Getty ImagesWe know, we know. There's no such thing as "perfect."
Giving life your best try is important and all, but we're specifically talking about skincare here. Think of caring for your skin the same way you think about any other adult decision: The more you stay on top of it, the better you feel.
That's exactly the point. We get so caught up in looking good that we often resort to quick fixes and a plethora of products that don't do anything to address the real issue at hand. Instead, if you practice simple, daily skin habits (like cleansing twice a day and packing on the moisturizer) you won't have to play catch up later on.
To put your best face forward at every age, here are a few key products to think about rotating in as you mature.
Your Twenties: Supple skin at any age is about hydration. In your 20s you're in a good skin-spot, it's just about keeping it there. Be sure to apply SPF first thing in the morning (to prevent wrinkles), and bonus points if your makeup, like COVERGIRL + Olay Simply Ageless Instant Wrinkle Defying Foundation, also has a dose of SPF in it, too. Keep a hydrating mist handy to spritz on your face and rehydrate regularly. Tending to skin throughout the day is the best way to maintain that youth factor.
Your Thirties: Once you've entered your 30s, you've probably reached your skincare stride—and if you are sticking to it, you really know what works for you and what doesn't. You've probably nailed down your favorites like a cleanser and a really good quality moisturizing product, like COVERGIRL + Olay Facelift Effect. However, with fine lines and wrinkles cropping up almost overnight, its time to throw an eye cream into the mix. Eye creams can be expensive, but worth it. Get mileage out of tiny packaging by smearing a super-concentrated formula around the lip line, forehead—anywhere that you would think to start injecting botox.
Your Forties: When it comes to the appearance of your skin—you're already on top of pesky aging issues like fine lines and, of course, lack of moisture but what good is smooth skin if lackluster in appearance (this is due to hormonal fluctuations, by the way)? To revive sallowness and get that youthful plump back naturally, focus on collagen boosting serums. Translation: Topical products that include Vitamin A (a.k.a. Retinol) are your friend.
Your Fifties: Aging is a blessing not a curse but, it's easy to lose sight of it once you start to see your skin sagging. You're already diligently cleansing, moisturizing, lathering with SPF and strategically layering creams and serums. But whether you like it or not, gravity is still going to do its thing. Address the neck and chest area by giving that ultra-delicate skin some love, too. And we don't just mean with a firming agent—SPF should make its way south of the face, too.