Your skin is constantly evolving. Changes in texture, tone, and volume can make your skin as a 40-year-old bear only a passing resemblance to that of your 20s. As such, your daily skin care routine should be modified as you age.
Cosmetic and medical dermatologist Dr. Kory Kitagawa does not believe in a one-size-fits-all treatment, so he and the experienced specialists at Kitagawa Dermatology will customize a unique dermatology treatment plan based on your age, needs, and skin condition.
Let’s take a look at common skin care concerns, as well as dermatology treatments and skin care tips for men and women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Your 20s: Setting the Stage for the Next Few Decades
Whatever you do – or don’t do – in your 20s is going to impact your skin down the road, so why not take care for it well?
Daily Skin Care
In your 20s, your skin may be tight, firm, smooth, and nearly flawless, but it’s not too early to take care of it now. Even a simple skin care routine is a good start.
Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. In the morning, use a moisturizer that is SPF 30+. Topical retinoids or antioxidant-rich serums should be worn before bed.
Sun Protection
Be vigilant now and save yourself a host of issues later, such as wrinkles or skin cancer. For example, protect your skin from UV rays, regardless of weather (don’t forget that a cloudy day can still do you harm).
Make sure to use moisturizers that have SPF 30. Reapply as needed throughout the day and make sure to keep your skin covered as much as possible during the day, even when commuting to and from work.
Adult Acne
Unfortunately, acne doesn’t stop once you leave your teens. If you have a mild case of acne, a topical medication is usually all that is necessary, while more moderate cases could require an oral medication in addition to the topical one. Severe acne could require oral isotretinoin, especially if the acne is resistant to other dermatology treatments and a careful skincare routine.
Laser dermatology treatment with Vbeam Perfecta is also an effective non-invasive option. Moreover, Vbeam Perfecta laser skin treatment stimulates the growth of new collagen and restores smooth, clear skin.
Vbeam Perfecta also works on acne scars, stretch marks, sun spots, rosacea, and fine lines and wrinkles.
Your 30s: Combining Prevention and Skin Care Treatment
While in your 20s, you’re most likely to engage in preventative measures, however, in your 30s you most likely will begin to consider dermatology treatments as well as preventative skin care.
Dark Spots
Expect to see dark spots start to form, particularly if you weren’t diligent in your 20s about skin care and sun protection. Your risks of developing more sun spots increase as you age.
If you don’t yet have dark spots, then it’s best to start applying SPF 30+ sunscreen and wearing protective clothing that shields your skin, especially around your face, neck, and chest. If you already have dark spots, follow a skin care treatment plan that includes sun protection during the day and wearing topical vitamin C and retinoids at night.
Laser therapy is also an option, and one of the safest and most effective dermatology treatment options is the innovative PicoWay Resolve, which addresses various types of dark spots, including unwanted freckles and age spots. Furthermore, it reduces wrinkles and achieves a more even texture for smoother skin; even better, you get all this without dealing with any downtime.
Wrinkles and Acne
Acne can still affect you in your 30s, so retinoids are often prescribed. An added bonus is that retinoids also help support and build collagen, which your skin will thank you for in your 40s and 50s.
The most effective dermatology treatment for wrinkles include injectables such as Botox or hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane. Botox relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles and can also help prevent new ones from forming in the future. The Restylane line of dermal fillers helps improve the appearance of wrinkles and restores lost volume.
Spider Veins
Spider veins often begin to form in your 30s, particularly if you stand a lot at your job like nurses, doctors, and teachers. Compression socks are an effective way to reduce pain and swelling associated with this vein condition.
Vbeam Perfecta is an effective non-invasive dermatology treatment option at our Honolulu practice for targeting unsightly veins in the face, chest, hands, or legs, particularly because it stimulates the growth of new collagen and restores clear smooth skin.
Your 40s: Non-Invasive Options
Now that you’re in your 40s, you probably notice significant changes to your skin, such as skin laxity or deeper wrinkles. You also might notice that those small pockets of fat that could previously be reduced with diet and exercise are more stubborn than before.
Skin Laxity and Volume Loss
Even with a dedicated skin care routine, skin begins losing its resilience and tightness at a faster rate. This is particularly true on the face and neck, but thighs, tummy, and arms are also susceptible.
Non-invasive dermatology treatment options, including focused ultrasound and radiofrequency microneedling, are ideal treatments suitable for improving skin laxity and upping your body’s production of collagen and elastin.
Dermal filler injections are also an effective solution for common skin problems that occur in one’s 40s. Restylane and Radiesse all improve skin laxity and wrinkles for smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Radiesse is even effective for the hands as well as under the chin or on the cheeks.
Body Sculpting
To eliminate those troublesome pockets of fat that have developed from changes in lifestyle or hormones, we offer Evolve body contouring by INMODE. This revolutionary, hand-free treatment uses radiofrequency energy to trim and sculpt those problem areas without discomfort or downtime. A series of treatment sessions is typically needed to see the best results.
Contact Honolulu’s Kitagawa Dermatology to Find the Right Treatment for You
To learn more about dermatology treatment options perfect for your age and skin type, schedule a consultation with Kitagawa Dermatology online or call our office in Honolulu today!
