As we age, our skin naturally changes. Sometimes it’s subtle, sometimes it’s quite noticeable. Whether you're noticing your first fine lines in your 30s, navigating hormonal shifts in your 40s, or embracing radiant ageing beyond 50, understanding these shifts is key to maintaining healthy, glowing skin.
Here’s what really happens to your skin as you age and what you should start (or stop) doing to support it.
Your Skin in Your 30s: Prevention and Protection
Your 30s can be a busy time of life. Between career growth, family responsibilities and social commitments, it’s easy to overlook changes happening in your skin.
What changes:
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Collagen production begins to slow down, about 1% per year.
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Cell turnover reduces, making your skin appear duller.
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Fine lines may start appearing, especially around your eyes and forehead.
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Uneven tone or sunspots may show up from earlier sun exposure.
What to focus on:
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Daily SPF is essential: UV damage adds up over time. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ should be a non-negotiable in your morning routine. (BB Cream)
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Antioxidants: Serums with Vitamin C help brighten your skin and protect against pollution and sun damage. (Active C Serum)
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Introduce retinoids gently: These help boost collagen and speed up cell turnover. Active A Serum Start slow and always pair with SPF.
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Hydration: Use a hyaluronic acid serum and a moisturiser that suits your skin type. (Daily Moisturiser)
Even oily skin needs hydration. Skipping moisturiser can actually make oiliness worse.
Your Skin in Your 40s: Restoration and Repair
By the time you reach your 40s, hormonal changes become more noticeable and often show up on your skin.
What changes:
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Wrinkles may deepen and become more visible.
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Collagen and elastin levels decline, leading to sagging.
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Dryness and rough texture may increase.
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Sunspots or pigmentation might appear more prominent.
What to focus on:
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Retinol or retinaldehyde: You might be ready for a more potent formula than you used in your 30s. (Active A Serum)
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Niacinamide: This ingredient strengthens your skin barrier and evens skin tone. (Active B Serum)
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Peptides and ceramides: These nourish and help restore the skin’s protective barrier.
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Rich, nourishing moisturisers: Look for products with glycerin, shea butter or squalane. (Collagen Moisturiser)
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Regular exfoliation: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) gently remove dead skin and boost brightness. (Resurfacing Serum)
Sleep, nutrition and managing stress make just as much impact as products.
Your Skin in Your 50s and Beyond: Nourishment and Strengthening
Skin in your 50s and beyond has weathered hormonal shifts, sun exposure and life’s stresses. But with the right care, it can still be healthy and vibrant.
What changes:
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Skin becomes thinner and more delicate.
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Deeper wrinkles and sagging are more visible.
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Pigmentation and age spots may increase.
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Oil production drops, leading to dryness.
What to focus on:
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Support your skin barrier: Ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids and cholesterol are key.
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Try bakuchiol or gentle retinoids: Bakuchiol offers similar benefits to retinol with less irritation.
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Layer hydration: Use serums, creams and oils to lock in moisture.
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Keep using sunscreen: It’s never too late to protect your skin from UV damage.
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Professional options: Consider treatments like peels, microneedling or LED therapy for added skin support.
Simplify your routine and focus on quality products that really work for your skin.
Lifestyle Tips: What You Eat and How You Live Matters
Your skin reflects more than your skincare routine. Your habits, environment and stress levels all have a role to play.
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Nourish from within: Omega-3s, antioxidant-rich foods and plenty of greens support your skin from the inside out.
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Stay hydrated: Aim for around two litres of water each day.
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Prioritise quality sleep: Your skin regenerates while you rest.
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Move regularly: Exercise boosts circulation and gives your skin a natural glow.
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Mind your stress levels: Chronic stress can show up in dullness, breakouts or flare-ups.
Love the Skin You’re In
Ageing is not something to be feared. It’s a natural, beautiful process. The aim isn’t to erase lines or stop time, but to support your skin so it feels strong, hydrated and glowing at every age.
Consistency is everything. You don’t need a complicated routine, just one that works with your skin and lifestyle. Great skin is less about age and more about habits.
