Choose the right men’s skin care by decade

Tips on how to adjust your regimen

Men's Health / February 08 2017

It’s time to act your age . . . well your skin-age at the very least. You (hopefully) buy a new toothbrush every few months – but when was the last time you upgraded your face wash or moisturiser?

Whether you’re looking to preserve your prime or ward off wrinkles, there’s an age-appropriate solution to ensure you always put your best face forward.

In your twenties

In our twenties, we treat our skin like it’s invincible. But your skin care routine now dictates how well you’ll age, says Sally Penford, of the International Dermal Institute. If you’re partying hard and staying out late, there’s no reason your boss needs to know. After showering, counteract eye-puffiness and dark circles with a product that has a caffeine hit. If you’re still prone to the odd breakout, Penford recommends taming zits with pore-unclogging salicylic acid or go one step further and try using a clay mask to dry up pimples and whiteheads. If your skin is blemish free then expunge any teenage oily residue with a mattifying cleanser. Finally, seal the deal by using a moisturiser with SPF.

Tool kit:

Lynx Black Shower Gel

L’Oréal Paris Hydra Energetic Ice Cool Eye Roll-On

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel

Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Clay Mask

Kiehl’s Men’s Oil Eliminator Deep Cleansing Exfoliating Face Wash

Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturiser SPF 15

Daniel Radcliff 20s

In your thirties

Both hangovers and your skin are less forgiving at this age. “Dehydration can be an issue; your thirties are often when life is most hectic and you’re consuming more alcohol and caffeine,” says Penford. Try a five minute detox face mask to balance stressed skin and give your mug a stimulating scrub each week to improve your complexion. It’s also wise to incorporate an anti-ageing eye balm and to ensure you moisturise daily. To extend your peak for longer, a line smoothing night cream is worth the investment. And if you’re under the hammer at work, a light-reflecting serum with SPF will make you look more refreshed than you feel.

Tool kit:

Malin + Goetz Detox Face Mask

Milk & Co Face + Body Scrub

Lab Series Daily Moisture Defense Eye Balm

Nivea Men Skin Energy Moisturiser

Grown Alchemist Regenerating Night Cream

Rationale Beautiful Skin Luminizing Serum

Chris Hemsworth 30s

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In your forties

Your skin loses its firmness dramatically after 40 – if you let it. Take control by supplementing your anti-ageing skin care with an express firming mask. “Your skin’s renewal process slows as you get older too,” says Penford, making exfoliating an important part of your routine after freshening up with a hydrating body wash. Tighten things up with a concentrated serum or a firming moisturiser. Finally, don’t let your laughter lines degenerate into full-blown hysterics – combat the developing wrinkles around your eyes with an antioxidant-packed eye cream.

Tool kit:

Bulldog Original Face Scrub

Mecca Cosmetica Come Clean Body Wash

Tom Ford For Men Skin Revitalizing Concentrate

Clarins Men Line-Control Balm

Radical Eye Revive Cream

Bradley Cooper 40s

Image credits: Getty