Skin care: Caring for skin at 20, 30, 40 and 50

You change your diet as you age, why should your skin care routine be any different?

What works for your skin at 20 just won't do at 40 - and by the time you hit 60, almost every woman needs a richer, more hydrating regime to combat the dryness that goes hand-in-hand with ageing. This is because during our twenties, skin cells gradually lose their elasticity and moisture, and our complexions no longer look as smooth and supple. However, there's a lot you can do to slow the inevitable and minimise the effect of ageing. Read on for a decade-by-decade guide to skincare, as well as a handy product suggestions list.

Your twenties

What to expect: Skin is settling down after the hormonal upheaval of teenage years, although oil production may still be relatively high. Towards the end of their twenties, many women experience a gradual shift towards dryness and may notice the very first fan of fine lines forming around the mouth. According to Dr Arnold Klein, a leading California-based dermatologist, 'Sun exposure ages your skin faster than anything else,' but, he says by limiting your time in the sun and wearing sunscreen, 'you can control this quite easily'. Dr Mary Ellen Brademas, who treats a number of famous clients at her Manhattan practice, agrees. 'Spending time in the sun breaks down collagen and elastin, which naturally give our complexions a plumped-up supple look, and as a result our skin doesn't look quite as healthy as it used to be.' Keeping your body well-hydrated by drinking a minimum of 2.5 litres of water each day and staying out of the sun as much as possible, will stand you, and your complexion, in good stead for a lifetime.

What you may need: Everyone's skin is different, but most people benefit from all, or a combination, of the following
Lightweight cleanser
Skin freshener for oilier skin
Lightweight or oil-free moisturiser with SPF 15
Overnight moisturiser
Eye gel