Beauty isn't just a matter of age; it's also a matter of good habits. Before the age of 40 (and even well beyond), certain skincare habits can transform your skin and give it the best long-term results.
Hydration, sun protection, targeted active ingredients, healthy lifestyle... These simple actions make all the difference. 💛
Here are 40 essential lessons to keep in mind to pamper your skin and maintain its radiance over the years.
1. SPF is your best anti-aging product.
→ 80% of skin aging comes from the sun. Daily sunscreen protects against wrinkles, spots, and sagging.
2. Gentle cleaning is more effective than aggressive stripping.
→ Rubbing too much or using cleansers that are too strong weakens the skin barrier and causes more problems in the long term.
3. Hydration is the foundation of all healthy skin.
→ Dry, oily or combination skin: all need a balance of water and lipids to stay radiant.
4. Double cleansing changes everything.
→ An oil or balm to dissolve makeup/SPF, then a gentle cleanser: this is the key to clear skin without damaging it.
5. Vitamin C brightens the complexion.
→ A powerful antioxidant, it protects against free radicals, reduces dark spots and gives radiance.
6. Retinol is a long-term investment.
→ It stimulates collagen production, refines skin texture and reduces wrinkles and imperfections, but requires patience and regularity.
7. The eye area deserves special attention.
→ The skin there is four times thinner than on the rest of the face: it marks more quickly and needs suitable care.
8. Masks don't replace a routine, they complement it.
→ They provide an immediate boost (hydrating, purifying, soothing), but are not enough on their own.
9. Oily skin also needs hydration.
→ Depriving it of care pushes it to produce even more sebum.
10. Diet influences your skin.
→ Excess sugar, dairy products or alcohol often aggravate acne, inflammation and dull complexion.
11. Stress shows on the face.
→ It increases cortisol, which triggers inflammation, blemishes and premature aging.
12. Sleeping well is free skincare.
→ It is at night that the skin regenerates and repairs itself most effectively.
13. Ceramides protect the skin barrier.
→ These are the “building blocks” that seal moisture into the skin. Without them, tightness and irritation quickly appear.
14. Prevention is better than cure.
→ Starting early with good actions avoids having to repair damage that is more difficult to treat later.
15. The neck and décolleté also count.
→ They age as quickly as the face and often reveal age first.
16. The sun is responsible for 80% of skin aging.
→ Wrinkles, spots and sagging are mostly caused by UV rays, not just by time.
17. Chemical scrubs are gentler than grain scrubs.
→ AHA, BHA or PHA exfoliate without being aggressive, unlike grains which can create micro-lesions.
18. Consistency beats quantity.
→ A few good products used every day are better than a dozen applied from time to time.
19. A good routine is better than a cupboard full of products.
→ Minimalism avoids irritations and unnecessary mixing.
20. Micellar water must be rinsed off.
→ Otherwise, cleaning agents left on the skin can irritate it in the long term.
21. Lips age too: moisturize them.
→ They are very thin and dry out quickly, hence the importance of lip balms and SPF.
22. Dry skin is not always dehydrated.
→ Dry = lack of fat, dehydrated = lack of water. The treatments are different.
23. Hormones influence the skin.
→ Hormonal acne, sensitivity before menstruation, mid-cycle breakouts: adapting your routine helps a lot.
24. Alcohol and tobacco accelerate aging.
→ They dehydrate, destroy collagen and dull the complexion.
25. Sometimes minimal skincare is the best solution.
→ Too many active ingredients = sensitized skin. Simplicity often restores balance.
26. The skin barrier must be protected at all costs.
→ It's what keeps you hydrated and blocks external aggressions. Once damaged, everything becomes more complicated.
27. Dietary supplements can help, but they don't do everything.
→ They support the skin from the inside, but do not replace topical care and a healthy lifestyle.
28. Winter requires a different routine than summer.
→ Rich and protective textures in winter, light and mattifying care in summer.
29. Never pop a pimple.
→ This causes scarring, post-inflammatory spots and prolongs healing.
30. Genetics play a role, but routine matters too.
→ You don't change your DNA, but you can slow down the visible effects.
31. Patience is essential, results take time.
→ It takes at least 6 to 8 weeks to see the effects of an active ingredient.
32. SPF needs to be reapplied, not just put on in the morning.
→ Every 2-3 hours in case of direct exposure for real protection.
33. Powerful active ingredients combine carefully.
→ Mixing retinol, acids and vitamin C without knowledge can irritate more than help.
34. Healthy skin = makeup that lasts longer.
→ Skincare prepares the canvas: the makeup becomes more natural and luminous.
35. Drinking water alone does not hydrate the skin, but it helps the body.
→ Skin hydration also comes from suitable external care (creams, serums).
36. Facial massage stimulates circulation and glow.
→ Gua sha, roller or simple self-massage boost microcirculation and relax the features.
37. Listen to your skin: it speaks.
→ Redness, tightness, spots = signs that your routine is too strong or unsuitable.
38. Don't copy someone else's routine, find your own.
→ Each skin has unique needs depending on its age, environment and lifestyle.
39. Request your skin diagnosis
→ It will save you time, money and avoid mistakes.
40. Self-confidence is the best glow.
→ Beautiful skin helps, but nothing replaces confidence and inner well-being.
Skincare isn't about chasing products or TikTok trends; it's about consistency, gentleness, and listening to your skin. 🌿
If you take away one thing from these 40 lessons, it's that it's never too early (or too late!) to establish a suitable routine and stick to it over time.
👉 And if you don't know where to start, our Dermadia routines are designed to guide you simply, effectively, and gently.