The Skin Chronicles: What Happens as We Age & How to Keep It Glowing Through Every Stage
Aging is a privilege.
With aging comes wisdom, resilience, and a deeper sense of self. But let’s be honest, it can also be a little jarring when the face looking back at you in the mirror starts to change in ways you weren’t quite expecting.
One day, your skin feels familiar, and the next, you’re noticing fine lines, dryness, or a loss of that youthful bounce. At 44, I totally understand.
But here’s the truth: aging doesn’t mean giving up on your skin—it just means learning what it needs at each stage. And with the right care (and a knowledgeable aesthetician who gets it), you can keep your skin thriving through your 30s, 40s, and beyond. Let’s talk about what’s happening beneath the surface—and what you can do to keep your skin healthy, strong, and glowing every step of the way.
Your 30s: The First Signs of Change
Collagen production begins to decline (by about 1% per year), and fine lines from laughing, frowning, and raising an eyebrow at questionable skincare trends start to settle in.
Skin cell turnover slows down, meaning that radiant glow you had in your 20s may now require a little extra effort. You might notice dullness, occasional breakouts thanks to hormonal shifts, and the first signs of volume loss. This is the time to set the foundation for the decades ahead by using medical-grade products and treatments.
Powerhouse Ingredients for Your 30s
Retinoids (Retinol, Retinal, Tretinoin) – Boosts collagen, smooths fine lines, and speeds up cell turnover.
Vitamin C – Fights free radicals, brightens skin, and evens out tone.
Hyaluronic Acid – Keeps skin hydrated and plump.
Niacinamide – Reduces inflammation, minimizes pores, and strengthens the skin barrier.
Peptides – Supports collagen production and skin repair.
SPF 30+ (Daily, No Excuses!) – Protects against sun damage, the #1 cause of premature aging.
In-Office Treatments for Prevention & Glow
Microneedling – Stimulates collagen and helps with fine lines and texture.
Chemical Peels – Boosts skin renewal, unclogs pores, and brightens dull skin.
Hydrafacials – Deeply cleanses, hydrates, and infuses skin with antioxidants.
LED Light Therapy – Reduces inflammation, fights acne, and supports collagen production.
Preventative Botox – Softens expression lines before they become deep-set.
How Perimenopause Affects Your Skin: When Hormones get Shifty
Perimenopause, the phase leading up to menopause, usually begins in your 40s (though it can start earlier). This is when estrogen levels become unpredictable, and since estrogen is key for maintaining hydration and firmness, its decline can bring noticeable changes. Dryness, sensitivity, and even unexpected adult acne can all make an appearance—thanks, hormones!
Collagen loss starts to pick up speed, elasticity begins to slow down, and you may notice more pronounced wrinkles, uneven tone, or sagging. At this stage, hydration and barrier repair become essential.
Key Active Ingredients:
Peptides – Boost collagen production and strengthen skin structure.
Retinoids – Continue collagen stimulation but may need to be adjusted for sensitivity
Hyaluronic Acid – Deep hydration to combat dryness and plump the skin.
Lipid-Rich Moisturizers – Restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
Vitamin C – Brightens skin, evens tone, and supports collagen production.
Kojic Acid – A natural skin brightener to help reduce pigmentation and even out skin tone.
Tranexamic Acid – Known for its ability to target stubborn discoloration, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Alpha Arbutin – A gentle but effective ingredient that inhibits melanin production and helps fade dark spots.
SPF – Protects against UV damage and prevents further breakdown of collagen.
Recommended In-Office Treatments:
Chemical Peels – Encourage cell turnover for smoother, more even skin.
Microneedling – Stimulates collagen production for firmer, smoother skin
LED Light Therapy – Reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
Microcurrent Therapy – Lifts and tones sagging skin by stimulating facial muscles.
Radiofrequency Treatments – Tighten and firm skin by stimulating collagen.
Laser Therapy – Targets fine lines, sun damage, and skin laxity.
PRP/PRF - Boosts collagen naturally
Corrective Botox & Filler - Softens wrinkles, restores volume
Menopause & Beyond: The New "Normal" & How to Keep It Glowing
Once menopause arrives (typically in your late 40s to 50s), estrogen levels take a dramatic dip, triggering a whole new set of skin concerns. Collagen loss can reach up to 30% within the first five years, leaving skin thinner, drier, and more fragile. Wrinkles deepen, and the jawline may start to lose its definition.
This is the time to focus on medical-grade skincare and professional treatments to maintain skin strength and elasticity. Growth factors, intense hydration, and targeted treatments like microneedling, Morpheus8, and customized facials can help support skin structure and keep you looking refreshed—never "done," just the best, most confident version of yourself.
Active Ingredients:
Peptides – Boost collagen production and strengthen skin structure.
Antioxidants - Protects against environmental damage
Retinoids – Continue collagen stimulation but may need to be adjusted for sensitivity
Hyaluronic Acid – Deep hydration to combat dryness and plump the skin.
Lipid-Rich Moisturizers – Restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
Vitamin C – Brightens skin, evens tone, and supports collagen production.
Kojic Acid – A natural skin brightener to help reduce pigmentation and even out skin tone.
Tranexamic Acid – Targets stubborn discoloration, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Alpha Arbutin – A gentle but effective ingredient that inhibits melanin production and helps fade dark spots.
SPF – Protects against UV damage and prevents further breakdown of collagen.
In-Office Treatments:
Chemical Peels – Encourage cell turnover for smoother, more even skin.
Microneedling – Stimulates collagen production for firmer, smoother skin
LED Light Therapy – Reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
Microcurrent Therapy – Lifts and tones sagging skin by stimulating facial muscles.
Radiofrequency Treatments – Tighten and firm skin by stimulating collagen.
Laser Therapy – Targets fine lines, sun damage, and skin laxity.
Morpheus8 - Deep skin remodeling
Laser Resurfacing - Smooths & evens skin tone
Sculptra & Dermal Fillers - Restores lost volume
PRP/PRF - Boosts collagen naturally
Custom Facials- To address specific concerns
Corrective Botox & Filler - Softens wrinkles, restores volume
