Mar 16, 2020 Dr. Preeti Talwar Skincare
Starting from the day you were born until the day you die, your skin, along with your body, should age gracefully. With each passing day, you will traverse through your teen years, the twenties, thirties, and so on. It is strongly advised that as our skin texture changes, so should our skincare routine.
Why do we need to revamp our skincare routine?
With increasing age, the demands of our skin become specific too. Every age group has a particular skin type, need, and concern. Each concern of that particular age group needs to be addressed and taken care of with the help of good skincare routines.
Dermatologists around the globe recommend the CTMP skincare routine, which is a basic and effective TLC for all skin types.
1. Cleansing
The first and most important step of any skincare routine is cleansing your skin. Essentially, when we use a cleanser, we are removing all the dirt, dust, sweat, oil secretion, pollutants, and makeup from our skin to free it from clogging. Today, double-cleansing is quiet popular for deep-cleaning pores, especially to remove heavy makeup.
Double cleansing is a two-step cleansing procedure, which involves cleaning your skin first with an oil-based cleanser, and then with a water-based cleanser. Double cleansing minimizes the chances of having breakouts due to clogged pores and helps in achieving flawless skin.
Cleansing also includes another addition known as exfoliation. Every minute, healthy skin cells regenerate, causing dead skin cells to flake off. An exfoliator helps to get rid of dead cells and dirt that have been accumulating on the surface layer of the skin. Always remember to exfoliate using a mild and good scrub not more than two to three times a week.
2. Toning
Toners help to balance the pH level of your skin and tighten skin pores after cleansing.
3. Moisturizing
Moisturizing helps to hydrate the skin and gain back all the moisture it had lost during the day. Moisturizing is different from hydrating as moisturizing ingredients (e.g., Shea Butter) trap and seal in moisture while hydrating ingredients or humectants (e.g., Glycerin) draw moisture from the air to keep the skin hydrated. It is advised to consult a dermatologist to know which type of moisturizer/humectant to use and why.
4. Sunscreen (Protect)
If the skin is exposed to the sun for long hours every day without the prior protection of a sunscreen, the epidermis or outer layer of the skin is affected, resulting in blemishes or hyperpigmented spots.
Skincare for Teens
Since our body experiences significant hormonal changes during adolescence, our main aim is to keep the skin clean at all times so that acne stays at bay. Using antibacterial cleansers with natural ingredients for facial treatment will be best suited to prevent acne.
Skincare for 20+ years
The main concern persisting in your twenties is to get rid of acne scars and lighten hyperpigmentation spots if any. Use skincare products that contain ingredients like Vitamin C and azelaic acid, that act as a gentle and good scrub to hydrate skin, lighten dark spots, and prevent adult acne.
Again, get to know the benefits of retinol in your twenties. Retinol accelerates the production of new cells and collagen in our skin. It penetrates deeper into the skin and prevents the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Skincare for 30+ years
Now that you have stepped in your thirties, it’s time for you to incorporate serums, along with retinol, into your facial treatments. Serums contain active ingredients that target the specific needs of your now mature skin like adult acne, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Along with serums, use eye creams to lighten under-eye dark circles and reduce puffiness under your eyes.
Skincare for 40 years and above
Since our skin becomes thin during the late forties, it tends to lose moisture very quickly. Along with drinking plenty of water, moisturizing the skin becomes essential.
It is also a time when you should focus on using products that rebuild and boosts collagen production in your skin. You can also try drinking collagen powder with mild-warm water daily to boost collagen build up in your skin.
Adding probiotics to your skincare routine will prove to be a wise decision now as probiotics tend to balance the normal acidic pH of our skin. As we age, our skin’s pH level changes from acidic (pH below 7) to alkaline (pH above 7).