The skin is the largest organ of our body, and it is that part of you that actually shows signs of ageing. Brought on by stress, a flawed lifestyle, poor sleep and nutrition, the skin goes through various changes as you grow older. As a result, your skin concerns also change as you age. From acne to pigmentation and fine lines to wrinkles, your skin is likely to appear quite different in your 20s, 30s and 40s. While you cannot prevent or “reverse” ageing, you can definitely keep it from happening prematurely, and a night-time skincare routine can help you do just that.

We spoke to Dermatologist Dr Mrunal Shah Modi for insights on how to build the perfect night-time skincare routine according to your age. Here’s what we discovered.

 

Why your skincare needs an update according to age

Why your skincare needs an update according to age

After long term use, the skin gets used to the same products and builds resistance to them. As a result, they are not as effective as they once were. Also, your skin’s needs change too over time. Hence, it is important to tweak your skincare routine as you age, especially your night-time routine as this is when your skin works to repair itself, grow new cells and heal from the daytime damage. Dr Mrunal Shah explains, "During the day, the skin is exposed to environmental damage such as UV rays, dust and pollution, as well as excessive sweating and oil on the skin. At night the body is at rest, there is no sun exposure or UV damage and the skin is able to repair itself. Hence, night sleep is referred to as beauty sleep.”

 

How your skin behaves in your 20s, 30s and 40s

How your skin behaves in your 20s, 30s and 40s

Dr Mrunal Shah sheds some light on how your skin behaves in every decade.

20s: The body produces an optimal level of collagen and estrogen. Hence, the skin has an even complexion, firm texture and a glowing, shining and luminous finish. However, your skin might suffer from acne and breakouts around your menstrual cycle due to the increase in the testosterone levels.

30s: As you get closer to 30, the suppleness of the skin starts to fade, making your skin drier and thinner. Fine lines and wrinkles begin to show around your eyes and forehead. The change is attributed to a further drop in the estrogen levels and decrease in collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production in the skin. The cell turnover also slows down, and your skin takes longer to recover from any inflammation and environmental damage. The skin becomes more uneven, and starts showing signs of sun damage. On the other hand, there is a significant reduction in acne in your 30s.

40s: Your 40s skin suffers a hefty drop in collagen and elastin production. Skin tends to become very dull and dry, with a rise in fine lines and wrinkles. There is a loss of firmness, elasticity and moisture. Estrogen related bone loss affects the facial structure leading to sunken eyes and sagging skin.

 

A night-time skincare routine for your 20s

A night-time skincare routine for your 20s

  • Make sure to remove all the makeup, sunscreen and oil from the face using a gentle sulfate-free cleanser. You can also use one with salicylic acid like the Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash, if you have acne-prone skin.
  • 20s skin requires anti-acne treatments that can work overnight. Use a retinol cream, benzoyl peroxide or adapalene gel to clear pimple-causing germs.
  • Follow up with a light moisturiser like the Pond’s Light Moisturiser for a non-oily finish. It is also infused with vitamin E and glycerin to help your skin heal overnight.
  • Use an eye cream for puffiness and a lip balm for chapped lips. You can also use Vaseline Aloe Fresh Petroleum Jelly for the same.

Pro tip: Add a light scrub to your routine twice a week. Also, seek to include ingredients like glycolic acid and kojic acid in your night-time serums for added glow.

 

A nighttime skincare routine for your 30s

A nighttime skincare routine for your 30s

  • Make sure to remove all your makeup using micellar water or gentle facial wipes like the Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes. After this, cleanse your skin with a mild sulfate-free cleanser; look for ingredients like lactic acid for the same.
  • Follow up with a hydrating face mask to make up for the loss of moisture. You can use an overnight product like the Lakme Absolute Hydra Pro Overnight Gel. It is infused with hyaluronic acid, which can be a lifesaver in your 30s.
  • Follow up with a moisturiser to preserve the suppleness of your skin.
  • Use an under-eye cream without fail. Invest in an intensive formula like the Pond's Firm and Lift Eye Contour Lifter. The Instant Lift technology, combined with ingredients like polyamide and lipopeptide give your Y-contour all the firming goodness it needs.
  • Pro tip: Enrich your skincare routine with ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and retinol. Scrub twice a week and use an SPF lip balm.
 

A nighttime skincare routine for your 40s

A nighttime skincare routine for your 40s

  • Use a hydrating cleanser like the Dove Beauty Moisture Conditioning Facial Cleanser, which is suitable for all skin types. It offers deep cleansing without stripping off natural oils from the skin.
  • Follow it up with an antioxidant serum to fight signs of ageing overnight. Use a luscious formula like the Lakme Absolute Skin Gloss Reflection Serum. The serum mimics an aqueous veil to lock in moisture for the night and is packed with minerals to bring out glossy skin in the morning.
  • Alternate between shea and cocoa butter-infused moisturisers and hyaluronic acid-rich night creams specially formatted for ageing skin.
  • Finish off with your favourite hydrating lip balm and eye gel; seek out a product with hyaluronic acid for the same.

Pro tip: Dr Mrunal Shah stresses on the use of scrub once in two weeks as your ageing skin is slow to repair and replenish skin. Use a mild product like the St. Ives Gentle Smoothing Oatmeal Scrub & Mask.