“What Happens to Your Skin After Age 25 (And How to Slow It Down)”
We often associate “anti-ageing” with turning 30, but here’s the truth, your skin actually begins to change around the age of 25. It might not be visible straight away, but under the surface, your skin is slowly producing less collagen and elastin, the very building blocks that keep it smooth, firm, and plump.
Let’s break down what’s happening, and more importantly, what you can do to slow it down.
1. Collagen & Elastin Production Starts to Decline
Collagen is the protein that gives your skin structure. Around 25, your body naturally begins to produce about 1% less collagen every year. Elastin (which keeps the skin bouncy and firm) also decreases over time.
The result: fine lines may begin to appear, skin feels less plump, and its ability to “snap back” softens.
How to slow it down:
Start incorporating vitamin C serums to stimulate collagen production.
Add a retinoid or retinol to boost cell turnover.
Protect your collagen with daily SPF, even on cloudy days.
2. Skin Cell Turnover Becomes Slower
Your skin naturally sheds dead cells to reveal fresh, glowing skin. But after 25, this renewal process slows down, leading to dullness, uneven texture, and clogged pores.
How to slow it down:
Introduce gentle chemical exfoliants (like AHA or BHA).
Book regular facials or advanced treatments (like microdermabrasion or peels) to support skin renewal.
Keep your skin hydrated, dry skin can make the dullness more obvious.
3. Hyaluronic Acid Levels Drop
Hyaluronic acid acts like a moisture magnet in your skin. But as production declines, the skin may feel less hydrated and more prone to fine dehydration lines.
How to slow it down:
Use a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid daily.
Layer with a moisturiser to lock it in.
Drink plenty of water and support your skin barrier with ceramides.
4. UV Damage Catches Up
Even if you’ve been a sun-lover in your teens and early twenties, UV exposure accumulates over time. It’s one of the biggest accelerators of visible ageing, leading to pigmentation, fine lines, and uneven tone.
How to slow it down:
Wear SPF 30+ daily, no exceptions.
Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outside.
Invest in professional treatments like IPL, laser or targeted peels to reverse early damage.
5. Lifestyle Plays a Bigger Role Than Ever
Lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, and poor diet impact your skin more as you age. In your 20s, your body bounced back faster but now, your skin needs more support.
How to slow it down:
Prioritise sleep and manage stress.
Eat a nutrient-rich diet with antioxidants and healthy fats.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, both of which accelerate collagen breakdown.
The Bottom Line
Ageing is natural, and it’s nothing to fear. But starting early with preventative skincare and healthy habits can make a massive difference in how your skin looks and feels in the years to come.
Pro tip: Treatments like skin needling, IPL photo-rejuvenation, and LED light therapy can boost collagen, smooth texture, and give your skin the support it needs as it changes.