WHICH FACIAL IS RIGHT FOR YOUR AGE?
Janine Mendes-Franco
Plus: skincare products suited for each decade
Effective skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all; as cell turnover, collagen levels and the skin barrier change over time, both your products and professional treatments should evolve too.
20s / Protect and prevent
Your late teens and 20s are for establishing healthy habits and protecting the skin you have. Acne, oiliness and clogged pores may still be concerns, and you need to be serious about sun protection, which can help prevent pigmentation and premature ageing down the road.
Facials
Deep-cleansing or clarifying facials
Gentle exfoliating treatments
Hydrating facials
Treatments specifically designed for acne-prone skin
Products
A moisturiser suited to your skin type
A broad-spectrum SPF (30 or higher) every day
Salicylic acid (if you need help with acne)
An antioxidant like vitamin C (for additional protection from environmental damage)
30s / Brighten and maintain
As cell turnover and collagen production gradually begin to slow, you may start noticing fine lines, dullness or uneven pigmentation, so start becoming more intentional about prevention.
Facials
Superficial chemical peels and microdermabrasion (where appropriate)
Products
Continue with your cleanser, moisturiser and daily SPF
Vitamin C in the morning and a retinoid at night (e.g. hyaluronic acid offers additional hydration; niacinamide helps support the skin barrier and improve uneven tone)
40s / Renew and restore
Declining collagen and elastin become more noticeable: skin is less firm and you may have more fine lines. Years of sun exposure can also show up as dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Facials
Antioxidant facials
Targeted chemical peels
Brightening treatments
Treatments that support skin renewal and collagen production
Products
Retinoids (to support collagen) paired with antioxidants, peptides, and niacinamide
A good moisturiser
Daily SPF
Targeted pigment-correcting ingredients that combat dark spots and uneven tone
50s / Replenish and rejuvenate
Around menopause, falling oestrogen levels contribute to dryness, thinning skin, reduced elasticity and changes in collagen.
Facials
Hydrating and barrier-supporting facials
Antioxidant treatments
Gentle resurfacing and rejuvenating treatments
Products
A gentle cleanser
A moisturiser with ceramides and other barrier-supporting lipids, and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin
Retinoids (if your skin can tolerate them)
SPF (non-negotiable)
60s / Nourish and strengthen
Skin becomes thinner and less able to retain moisture, so you need to counteract dryness, sensitivity and a weakened skin barrier.
Facials
Deeply hydrating, antioxidant-rich treatments, with gentle exfoliation (when appropriate)
Products
A gentle, non-stripping cleanser
A rich moisturiser
Antioxidants and peptides remain useful additions
Retinoids might still be appropriate for some people, but frequency and strength will need to adjust, as skin generally becomes more sensitive
70s+ / Comfort and protect
At this age, skin tends to be thinner, drier and more fragile, so skincare should become increasingly gentle, with an emphasis on protecting the barrier and maintaining hydration. Keep it simple: consistency and maintaining a healthy skin barrier matter most.
Facials
Soothing, moisture-rich and barrier-supporting treatments, with only gentle exfoliation that should be individually tailored rather than routine
Products
A very gentle cleanser
A rich moisturiser or emollient that contains barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides (hydrating serums can be layered underneath moisturiser if needed)
A broad-spectrum sunscreen, used daily
Remember: the best facial — and skincare routine — isn’t simply the one recommended for your decade; it’s the one selected for your skin. Your dermatologist can help you figure out which ingredients and treatments are appropriate for you and adjust them as your skin changes over time.