How Does Skin Change as We Age?
Aging skin isn’t just about wrinkles—and it doesn’t wait until your golden years to start showing up.
From collagen loss in your 20s to changes in pigmentation and elasticity by your 40s, the skin’s natural aging process is complex, fascinating and yes—totally manageable when you know what’s happening beneath the surface.
Let’s break it down decade by decade—and explore what you can actually do about it.
In Your 20s: Prevention Is the New Glow-Up
Yes, your skin still bounces back—but collagen production starts to slow down around age 25. Think of it like your skin’s scaffolding: once that starts to taper off, fine lines, dullness and texture creep in.
Key moves: Daily SPF (even on cloudy days), antioxidant serums (like Vitamin C) and a retinoid starter routine if you’re not already on one. Trust us—future you will thank you.
In Your 30s: Goodbye Baby Fat, Hello Texture
By now, skin cell turnover is noticeably slower, leading to a rougher surface, uneven tone and the early signs of hyperpigmentation. Under-eye hollows may become more prominent as facial fat subtly shifts.
Key moves: Step up exfoliation (chemical peels > scrubs), consider microneedling or light lasers for texture and keep that collagen factory running with prescription-strength retinoids.
In Your 40s & 50s: Collagen, Estrogen and Elasticity Take a Hit
You’re not imagining it—your skin feels thinner and less firm. Collagen loss becomes more dramatic (you lose about 1% each year after 40) and estrogen dips in perimenopause affect hydration and elasticity.
You may also notice age spots, crepey skin around the eyes and deeper folds from volume loss.
Key moves: Moisture becomes mission-critical (look for ceramides and peptides), fractional lasers or RF microneedling can boost firmness and fillers may help with facial volume restoration.
In Your 60s & Beyond: Thin Skin, But Strong Strategy
The skin barrier is now more fragile, making it prone to dryness, bruising and delayed healing. Chronic sun damage (yes, even from that one beach trip in 1999) starts to fully show up as lentigines, actinic keratoses and more noticeable sagging.
Key moves: Keep skin nourished with lipid-rich creams, prioritize gentle over aggressive treatments and talk to your dermatologist about customized options like laser resurfacing, prescription topicals or hormone-safe skincare solutions.
We can’t stop aging—but we can absolutely age well. Today’s science-backed dermatology tools—from personalized skincare plans to in-office treatments—can help you support your skin at every stage.
At THE CENTER for Advanced Dermatology, we specialize in aging skin and offer tailored care plans backed by research, not hype. Book a consultation today and start giving your skin what it needs. Call 602-867-7546 or schedule online at WEBSITE.