If you would like to take care of your skin, you could enroll yourself in an intensive skin care regimen. For many women, however, this remains on the wish list because of constraints of time and money. There are certain skin care basics that you can follow to give your skin a healthy appearance, though. Some skin care basics cover women of all ages, while others are targeted at specific age groups.

All Age Basics

According to MayoClinic.com, protecting your skin from the sun is the most important thing you can do to take care of your skin. Avoid sunlight when the sun’s rays are strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when going out in daylight. Avoid smoking, which can age your skin and contribute to wrinkles. Avoid strong soaps, which can remove skin oils, pat yourself dry after baths or showers and use a moisturizer for dry skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm, instead of hot, water. Manage your stress levels, and eat a healthy diet.

Skin Care in Your 20s

Completely remove any makeup you’re wearing at the end of the day. If you have any blemishes, such as acne, don’t pick at them. Use a simple washcloth when washing and gentle exfoliation. Start using a skin moisturizer as part of daily skin care.

Skin Care in Your 30s

Continue with your daily skin care moisturizing during the day. At night, use a nighttime moisturizing treatment as needed, such as one for under-eye treatments. When you’re in your 30s, hormones can contribute to a skin condition called melasma, which can be prevented with the use of sunscreen.

Skin Care in Your 40s

Sun exposure from earlier in your life can begin to show as small wrinkles and lines. Continue with your daily skin care regimen of moisturizer and sunscreen. Use light chemical peels. These can promote new skin growth and fill in spaces.

Skin Care in Your 50s

Skin discolorations may occur when you’re in your 50s. A dermatologist may be able to help. Otherwise, menopause can be an issue for skin care for women in their 50s. Daily exfoliation should be part of your daily care regimen. Monthly, use a chemical peel to stimulate new skin cell growth.

Skin Care in Your 60s and Up

There is additional degeneration of the fat in your face, which causes skin to sag. Stress your daily use of moisturizers and sunscreen. Ensure that you use a good cleanser that removes all your makeup at the end of the day, as generally more makeup is used at these ages.