dr Nick Lowe Night Recovery Cream, £19.49
Overnight, from the hours of 11pm and 4am, your skin is at its highest cellular renewal rate (almost double than in the day). So make sure it’s got lots to work with by smoothing it in this antioxidant night cream before you sleep.
Blue Make-Up Is Having A Revival
ELLE Edit: 15 Matte Lipsticks That Won’t Flake
ELLE Edit: 11 Of The Best Contour Products
ELLE Edit: The Best Make-Up Mirrors With Lights