The Best Skincare Routine for Every Age

Skincare doesn’t stand still, so neither should your routine. What works for your skin at 25 probably won’t cut it at 45, and that’s perfectly normal. According to Dr. Sophie Shotter, one of the UK’s most celebrated aesthetic doctors, the secret to healthy, luminous skin isn’t about buying every new launch. It’s about understanding what your skin actually needs right now and giving it the right kind of care as the years go by.

Here’s how she recommends approaching skincare through every decade, from first SPF habits to the gentlest routines of later life.

Skincare in Your 20s: Build Healthy Habits Early

Think of your twenties as your skin’s training years. You’re figuring out what works and what doesn’t, with the habits you start now usually carrying you through to the rest of your life.

“Your twenties are the ideal time to start understanding your skin’s condition and experimenting with what works best for you,” says Shotter.

Her number-one rule? Never skip SPF. “If you haven’t already, make SPF a consistent part of your daily routine. Daily sun protection is essential to prevent premature ageing and protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Choosing a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher, and adding a moisturiser with built-in SPF to your routine, will make this step easy to maintain.”

She also recommends collagen banking — building reserves before your skin’s natural levels begin to dip. “Starting collagen banking in your mid-20s will help to replenish your levels once they begin to decline. To do this, add a daily collagen supplement to your routine to aid skin hydration, improve elasticity, and reduce visible signs of ageing. Look for a supplement that contains vitamin C to further support collagen production, even your skin tone and boost brightness.”

And don’t just follow what’s dominating your FYP. “At this age, skin concerns can vary greatly, from acne to changes in skin type, so it’s important to choose products based on your individual needs rather than following trends.”

Skincare in Your 30s: Support Collagen and Brightness

By your thirties, life gets busier, and so does your skin. Stress, late nights, maybe a baby or two — all of it starts to show. “With the confidence and experience of your twenties behind you, your thirties are often when subtle signs of ageing start to appear. This is a great time to refine your skincare routine and support collagen production.”

Her go-to for this decade is vitamin A. “Introducing ingredients like vitamin A, commonly known as retinoids, can help reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity. Start slowly with a low percentage and build up gradually to avoid irritation.”

The eyes are another area to focus on. “It is also worth adding an eye cream to your routine to target the delicate skin around your eyes, helping to reduce dryness, fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. Look out for key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, which will help hydrate, soothe, and support firmness for a brighter, healthier look.”

As skin turnover slows, exfoliation helps keep things fresh, but go easy. “As skin cell turnover begins to slow, gentle exfoliating acids like AHAs, BHAs or PHAs can help refresh the skin’s appearance. Just be mindful to alternate acids and retinoids to avoid irritation and always listen to how your skin responds.”

Skincare in Your 40s: Focus on Hydration and Renewal

Your forties can be a time of real change — think hormones, stress, and the start of perimenopause. “Skincare in your forties should prioritise hydration, cell turnover, and sun protection to help manage the natural decline in collagen and elastin, as well as the appearance of fine lines, dryness, and sensitivity,” she says.

“These changes are completely normal at this stage, especially for those entering or experiencing perimenopause. As your hormone levels shift, your skin’s texture and behaviour can significantly change, often resulting in acne, dryness or irritation.”

Hydration becomes your best friend. “To support your skin through this transition, it’s important to boost hydration by incorporating hydrating serums and richer, more nourishing products like a night cream. Night creams are typically thicker than daily moisturisers and help the skin repair and replenish while you sleep.”

Go gentle on exfoliation too. “Your skin becomes thinner in your forties, so avoid physical scrubs that can cause irritation or microtears. Instead, opt for light chemical exfoliants once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s tolerance.”

Dr. Shotter also suggests regular facial massage. “You may also notice increased puffiness or swelling, often due to a slower lymphatic system. Regular facial massage can help stimulate circulation and reduce fluid retention in the face and neck area.”

Skincare in Your 50s & 60s: Strengthen and Nourish

This is the time to nurture your skin, not overhaul it. “In your fifties and sixties, you will likely continue to notice the natural effects of ageing, such as increased dryness, thinning skin and loss of firmness. The positive side of reaching this stage is that you have likely developed a strong understanding of what your skin responds well to and what it does not,” says Shotter.

If you’re noticing sagging around the neck or décolletage, that’s where to focus. “If sagging skin, especially around the neck and décolletage, is becoming more noticeable, consider adding products that support elasticity and collagen production in these areas. Neck and décolletage creams are often formulated to be more nourishing and can help firm and smooth the skin over time.”

Hydration should stay at the top of your list. “You may also want to focus on moisture-retaining ingredients like ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to help reinforce the skin barrier and improve overall texture and resilience.”

Her mantra here: simplify, but elevate. “At this stage, it is not about overloading your routine with too many products but rather choosing high-quality targeted products that align with your skin’s evolving needs.”

Skincare in Your 70s: Keep It Simple and Gentle

By your seventies, less really is more. “In your seventies, it is important to return to a simple and gentle skincare routine. At this age, your skin becomes much more sensitive so it is best to use fragrance-free products and avoid anything that could cause irritation or allergic reactions,” says Dr. Shotter.

Hydration, again, is the priority. “Focus on keeping your skin deeply hydrated by using moisturisers that lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier. Avoid using water that is too warm, as well as abrasive cloths or harsh products, which can damage your delicate skin.”

Dr. Shotter’s best advice? “Above all, remember to embrace the natural changes in your skin with confidence. With the right care, you can continue to reveal a radiant and healthy complexion at every stage of life.”

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