Every age brings along it's own problems, cosmetologist Dr Rohini Wadhwani walks you through some skin treatments to combat these problems at different stages of your life

As we age, our skin gradually loses its elasticity and moisture, making our complexion look dull and flaky. However, the signs of ageing can now be delayed by following a good skin care regimen right from your 20s.

Skin In The 20s

The skin in the early 20s might carry forward high oil production from the teenage years but as you approach the late 20s, signs of dryness may start appearing. Since elasticity, blood circulation and skin tone are very good at this age, a daily cleansing, toning, moisturising and protection, with weekly exfoliation should suffice; however those suffering from acute acne may want to consider the following non-aggressive treatments to prevent the condition from worsening.

Treatments Available

Deep cleansing treatment: This should be done every four to six weeks and is highly suited for those with oily, acne-prone skin. The skin is nourished using masks containing evening primrose and rosemary leaf oil.

Acne treatment: A combination of treatments, along with a home care routine is prescribed to reduce acne.

Microdermabrasion skin polishing: This procedure uses a controlled spray of fine crystals to remove the outer layer of the skin and reveal the younger, tighter and more radiant skin underneath. This treatment is ideal for skin blemishes, acne, scars, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles; and can be carried out on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, stomach, back or legs.

Nourishing skin treatment: This treatment is designed to pamper you. It includes a deep cleansing treatment with a nourishing gel and cream that leaves your skin feeling softer, smoother and hydrated. It is especially beneficial for those who have started to show signs of dryness as it helps in delaying signs of ageing.

Laser hair removal and reduction: Usually recommended across all ages, it is efficacious to treat all types of hair. The most sophisticated and suitable laser technique for darker coloured skin is the Diode laser presently available with a number of dermatologists across the country.

Skin In The 30s

As the skin around the eyes, mouth and neck area is very thin, the first telltale signs of ageing start appearing around there in the early 30s mainly due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin. Another common occurrence is the formation of an oily T-zone with dry skin elsewhere. In such a case, it is essential to hydrate the dry skin well. Age spots, sun spots and pigmentation may also start appearing towards the late 30s, greatly accelerated if one has not been wearing sun-block. The 30s is a good age to start your anti-ageing regimen in full swing!

Treatments Available

Nourishing skin treatments: These must be done to delay the signs of ageing and maintain the suppleness and youthfulness of the skin. One can continue the same treatment recommended for the 20s.

Visible radiance skin treatment: This treatment flushes out impurities, leaving the skin clean, invigorated, hydrated and nourished. Usually done professionally, the treatment involves a massage with an oxygen-releasing high quality cream, lavender oil and a mask to suit individual needs.

Oxygenating treatments: These release oxygen to the cells and give the skin an invigorated look. These also work well when combined with other treatments for skin that lacks natural glow.

Glycolic skin peel: The buzz in the beauty world for some time now, these peels are used to prevent and treat age spots, pigmentation and other signs of ageing. A solution is applied to the skin, which causes the dead upper layer to separate and peel off, thereby allowing skin to regenerate.

Skin In The 40s

Dryness increases at this stage if one has not followed a good skin care routine in the past. The fine lines will deepen and appear prominent around the forehead, eye and mouth area. The skin loses its elasticity at this stage and looks saggy. Sun spots, age spots and pigmentation might appear in the late 40s. Your skin needs special attention now, so make sure you follow an intensive skin care routine and religiously!

Treatments Available

• Glycolic skin peels

• Collagen facials: These offer rejuvenation along side a collagen mask that accelerates skin regeneration.

• Non surgical face-lift: As one grows older, the muscles of the face and neck begin to sag and fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear. A CE-approved micro-current machine can tone the muscles of the face and stimulate blood circulation, thereby producing the desired lift. This treatment can also be performed on body areas like the bust and buttocks.

• Botox injections: A temporary treatment for frown lines between the eyebrows, forehead lines and crow's feet near the eyes, in which the Botox injected paralyses the muscle that causes the fine lines, thus making them disappear.

• Under-eye dark circle treatment: This can even be started in the 30s with the onset of the dark circles.

• Intensive ampoule treatment: It involves the use of collagen and elastin ampoules to maintain the tone, elasticity and texture of the skin.

• Skin softening treatment: Using paraffin wax to maintain the hydration and suppleness of the skin.

Dr Rohini Wadhwani practices at Bare Necessity, Permanent Hair Reduction and Advanced Beauty Clinics in Mumbai.