What’s the Best Age to Begin a Skincare Routine?

The quest for healthy, glowing skin often sparks the same question, “What’s the best age to start skincare?” Some might say it’s never too early, while others argue there’s no rush. Here’s the truth—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but starting a skincare routine tailored to your age and skin type is essential for preventing common concerns and keeping your skin in its best condition.

Whether you’re navigating your teenage years or exploring skincare in your 30s, it’s never too late (or early) to begin. But skincare isn’t just about age—it’s also about understanding what ages skin and taking steps to prevent that. From sun exposure to lifestyle habits, small changes and the right products can make all the difference.

At The Body Shop, we believe skincare is self-care. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the tools to craft a routine that fits your needs no matter your age.

When Should You Start Skincare?

Many of us first encounter skincare during our teenage years, spurred on by acne or excess oil. While there’s no “golden rule,” experts generally recommend starting a basic routine as early as your pre-teens or teenage years. This is because your skin is beginning to face environmental stressors, fluctuating hormones, and other challenges. Think of early skincare as laying the foundation for years of vibrant, healthy skin.

That said, the best age to start skincare isn’t limited to one period of life. If you’re in your 20s, 30s, or beyond, starting at any point is perfectly fine—it’s all about using the right products for your current skin concerns.

What Ages Skin?

Before we head into the ideal products and routines, it’s important to understand what ages skin. Skin naturally ages over time, but external factors significantly accelerate the process. Here are some culprits you’ll want to protect against:

Sun ExposureUV rays are the leading cause of premature signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Daily sun protection is non-negotiable to maintain youthful skin. The Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50 is a fantastic lightweight option to shield your skin daily.
PollutionEnvironmental aggressors like pollution can cause oxidative stress, breaking down collagen and leading to dull, tired skin. A deep-cleansing face wash, like Edelweiss Cleansing Concentrate, can help remove impurities and pollution, leaving skin feeling smoother, fresh and luminous.
DehydrationLack of moisture can lead to dry, flaky skin, increasing the appearance of wrinkles. Keeping your skin hydrated with products rich in natural moisturisers is key.
Lifestyle ChoicesStress, poor diet, and lack of sleep leave their mark on your skin over time. Incorporating wellness into your daily habits can elevate your skincare game.
Free Radical DamageFree radicals caused by UV rays and pollution attack healthy skin cells. Antioxidants play a vital role in neutralising these harmful agents.

Skincare by Age

Pre-Teens to Teens (12–19)

This is often the age skin becomes oily or acne-prone due to hormonal fluctuations. A basic routine to cleanse, tone, and moisturise is ideal. For cleaning excess oil and impurities, try The Body Shop’s Aloe Soothing Cream Cleanser — gentle, soothing, and perfect for sensitive young skin.

Spot treatments like Tea Tree Oil can also help manage acne without harsh chemicals that irritate youthful skin. At this stage, simplicity and consistency are most important.

20s

Your 20s are the time to start skincare as a preventive measure. While you might not see signs of aging yet, it’s critical to hydrate and protect your skin. Daily sunscreen use is non-negotiable, as is including a lightweight serum with antioxidants, like The Body Shop’s Edelweiss Daily Serum Concentrate, to fight free radical damage.

30s

This is the age when fine lines might begin appearing around the eyes and mouth. Adding targeted treatments like eye cream and brightening serums can help. The Vitamin C Glow Boosting Serum is an excellent addition to maintaining a radiant complexion and glowing skin.

40s and Beyond

Skin becomes thinner and drier in your 40s, with more visible loss of elasticity. Look for rich creams and serums designed to hydrate deeply and firm the skin. The Edelweiss Intense Smoothing Day Cream is formulated to suit mature skin with powerful moisturising and protective benefits.

Adding retinol-based or peptide-rich products during this stage can kickstart cellular turnover and reduce further fine lines.

Building Your Age-Appropriate Routine

Cleanse Always begin with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and makeup.
Exfoliate (2–3 times per week) Exfoliation prevents build-up and encourages cell turnover, promoting smoother skin over time.
Hydrate Apply a hydrating serum or cream tailored to your skin’s needs. Products enriched with antioxidants, such as Vitamin E Moisture Cream, provide lasting hydration while defending against environmental stressors.
Protect Finish off your morning routine with sunscreen, regardless of your age. Even on cloudy days, SPF is crucial in preserving youthful skin.
Treat (Night Routine) At night, use a serum or cream targeting specific concerns like fine lines, dullness, or hyperpigmentation.

Why Starting Early Matters

The beauty industry is evolving, and sustainability isn’t just an extra—it’s a must. Brands that go the extra mile by offering sustainable solutions allow you to care for your beauty and the planet simultaneously. At The Body Shop, we believe that green beauty brands are key players in shaping a healthier and more beautiful world.

Switching to sustainable beauty products may seem small, but each choice adds up. From a vegan makeup product that avoids harming animals to an eco-friendly skincare product that minimizes waste, what you choose matters. And when you shop ethically, you support brands that prioritize long-term change over short-term trends.

Why Starting Early Matters

If you’ve hesitated to begin your skincare routine, remember this—your skin reflects years of consistency, care, and the decisions you make today. Starting early can prevent the first visible signs of aging and restore health to tired or stressed-out skin. But it’s never too late either; skincare is for everyone, at every stage of life.

Imagine coming home after a busy day, cleansing your face with The Body Shop’sCamomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter , followed by a soothing layer of moisturiser. Each product complements your unique skin, offering a true moment of self-care.

Skincare Is a Lifetime Commitment

The age of skincare isn’t about a magic number—it’s about awareness, consistency, and self-love. Whether you’re exploring products in your teens or beginning in your 40s, what matters is starting. Skincare routines evolve as you age, and so do your skin’s needs.

At The Body Shop, we invite you to explore products that match your goals at every phase of life. Celebrate your skin story, and invest in routines that nurture, protect, and enhance its health from within.