Keeping Up With Your Complexion: A Guide to Millennial Skincare
October 7 | 5 minute read
Words by Danielle Gay
If you had a Tamagotchi, know what St. Ives Apricot Scrub is or once owned a flip phone, it might be time to rethink your skincare.
What makes this checklist a beauty red flag? As a Millennial (anyone born between 1981 and 1996, we’re looking at you) there’s a high chance you’ve found yourself suddenly 30, or over 40, and without the skincare routine to prove it. You know the drill: you’re managing a team, a mortgage and a 65-tab browser, so it’s no surprise your skincare is lacking strategy.
The bright side? Building a skincare routine for your 30s and 40s doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. The right products get to work fast, so you’ll be glowing quicker than you can say The Lizzie McGuire Movie.
We consulted Karina, MECCA’s Category Education Lead for Skin, Body, Wellness & Innovation, about the ingredients and products every Millennial should be using by now. PSA: you’re going to want to add that retinol to cart... yesterday.
Bye, Bye, Bye... Collagen: How to Support Collagen in Your 30s and 40s
Unless you’re a skincare aficionado (you're also welcome, you might still learn something here!), then you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. What’s that saying – ‘If it ain't broke, don’t fix it’? Not quite.
What changes in our 30s and 40s is that our skin’s natural renewal processes begin to slow and collagen production gradually declines,” explains Karina. “While the shift isn’t dramatic, over time you may notice your skin looking a little less plump and bouncy, fine lines becoming more visible, or changes in tone and texture that don’t bounce back quite as quickly as they once did. These are signs that your skin could benefit from a more targeted approach.”
Rather than a complete routine overhaul, Karina suggests Millennials layer in products that focus on three skincare priorities: supporting healthy cell turnover, maintaining collagen production and managing overall skin longevity.
“Think: targeted exfoliation, collagen-supporting serums, introducing actives such as retinoids and technologies like LED [light] therapy,” she adds. Her pro tip? “Look for one or two targeted products that use high-performance technologies to address multiple concerns at once.”
To get those collagen levels in check, stat, the latest serum from Kiehl’s is a one-and-done dream. Packed full of bouncy vegan collagen peptides and vitamin B12 for barrier support, the 1cc* CollaShot Plumping Serum can be used morning and evening for lifted-looking skin.
No Scrubs: The Best Exfoliants for Skin in Your 30s and 40s
Next up: take a closer look at how you’re exfoliating. “Regular exfoliation helps support healthy cell turnover and allows newer, fresher skin cells to come through,” Karina explains, however, she qualifies: “Rather than reaching for a harsh physical scrub, opt for a chemical exfoliant.”
If you’re new to chemical exfoliants – that is, alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids, or AHAs and BHAs – the Facile Clear Exfoliating Blemish Serum With 10% AHA + BHA Blend is a gentle addition to your PM routine. For a more intensive treatment, the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel pads are a cult favourite for a reason, using a blend of AHAs and BHAs to target dullness, uneven texture and congestion. Start by using them two to three times per week and gradually build up to daily use based on your skin’s reaction (for the sensitive among us, the NYC derm also has an Ultra Gentle version to get you started).
Retinol, Baby, One More Time: Why Retinol Matters in Your 30s
We’ve all seen the memes: if you had a Polly Pocket growing up, then it’s time to start using retinol. But there’s a reason why it’s the worst-kept skincare secret – retinol is the ultimate multitasker for smoother, brighter and firmer skin. It not only encourages cell turnover for a lit-from-within glow but also supports collagen production for skin that looks plump and fresh.
“For those concerned about irritation, VERSO’s Super Facial Serum with Retinol 8 technology is a fantastic option, delivering powerful results with less irritation than traditional retinol,” says Karina.
An important reminder – retinol is a form of vitamin A and is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. Always check with your doctor before using any new products while pregnant or breastfeeding.
“If you’d rather avoid retinol altogether, peptides are another excellent choice, with formulas like Emma Lewisham’s Supernatural Vitale Face Elixir helping to support firmer, more resilient-looking skin,” Karina advises.
In other words, peptides work to achieve the same results in a gentler format, but both hit the end goal: supporting long-term skin health and a forever glow.
Lastly, she reminds us that when introducing any actives, it’s worth going slowly and supporting the barrier with skin-loving ingredients. A serum like MECCA COSMETICA DERMAL DOSE Barrier Repair Treatment can be handy to keep on your top shelf, as it works to maintain skin comfort and hydration while still achieving results.
Says Karina: “A healthy skin barrier is the foundation of any effective skincare routine. So, it’s important to introduce new products gradually, give your skin time to adjust and support your barrier with nourishing, hydrating ingredients.”
This Is How We Do It: The Best Skincare Routine for Your 30s and 40s
While Karina clarifies that the ideal skincare routine will always depend on your individual skin type, she’s developed a simple regimen “built around protection in the morning and repair in the evening”.
It’s time to tap in with this Millennial AM and PM skincare routine!
Morning
Treatment serum: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx BioRejuvenation Serum™
Moisturiser and SPF50: Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF50 Mineral Face Crème*
*ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.
Evening
Double cleanse: ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm followed by Tatcha The Rice Wash
LED mask: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite™ FaceWare Pro
Treatment serum: Kiehl’s 1cc* CollaShot Plumping Serum
Moisturiser: Cosmetics 27 Baume 27 Advanced Formula
Eye cream: Mimétique Ctrl Eye Cream
Weekly
2 – 3 times per week – retinol and exfoliation: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel
Once per week – intensive hydrating mask: Dr.Jart+ Cryo Rubber Moisturizing Mask
