Your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s: Best beauty 'tweakments' for each decade of your life, according to a dermatologist

While we are all for embracing ageing, let’s also admit this – who wouldn’t like to delay its signs from appearing as far as science and technology will allow for it? The good thing about living in these dermatologically advanced times, is that there are all types of non-invasive treatments that can help diminish and improve the look of wrinkles, pigmentation and loss of skin elasticity.

When is a suitable time to start considering them? That depends, since we age at different paces, which are impacted by our genes, lifestyle habits and individual level of exposure to environmental stress. Generally though, there are specific skin and ageing issues that begin to appear in every passing decade of life – our 20s, 30s, 40s and so forth, even if the extent of these skin problems may not be exactly the same for everyone.

Dermatologist Dr Stephanie Ho, of Stephanie Ho Dermatology, identifies the main skin problems that women face for different phases in life, and the type of beauty treatments (or simply “tweakments”) she recommends for these.

IN YOUR 20S

It may be true that a woman in her biological prime is unlikely to have any major ageing concerns yet, but that doesn’t mean women in their 20s have zero skin issues. According to Dr Ho, acne is common for women in this age group, due to hormonal fluctuations and increased oil gland activity. Acne is prevalent among young adults – you’re no longer in your teens, but pesky pimples may not have left you for good.

Not-so-good news for those who love to spend time at the beach and under the sun, you might be experiencing some premature ageing. “Sun-seeking habits can result in uneven skin tone, rough texture and early signs of pigmentation and fine lines,” added Dr Ho. The good news, however, is that laser treatments, chemical peels and deep-cleanse facials can help target discolouration caused by sun damage and acne.

Vbeam is a non-ablative laser treatment that is specifically used on vascular lesions, such as birthmarks, and is also used to target rosacea and red acne scars. On the latter, it works to heal damaged tissue and generate new skin cells to diminish their appearance.

PicoWay, similarly a non-ablative laser treatment, goes beneath the skin without breaking it to reach excess melanin that causes acne marks. It uses a picosecond laser with ultra-short pulses, which make it a gentle treatment with little to no downtime post-procedure. 

Fractional CO2 laser works by resurfacing skin to diminish hyperpigmentation and trigger skin healing. While it is ablative and comes with some downtime, it can be helpful in certain cases depending on one’s skin type and the kind of acne scars in question.

Chemical peels restore radiance to dull skin by resurfacing skin with a chemical solution that comprises ingredients such as lactic, glycolic and salicylic acid.

HydraFacials that deep-cleanse and brighten skin are also recommended by Dr Ho. This patented treatment utilises proprietary technology and tools, and involves multiples steps including hydra-dermabrasion, extraction and application of customised serums done with specially designed machines.

IN YOUR 30S

Multiple signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles start to become apparent in one’s 30s and they typically appear as frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet, according to Dr Ho. For some, pigmentation issues like freckles and sun spots may also begin to surface.

Many women are likely to be having children in this phase, and pregnancy may result in melasma, which is caused by hormonal changes in the body. On top of these issues, skin can start showing early signs of depleting collagen and elastin, resulting in a loss of firmness and elasticity.

“Laser skin rejuvenation can brighten and even skin tone, treat early pigmentation, improve texture, pore size and fine lines. PicoWay, Excel V, Vbeam or fractional CO2 lasers can be performed once a month for up to half a year,” recommended Dr Ho.

Fractional CO2 laser treatments are effective in treating stubborn cases of hyperpigmentation and signs of ageing, including wrinkles, loss of skin firmness and uneven skin texture.

Dermal fillers, such as Botox, Profhilo and Skinbooster, are quick and effective solutions to consider, according to Dr Ho. Minimally invasive, these treatments can smooth out lines, hydrate and plump up skin. Fillers are associated with minimal downtime and can be performed in under half an hour. “Most patients are able to continue normal activities immediately after, which is why they are known as a ‘lunchtime procedure’,” said Dr Ho. 

IN YOUR 40S

At this stage, wrinkles become deeper around the forehead, eyes, mouth and nasolabial folds. “Loss of collagen and elastin can lead to a reduction of volume around the mid-face, and create a saggy appearance, “jowling”, and a less defined jawline,” said Dr Ho.

According to Dr Ho, Ultherapy and Sylfirm X, which work to tighten skin, and thus create a more defined jawline and reduce a double chin are among the preferred skin lifting treatments.

Age spots, warts, skin tags and milia may start to appear and form at this time – these can be tackled with electrosurgery and CO2 laser ablation.

Ultherapy is a skin-tightening treatment that uses ultrasound energy to trigger collagen production. Beyond the jaw and chin area, it can also target the neck, brow and upper-chest zones. One advantage it provides is that it produces gradual, natural-looking results that develop over time, as collagen rebuilds in skin.

Sylfirm X does more than just tighten the skin – it also improves the appearance of enlarged pores, target pigmentation and acne marks, and diffuse rosacea. It utilises radiofrequency and microneedling technology to deliver RF energy into deeper layers of skin to trigger the skin-healing response and collagen production, and bring about the above-mentioned benefits.

CO2 laser ablation is more aggressive than Fractional CO2 laser, and is more suited for targeting serious pigmentation issues than the latter, which is appropriate for mild to moderate cases.

Electrosurgery is a procedure that utlises electric currents to remove warts and skin tags, while electrocautery, a different form of electrosurgery, is used to remove milia.

IN YOUR 50S

As a woman approaches her menopausal years, the skin is likely to experience dramatic changes due to big shifts in hormone levels. “The skin becomes thinner and drier, while skin tone and texture become uneven. At the same time, hyperpigmentation and age spots worsen, while significant loss of collagen results in prominent sagging and drooping of the skin around the lower face and neck regions. Wrinkles become deep and more pronounced in all areas,” said Dr Ho.

Laser skin rejuvenation (as mentioned above) can combat age spots and pigmentation problems, while continued Ultherapy and Sylfirm X treatments will boost collagen production in skin and maintain skin tautness – all of which become imperative during these years.

Dermal fillers restore volume in facial contours, and can make a significant difference to one’s appearance because of the deepening of wrinkles and dramatic loss of collagen and elasticity that occur during this period.

Fractional CO2 and CO2 laser ablation treatments remain good options for targeting severe cases of hyperpigmentation and age spots.