The Secret to Looking Beautiful at Every Age

It's no secret that we're a society obsessed with youth. We sign up for baby Botox at the sign of our first wrinkle, plonk down our plastic at the dermatologist's office for that laser therapy insurance won't cover, and collectively spend an estimated $115.5 billion per year on anti-aging products.

So it's somewhat shocking that it took a 90-year-old fashionista to remind us that beauty isn't only reserved for the 25-year-olds: "We have an insane love affair for youth," says Iris Apfel, MAC Cosmetics' newest spokesperson. "Youth is lovely and wonderful, but … life doesn't stop when you're 30."

Apfel may describe herself as a "geriatric starlet," but according to MAC, her face is selling just as much product as Gaga these days. "I find it pitiful that people lie about their age. What's wrong with getting old? I think if you're lucky enough to get old, you should celebrate," says Apfel.

We couldn't agree more. Instead of trying to erase the wrinkles, why not embrace your (aging) skin? To help you do just that, it helps to know what skin care products will make you look amazing at every age.

1. If you're in your … 20s

The issues you're most likely facing are acne and some discoloration from sun damage. The most important thing for you to do is to keep your skin protected with sunscreen everyday. And "start protecting your neck, chest and hands along with your face," says Dr. Heidi Waldorf, New York dermatologist.

Cleanser: Use a gentle foaming cleanser that will remove makeup and excess oil, but won't over dry your skin.
Moisturizer: Use a light moisturizer that contains sunscreen, and provides UVA and UVB protection. Look for a product that contains either zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone or Mexoryl. Sunscreen is the best way to prevent premature aging, and it's even more important to use if you are taking/using acne medications that make skin more sun sensitive.
Treatment:
Plan A: For acne prone skin
If you get mild breakouts use a spot treatment containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. And whatever you do, don't pick it can lead to long-lasting scars.
Plan B: For the partiers
If you are one to stay up all hours drinking, smoking, etc. you might want to kick start your anti-aging program now by applying a serum at night that contains Vitamin C. It'll help fight the free radical damage your lifestyle is causing.

2. If you're in your … 30s

Discoloration caused by sun damage or melasma (aka the mask of pregnancy that can also be caused by birth control) are two of your biggest skin challenges. "At this point you need to start exfoliating regularly because skin only exfoliates naturally every 35 days as opposed to every 14 in your 20s," says Lorencin.

Cleanser: If you used a foaming cleanser in your 20s, it's time to switch over to a non-foaming, non-drying cleanser.
Moisturizer: Before applying sunscreen use an antioxidant-rich moisturizer. "There is some evidence that antioxidants act synergistically with sunblock to help guard against photodamage," says Waldorf. "They can also help reduce old damage," she says.
Treatment: Add a retinoid to your regime to help improve the overall texture and tone of your skin. The highest strengths of retinoids are prescription only, but over-the-counter retinol is a close second. Apply retinoids at night, and avoid putting them on your upper eyelids -- they'll be too irritating on your delicate area.

3. If you're in your … 40s

In your 40s, the lines of movement between your brows and around your eyes and mouth don't disappear like they did in your 30s. "Your estrogen level is tapering so your skin will become dryer," says Lorencin. Overall you'll need to add moisture and collagen-building ingredients like peptides.

Cleanser: Cleanse using a basic non-foaming, non-drying cleanser in combination with a gentle face cleansing brush to help remove dead skin cells. Because you'll use retinol regularly, you'll need to get rid of any flaking skin.
Moisturizer: Use SPF daily to prevent further damage and choose a product that contains antioxidants to fight free radicals and help reverse some of the damage you already have.
Treatment: Retinoids and peptides are two ingredient groups that you should add into your routine if you haven't already. Peptides can help rebuild collagen, especially when used in combination with skin texture-improving retinoids like retinol. To get both ingredients in one dose, opt for a serum.

4. If you're in your … 50s

"Moisture, moisture, moisture," says Waldorf, should be your main concern in your 50s. Loss of tone and sagging are your biggest issues. Start using more powerful products that contain peptides, retinoids or alpha hydroxy or amino acids.

Cleanser: Use a cream cleanser that will hydrate skin while it cleanses.
Moisturizer: Choose a moisturizing cream that contains SPF to keep skin hydrated and protected. Because ingredients like retinoids can make skin more sun sensitive, daily use of sunscreen is a must.
Treatment: Apply a peptide rich serum under your SPF daily to help build collagen. Look for one that also contains antioxidants to fight free radicals or hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.