Skincare 101: The Ultimate Moisturising Guide For Your 30s, 40s, 50s

The world of skincare is overflowing with serums, acids, actives, and a host of high-tech treatments, making it easy to overlook the true holy grail of skincare, i.e., moisturising. Hydration forms a foundation for a healthy and glowing skin.

However, as we grow old, the skin texture changes due to hormonal fluctuations and exposure to environmental stressors. All these can cause dryness, appearance of fine lines and loss of elasticity. But with the right knowledge, consistent skincare routine along with some lifestyle adjustments, these concerns can be tackled to a great extent.

Whether you’re in your 30s experiencing first signs of dryness, in your 40s experiencing hormonal shifts, or in your 50s wanting to restore plumpness and radiance, mindful moisturising is the key. Here are some quick tips on how to maintain hydration and keep your glow intact.

In Your 30s: Prevention and Hydration are Key

In your 30s, collagen production declines, the protein responsible for moisture retention, elasticity and overall skin health. Additionally, there’s a dip in skin’s natural oil production, and environmental stressors like sun exposure, pollution, and stress contribute to the ageing process.

Moisturising Tips for Your 30s

• Focus on hydration by choosing moisturisers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine and urea. They provide long-lasting hydration by locking in moisture.
• Whether indoors or outdoors, sunscreen application is an absolute must. UVA and UVB rays along with blue light emitted from electronic gadgets have a role in breaking down collagen and contributing to premature ageing. Choose for a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 or above along with PA ++++ and one that protects against blue lights.
• The skin’s ability to repair itself peaks at night. So, choose night cream or oil mindfully that meets your needs and replenishes the skin overnight.

In Your 40s: Addressing the Loss of Volume and Firmness

In your 40s, dryness, reduced elasticity and slower skin renewal are persistent issues that the skin grapples with. Wrinkles and sagging, especially around the cheeks and jawline, become more visible. Hormonal changes during perimenopausal phase can lead to thinning of the skin barrier, making it harder to retain moisture. 

Moisturising Tips for Your 40s

• Introduce rich emollient creams in place of light moisturisers. Look for moisturisers that contain ceramides, peptides and urea. It helps restore the skin barrier and boost collagen production.
• For quick skin cell turnover, add Retinol or Vitamin A to your routine. It helps blur the appearance of fine lines, improves texture, and even helps increase moisture retention by promoting a healthy skin barrier.
• Choose products containing hyaluronic acid and squalane as it helps to plump up the skin and retain moisture. Vitamin C helps even out skin tone and addresses dullness.

In Your 50s: Nourishment and Restoration Are Essential

During the menopausal phase, a drop in estrogen level contributes to dryness and sensitivity, making skin prone to irritation. Skin’s natural oils are almost non-existent, and reduced capacity for cell turnover means that skin may appear dull. This makes consistent moisture replenishment even more crucial.

Moisturising Tips for Your 50s

• Incorporate products with deep nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerine, and urea enriched Ureaderm to lock and prevent moisture loss. These ingredients are excellent at restoring moisture balance and plumping the skin.
• Choose night creams that are specifically formulated for ageing skin with ingredients like retinol, peptides, and vitamin C. These help restore skin firmness, improve texture, and brighten the complexion.
• Introduce facial oils like rosehip oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil or hydrating masks to your routine for deep moisturising and restoring lost lipids.
• Use antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and green tea extract to protect the skin from environmental damage and promote a brighter, more even skin tone.

Moisturising Tips for All Age Groups

Irrespective of age, proper moisturising requires consistency. Few tips for maintaining skin hydration:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day; it helps skin maintain its natural moisture balance.
• Avoid harsh cleansers that may strip the skin of its natural oils. Choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser that doesn’t disrupt the skin barrier.
• Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, allowing moisturisers to penetrate deeper. However, over-exfoliating can lead to dryness and irritation, so be gentle.
• External factors like air conditioning, heating, and pollution can sap your skin’s moisture. Protect your skin with SPF and a nourishing moisturiser that creates a barrier against these elements.

It’s never too early—or too late—to prioritise your skin’s hydration. Age-appropriate moisturising is a powerful tool to help you feel confident and radiant in your skin, no matter what age you’re in. 

Authored by Dr Kusumika Kanak, Consultant Dermatologist, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Hadapsar, Pune. Views expressed by the author are their own.