It’s Time to Rethink “Mature” Skin

Maturing skin isn't defined by the decade you’re in. Instead, it develops gradually as natural skin processes begin to slow. Asking yourself “what age does skin start ageing” assumes there’s a specific birthday this occurs, but the truth is your skin is always changing - influenced by genetics, hormones, lifestyle and environmental factors. Generally, it’s agreed that collagen in skin starts to decline in your late twenties, decreasing by 1% every year after that*. Whether you’re interested in prevention or preservation, a consistent skincare regime that responds to your changing needs is key.

As skin evolves, you may notice changes in hydration, radiance, sensitivity, firmness or texture. Whatever your age or life stage, three things remain essential: hydration, nourishment and protection – especially daily SPF, which helps protect against UV damage and premature skin ageing.

Age can be a useful guide, but everyone’s skin evolves differently. The decades below highlight common changes and how you can adapt your routine from your twenties through to your sixties and beyond.

Skin is typically at its most resilient in your twenties. Collagen production remains high, skin retains moisture effectively and cell turnover is at its fastest. While visible signs of ageing are usually minimal, everyday factors such as UV exposure, pollution, stress and lack of sleep can begin to show up on your skin.

What your skin needs:

• Lightweight hydration, gentle cleansing & exfoliation
• Antioxidants (such as vitamin c) to help defend against environmental aggressors
• Consistent habits that support long-term skin health
• Daily SPF

ELEMIS product recommendations:

• Superfood Facial Wash
• Dynamic Resurfacing Super-C Serum
• Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser

As you move into your thirties, collagen production begins to slow. You may notice the first fine lines, dullness or uneven skin tone appearing, as well as the appearance of sun-induced pigmentation. This is often the decade when many people look to introduce more targeted skincare products that help maintain smoothness, hydration and brightness.

What your skin needs:

• Hydrating serums and moisturisers, ingredients like hyaluronic acid
• Ingredients that support skin renewal, such as retinol/retinoid
• Antioxidants to promote a healthy-looking glow while protecting against environmental stressors
• Daily SPF

ELEMIS product recommendations:

• Pro-Collagen Renewal Serum
• Superfood Facial Oil
• Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

In your forties, changes to your skin structure may become more noticeable. Skin may feel drier, appear less firm and lose some of its natural bounce. It is common for perimenopause to begin in this decade, with hormonal fluctuations related to this change possibly causing issues with sleep, acne, pigmentation and healing, all of which show up on your skin. Other changes to look out for are to your skin’s texture, sensitivity and moisture levels.

What your skin needs:

• Richer hydration and moisture retention
• Barrier-strengthening ingredients, like peptides & vitamin E
• Ingredients that support a smoother, firmer appearance
• Targeted treatments for pigmentation and uneven texture
• Daily SPF

ELEMIS product recommendations:

• Pro-Collagen Morning Matrix
• Pro-Collagen Neck & Décolleté Balm
• Pro-Collagen Rose Micro Serum

As hormone levels continue to change, skin can become drier and more delicate. Menopause can bring noticeable changes, too. A reduction in natural oils may leave skin feeling less supple, while uneven tone and visible lines can become more pronounced.

What your skin needs:

• Deep, lasting, barrier-supporting hydration (think ceramides and nourishing lipids)
• Products that help support skin's firmness & elasticity
• Treatments that improve hydration, comfort & skin density
• Vitamin C (but only for your neck and decollete)
• Daily SPF

ELEMIS product recommendations:

• Papaya Enzyme Peel
• Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence
• Pro-Collagen Future Restore Serum

Focus on hydration and nourishment as your skin matures. As healing slows and vulnerability increases, environmental damage becomes a greater concern. At this stage, make skin comfort, resilience and radiance your top priorities.

What your skin needs:

• Rich, intense moisturisation
• Barrier-strengthening ingredients
• Gentle, non-irritating cleansers
• Retinol
• Daily SPF

ELEMIS product recommendations:

• Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
• ULTRA SMART Pro-Collagen Eye Treatment Duo
• ULTRA SMART Pro-Collagen Night Genius

No matter your age, certain lifestyle factors will impact your skin. Avoid smoking, drink within limitations and feed your skin with a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre. Getting at least 7-9 hours sleep a night cannot be overstated. And it will always be important to protect your skin from UV rays.

For a daily SPF that offers broad-spectrum protection, there’s our Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 or Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF 50

Regardless of age, hydration, comfort and protection are key for healthy, glowing skin. These three universal steps can be adapted and updated based on your individual skin type and age. At ELEMIS, we create products that speak to life’s nuances - the viscosity, functions and strengths are designed to suit individual needs, along with aromatics and textures that boost your sense of wellbeing.

Your Morning Routine

Start the day by gently cleansing away overnight impurities before applying products that help hydrate and prepare skin for the day ahead.

A morning routine should focus on:

• Gentle cleansing
• Lightweight hydration
• Moisturising
• Daily SPF protection

Products from the Pro-Collagen range, such as Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm and Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, help leave skin feeling refreshed, hydrated and nourished.

Your Evening Routine

Night-time is the perfect opportunity to replenish skin after daily environmental exposure.

An evening routine should focus on:

• Removing makeup and impurities
• Delivering intense hydration
• Supporting skin's overnight renewal process
• Nourishing the delicate eye area

Pro-Collagen Future Restore Serum and Pro-Collagen Vitality Eye Cream help skin feel comforted, moisturised and cared for while you rest.

Your Weekly Ritual

Weekly treatments offer an opportunity to give mature skin an extra boost of nourishment – not to mention time for mindful self-care.

Whether it's a hydrating face mask, a revitalising eye treatment or simply a long soak in the bath, these rituals can help leave skin looking refreshed and feeling replenished.

For added care, try:

• A hydrating eye mask like our Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks to support the delicate skin around the eye with an instant refresh
• A nourishing face mask like our Pro-Collagen Marine Mask or ULTRA SMART Pro-Collagen Aqua Infusion Mask for intense hydration
• An overnight treatment such as our Superfood Midnight Facial to replenish thirsty skin while you sleep
• Exfoliating 1-3 per week with a physical exfoliator like Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator to refresh your glow, or for exfoliation designed for more targeted rejuvenation and firmness, there’s our Pro-Collagen Tri-Acid Peel
• Relaxing self-care moments, like getting a massage at one of our flagship stores, going to a yoga class or introducing a daily 5-minute meditation to support overall wellbeing

While it’s easy to fixate on a specific birthday and how this impacts your skin, the truth is there are many factors beyond your age that show up in your complexion. The best approach to take is a nuanced one, considering all the possible impacts on your skin that come from various life stages in tandem with your lifestyle choices. If you always priortise hydration, nourishment and protection, your skin will tell a story of glowing health – no matter what story your birth certificate tells.

*Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty