Written by: Hallie Bronson, licensed esthetician and Brand Partnership Manager at Shed

‍

Your skin changes as you age—and your skincare routine should, too. What works at age 20 won’t have the same results at age 40. 

At Shed, we’re dedicated to supporting your skin’s needs at every stage of life. Let’s break down the best skincare tips for Gen Z, millennials, and Gen X.

Gen Z (born 1997–2012): Build smart habits 

The most common skincare priorities for Gen Z-ers are acne and skin sensitivity. Having grown up with more information at their fingertips than any previous generation—including endless YouTube tutorials and TikTok videos—they’re also the most likely to try out lots of different products and recommendations, which isn’t always the best thing for our skin.

For those in their teens and twenties, a simple approach is best:

• Focus on the basics. A gentle cleanser, lightweight moisturizer, and sunscreen are the foundation for healthy skin. Establishing this daily routine early will benefit you now and in the future.
• Treat acne the right way. Benzoyl peroxide is a tried-and-true acne-fighting ingredient and salicylic acid and retinol help unclog pores, so look for products with these ingredients. Avoid harsh scrubs and alcohol-based toners, and resist the temptation to over-cleanse—this can strip your skin of its natural oils and thereby increase oil production.
• Get to know your skin—and avoid jumping on the latest trends. Constantly changing your skincare routine can lead to skin sensitivities and even allergic reactions. There’s nothing wrong with trying a new product every now and then, but pay attention to what does and doesn’t work for your skin—and stick with it.

Millennials (born 1981–1996): Prevent early signs of aging

Millennials are juggling a lot: careers, families, busy schedules on not enough sleep. And if you add in years of sunscreen negligence and untreated stress, your skin may be showing signs of aging sooner than you expected.

If this sounds familiar, now is a good time to give your skin a reset: 

• Upgrade your sunscreen game. If you’re not already in the habit of daily sunscreen, find an SPF+ 30 sunscreen you like and apply it every day, even if you’re spending the day indoors.
• Boost hydration. Never underestimate the power of drinking water throughout the day—hydrated skin is glowing skin, after all. Products with hyaluronic acid help the skin retain its moisture, too.
• Brighten dull skin. Add a serum with vitamin C, niacinamide (vitamin B3), or other antioxidants to your morning routine to improve skin radiance and help fight free radicals.
• Focus on more than just your face. Whatever you do for your face, do for your neck and chest too—visible signs of aging are common in those areas, too.
• Exfoliate regularly (1–2 times a week). A gentle exfoliator removes dead skin cells and helps to improve skin tone and texture. 
• Reassess your lifestyle. Your skin may be able to bounce back quickly from irregular sleep patterns and chronic stress when you’re in your 20s, but your more “seasoned” skin isn’t as forgiving. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and managing your stress levels—for the sake of your overall health, as well as the appearance of your skin.

Gen X (born 1965–1980): Nourish and protect 

For Gen X, skin changes are driven largely by hormonal shifts, especially for women. This can lead to dryness, thinning, and increased sensitivity. Skin aging from sun exposure is more pronounced for this generation, as well.

This is the time to nourish, protect, and support regeneration:

• Keep applying sunscreen. If you never got in the habit of applying sunscreen in your younger years, you’re likely seeing the effects on your skin by now. But all is not lost—it’s never too late to start a sunscreen habit (and experience the benefits). 
• Switch to a heavier moisturizer. Skin produces less oil as we age, leading to dryer skin and more wrinkles. Look for products that support the skin barrier, with ingredients like ceramides (lipids), peptides (amino acids), hyaluronic acid, and vitamins C and E.
• Support collagen production. Collagen production declines with age, so that’s another ingredient you’ll want to watch out for when you’re shopping skincare products. A collagen supplement can help fill in the gaps to keep collagen levels where you want them to be.
• Prioritize hormonal support. Hormone changes affect many areas of your life, including your skin—but you don’t have to sit back and let your hormones take control. Consider talking to a dermatologist or licensed healthcare provider about how hormone shifts affect your skin and what treatment options may be available to you.

Skincare tips for every age

Good habits are good habits, no matter your age. These timeless skincare tips are applicable to every stage of life:

• Use sunscreen every day. Yes, we’re bringing this up again. Sun protection is the no. 1 way to prevent (or delay) signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Whether you’re 13 or 60, it’s never too late to get in the habit of applying sunscreen daily—but the earlier, the better.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water does more than quench your thirst. Your skin soaks it up, too. Hydrated skin helps keep fine lines and sagging skin at bay.
• Eat antioxidant-rich foods. What you take in matters just as much as what you put on your skin. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and limit refined sugars and ultra-processed foods.

Your skincare routine may change over time, but prioritizing sunscreen, hydration, and a healthy diet will benefit you throughout your life.

Your skin, your timeline 

Nothing about your health will fit in a tidy box, and skincare is no different. The best routine is the one that matches your skin’s current needs, not your past habits or what someone else swears by on TikTok. 

Visit tryshed.com today for more skincare tips and resources.

Skincare FAQs

How do I know when it’s time to change my skincare routine?

Your body will tell you what you need to know, as long as you’re paying attention. Any consistent change—reduced acne, dryer skin, increased signs of aging—are an indicator that a refresh may be needed, whether that means getting better about sunscreen application or trying a serum or moisturizer that addresses a specific need.

Should I use different products in the morning and at night?

Yes. Morning routines should focus on protection (like antioxidants and SPF), while nighttime routines should prioritize repair and hydration (like a richer moisturizer). 

Is it normal to get acne as an adult?

Yes—acne isn’t limited to the teen years. Acne is often triggered by hormonal fluctuations, stress, inflammation, or the products or makeup you use. Unlike teenage acne, which tends to appear on the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), adult acne often shows up along the jawline, cheeks, or neck, and may be more persistent. A consistent skincare routine with gentle skincare products that work with your skin type can help mitigate this. Consult a dermatologist if you need additional support.

What adjustments, if any, should Baby Boomers make to their skincare routine?

Signs of aging during this stage of life are the most pronounced, so a consistent skincare routine is more important than ever. Skin sensitivities are more common in older adults, so you may need to switch to a gentler cleanser or exfoliator. Keep an eye out for unusual spots as well and consider scheduling a regular appointment with a dermatologist to stay ahead of chronic skin conditions.