How to get great skin at every age

With these products in your arsenal, glowing skin is definitely in your future.

April 6, 2016

Skincare at every age (March 2016)

Antioxidants, like moisturizing vitamin C, are your best defense in this decade — one of the busiest of your life. "Antioxidants are like bubble wrap for your skin," says Régine Berthelot, lead esthetician for Caudalie in New York, who notes that wrinkle-accelerating free radicals are attacking every which way in our thirties. The occasional stress- and hormone-related breakout is also normal at this age, says Charmaine Cooper, education manager at Dermalogica Canada. To conquer clogged pores, she recommends purifying charcoal to target blackheads, breakouts and improve skin's radiance.

Vitamin C serum

Serums go on first (after cleansing) because they have the smallest molecules and penetrate deep into the skin. This one absorbs quickly and protects against environmental stress.

Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Anti-Wrinkle Defense Serum, $66.

Anti-fatigue moisturizer

Your daytime moisturizer is the protective barrier between your skin and the outside world. This antioxidant-rich gel formula defends against the daily signs of stress and lack of sleep for all-day hydraton and radiance.

Garnier SkinActive Miracle Anti-Fatigue Wake-Up Hydra-Gel Moisturizer, $25.

Charcoal treatment

At least once a week after cleansing (and up to four times, depending on your skin), apply this detoxifying and brightening mask for seven to 10 minutes.

Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque, $60.

Peptides are chains of amino acids that support your skin's structure — if you haven't already added them to your lineup, it's time. Our skin readily absorbs them because they're just like the ones we naturally produce. Exfoliation should also be included in the mix in yours 40s, since skin cells aren't shedding as regularly, making your complexion appear dull. "Plus, your moisturizer's not having an impact if it's just sitting on top of dead skin cells," Cooper says. If you're using a gentle rice formula, exfoliate every day, but if it's a cleansing brush or something with more aggressive grit, keep it to three times a week.

Gentle daily exfoliator

Formulated for all skin types, this rice-based exfoliant with antioxidant-rich strawberries removes dead skin cells while cleansing.

Éminence Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant, $48.

Peptide-packed formula

The peptides in this hybrid gel-cream, formulated specifically for the eye area, are quickly absorbed for maximum firming benefits.

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting EyeSwirl, $35.

Repairative mask

Try this sheet mask once a week (leave it on for 10 minutes) to revitalize tired, parched skin. The inside layer releases an ultra-hydrating treatment while the foil exterior allows it to penetrate 25 times faster than a standard sheet mask.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask, $88/pack of 4.

After the age of 30, production of collagen (the protein that makes up your skin's structure) decreases by one percent each year. So by the age of 50, you've lost about 20 percent, says Cooper. But fear not: The peptides in your regime are rebuilding and smoothing lines, and you can help them out even more by adding vitamin A (or retinol), a natural exfoliator. "It's going to firm the skin, as well as help the peptides do their job," Cooper says. If you're feeling particularly dry, that's normal — we lose oils as we age. "I tell clients to add a drop of oil to their moisturizer, especially in the colder months," says Olay global ambassador Anastasia Achilleos. And if dark spots crop up, look for a product that controls melanin production, the amino acid responsible for pigmentation.

Refreshing essence

If you can't get enough moisture, apply this gentle essence after cleansing and before your serum. It send hydration and antioxidants deep into your skin.

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Antioxidant Infusion Essence, $120.

Dark-spot corrector

This serum helps restore normal levels of melanin production to correct existing dark spots and even out your natural skin tone, whether it's fair or dark.

Clarins Mission Perfection Serum, $68.