Most people associate using a skincare product as a facial serum for someone with mature skin or an eye cream for someone who’s concerned only about crow’s feet or anti-aging. Some are not sure what age to start using an SPF or toner or when to incorporate a complete skincare routine. To help take the mystery out of the numbers game, here is a general guideline:

Toner – a good idea to begin using at approximately ages 12-13 to remove excess oils and bacteria during the time when skin is at its oiliest.

Eye cream – approximately 15-16, especially for teens who get sun exposure through outdoor activities.

SPF – all ages, yet children under 6 months should stay out of the sun.

Moisturizer – approximately ages 12-13.   Despite excess oil production and breakouts, teens still need moisture in their skin.

Exfoliator or Face Masque – approximately 14 and above, to help remove excess dead skin cells, help balance the pH and minimize excess oil production.

Facial Serum – age 25 and above, since we lose collagen, an important protein to help skin maintain elasticity and firmness, at a rate of 1.5% per year after age 25.  

Skin lightener or brightener – can vary depending on factors such as excessive sun exposure, acne scarring or genetics, but an ideal age to start is early to mid-twenties.

Keep in mind that general skincare products such as toners, moisturizers and sunscreens yield best results when started in the teen years to achieve and maintain proper skin pH and to help prevent fine lines, dryness and age spots. More in-depth treatments such as serums and skin lighteners yield best results when introduced in the mid-twenties, but use for each age can vary due to factors such as heredity, sun exposure and concerns such as discoloration, freckles and scarring from acne.

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