Women under 30 are using powerful anti-aging skin care products too soon, and it’s making them look much older than they are.
As a result, dermatologist Dr. Niyati Sharma warns women not to add harsh actives, particularly retinol, to their routine before they turn 30.
Speaking to FEMAIL, Dr Sharma explained that this powerful skincare ingredient can be detrimental to young skin and actually “accelerate” the aging process.
“What people need to understand is that if used on skin that is too young, the skin barrier can be damaged and retinoids will do more harm than good,” he said.
Young people have become more aware of the “super ingredient” through TikTok, where (often young) beauty influencers constantly boast about its benefits.
Dermatologist Dr. Niyati Sharma warned against adding retinol to your routine too soon
And while Dr. Sharma admits there are many, including reducing fine lines, pigmentation, and uneven skin texture, it should be used with caution.
She says that 30 is the age when people should consider adding retinoids to their skincare routine and that this should be done under the guidance of a professional.
“Talking to a dermatologist or even a GP will take the guesswork out of skincare and ensure you’re using something right for your skin,” Dr Sharma said.
“A doctor can prescribe something that will be much stronger than what is sold over the counter in beauty stores, and provide advice on the best way to use and apply it to get the desired result.”
Worryingly, Dr Sharma says children as young as eight are becoming interested in skincare due to its online popularity.
She says that as skin ages it requires different treatments and has revealed her rough guide to help.
Preteens 8-12
Teen skin is thinner and more sensitive than teen or adult skin and doesn’t need much, if any, help. A gentle cleanser, a simple moisturizer, and daily sunscreen are sufficient. Without active ingredients and avoids fragrances.
Teenagers
Cleanse your face morning and night, gently moisturize and light sunscreen daily. A cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients, such as alpha hydroxy acids, can help with mild cases of acne. A GP or dermatologist can help with more severe cases of acne.
twenty-somethings
If you didn’t develop a regular skin care routine as a teenager, now is the time to start, but nothing too complex is necessary.
If used regularly, a cleanser, serum (vitamin C or niacinamide), moisturizer and sunscreen will be sufficient.
“Talking to a dermatologist or even a GP will take the guesswork out of skincare and ensure you’re using something right for your skin,” Dr Sharma said.
Thirty
This is the decade when skin cell turnover begins to slow, contributing to dryness, dullness, and an increased appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
It is now appropriate to use retinol (a powerful vitamin A derivative). However, it is best to introduce it under the supervision of a medical professional.
A basic routine should include cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. At night, add retinol and an eye cream.
Forty and more
With the arrival of perimenopause and menopause, the skin begins to dry out. You’ll want to follow the same routine you established when you were 30, but be sure to use extra hydrating products.
Add retinoid if possible, with a prescription from a dermatologist or GP, to treat sun-damaged skin, wrinkles and pigmentation problems.