Written by: Hallie Bronson, licensed esthetician and Brand Partnership Manager at Shed
You’ve weathered a few trends (hello, apricot scrubs and tanning beds), seen the rise and fall of many fads, and started noticing that your skin isn’t bouncing back the way it used to. And somewhere in the busyness of establishing independence, being a caregiver, and living the daily grind, your skin changed too.
Here’s the unvarnished truth: your skin is different than it was in your 20s. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be radiant and healthy—it just needs different support than it did in your younger years.
Shed is here to support you through every stage of your skincare journey and help you build habits that actually make a difference, whether you’re 25 or 55.
What happens to your skin in your 40s and 50s
For women, this is the time hormonal shifts start to get real, which can drastically affect your skin—how it looks, how it feels, and how quickly it recovers. Estrogen levels drop and collagen production continues to decline, leaving your skin drier, less elastic, and less smooth than you may like.
This doesn’t mean all is lost. It just means it’s time to shift your skincare focus to rebuilding, hydrating, and protecting.
Top skin concerns for Gen X
Most Gen X-ers see skin issues in one (or all) of the following areas:
- More pronounced signs of aging. Deeper wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of elasticity is common for people in their 40s and 50s.
- Hormonal changes. Women experiencing perimenopause may have drier skin than they’re used to, which also affects skin elasticity and wrinkles. This is due to the drop in estrogen levels, which plays an important role in collagen production, hydration, and overall skin structure.
- Accumulated sun damage. By now you’re likely seeing signs of sun damage on your skin. Unlike sunburns and tans—which show up immediately—pigmentation and uneven skin tone issues can take years to appear on your face. With a few decades of adulthood under your belt, all that unprotected sun exposure starts to add up.
Skincare tips for Gen X
By now, you’ve got the basics down. You have the cleansers and moisturizers you like, and you know sunscreen is important, even if you don’t always remember to apply it before starting your day. A lot happens to your skin as you age though, so it’s important to make adjustments to your skincare regimen as needed to continue to support radiant, healthy skin.
Here are a few suggestions on skincare adjustments you might want to consider in your 40s and 50s.
Double down on sun protection
It’s never too late to start a new habit. Even if you’ve been good about sunscreen in the past, most of us could still do a better job at being consistent. Apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) as the final step of your morning skincare routine, every day. Even if it’s cloudy, or if you plan to spend the day inside.
Ingredients that may help lighten sun spots: Glycolic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, thiamidol, vitamin C
Hydrate inside and out
Your skin is likely drier than it used to be, so hydration is more important than ever. Start using a richer, cream-based moisturizer if you haven’t already, and keep drinking that water. A collagen supplement can help support hydration from the inside out, too.
Ingredients that support hydration: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane
Treat those wrinkles
Each wrinkle is earned from the daily joys and struggles of living. But if you’d rather minimize that particular side effect of life, some extra TLC can help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lifestyle adjustments like stress management and a healthy diet can help with this, as well as products that help stimulate collagen production, like peptides and retinol.
Ingredients that help minimize wrinkles: Retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
Bring back your glow
Regular exfoliation (a few times a week) helps remove dead skin cells that build up throughout the week and unveil the real—and radiant—you beneath.
Ingredients that support skin brightness: Vitamin C, ginkgo biloba, niacinamide, azelaic acid
Consider hormone treatment
Middle-age hormone shifts can bring on more challenges than you can tackle on your own. A licensed dermatologist can discuss further treatment options with you that may address the skin issues you’re experiencing.*
Lifestyle tips that support youthful-looking skin
Skincare is about more than just what you put on your skin. The way you live your life makes a difference, too. Complement your skincare routine with lifestyle habits that support glowing, healthy skin (and overall health while you’re at it):
- Sleep more. Quality sleep supports cellular repair, which in turn supports overall skin health and appearance.
- Eat a healthy, nutritious diet. Your skin reflects your habits. A diet high in ultra-processed foods and refined sugar causes your skin to age faster, whereas a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s supports healthy-looking skin.
- Stress less. Easier said than done, but more zen in your life can go a long way.
- Exercise. Any movement you can get in throughout the day improves blood flow, which supports a healthy, radiant complexion.
While you may not be able to control your age, you do have some control over your lifestyle, and your skin will thank you (and reward you) for your efforts. Keep an eye on Shed, too—more skin support will be coming your way soon!
Support what supports you
Your skin is on this life journey with you—and your efforts to treat it well can make a bigger difference than you might think. Visit tryshed.com for more skincare resources.
Gen X skincare FAQs
Why is my skin more sensitive than it used to be?
Hormonal changes and a weaker skin barrier can contribute to increased skin sensitivity, even if it’s something you haven’t experienced before. This is why it’s more important than ever to incorporate regular sunscreen and gentle, fragrance-free products into your skincare routine.
What are some effective anti-aging ingredients I should use?
Anything that supports collagen production—retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C—is a good place to start, as collagen helps maintain skin elasticity and hydration, which supports younger-looking skin.
What can I do about dark spots and pigmentation?
Prevention is the best treatment, so if you’re not applying sunscreen regularly, now is the time to start. A well-balanced, nutritious diet can also help you retain a healthy complexion. Ingredients like vitamin C, glycolic acid, and niacinamide may help lighten dark spots as well. Consult a licensed medical provider to discuss treatment options beyond lifestyle changes.*
What about Baby Boomers? Do these tips still apply?
The habits you establish earlier in life can still support you in your 60s and beyond. A simple cleanse, moisturize, and protect routine is important for people of all ages, but you may want to consider scheduling a regular appointment with a dermatologist as well to stay on top of age-related skin issues.
*This content is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
