What your skin needs changes as you age, and so should your skin care products. A twenty-year-old woman certainly doesn’t have the same anti-aging skin care needs as a woman in her fifties, so they probably shouldn’t be using the same products.

It wasn’t that long ago women did not have the choices they do today in skin care. But thanks to new discoveries and new technologies, women no longer have to search for the proper skin care they need—at what ever age they may be.

—In your twenties. Yes, women in their twenties need skin care products, even though they still have that fresh, dewy look that older women crave. It is critical that women in this age group begin caring for their skin now to avoid problems and increased aging later. While no topical product can eliminate the effects of aging, the earlier women start caring for their skin the better. Women in their twenties don’t need wrinkle reducing products, but they can benefit from skin toners, a gentle skin cleanser, moisturizers and anti-aging formulas. Products should always include a SPF factor of at least 15 for day-to-day use and higher for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. Products should also contain elements that maintain hydration and help fight outside influences that can damage skin, such as pollution and, of course, UV rays. Lotions with multi-vitamins, especially vitamins A, C and K are the ones to look for.

—In your thirties. Once a woman hits 30, they begin to notice the inevitable signs of aging. It’s not the time to panic and start looking for a plastic surgeon. Today there are wonderful, highly effective topical products that can not only protect your skin from the signs of aging, but reverse them as well. This is when women, even those who still have that youthful glow, have to start thinking seriously about their skin care. Lotions containing an SPF of 15 or higher are even more critical now because your skin becomes more fragile as you age. Look for multi-vitamin lotions and toners, ones that contain retinol and alpha hydroxy acids are a good bet. As you move into your later thirties, it’s time to start looking for products that target specific areas, such as beneath your eyes.

—In your forties and fifties. This is usually when women start looking in the mirror and get a bit queasy about what they see—especially if they weren’t taking care of their skin in their twenties and thirties. This is when deeper lines appear, those crows feet don’t disappear when you stop smiling, your skin loses some elasticity and begins sagging. These are the years when moisturizing becomes even more critical. Vitamin-rich formulas that contain retinol and alpha hydroxy acids are even more essential. In addition to skin care products, it’s also vital that women in their forties get enough sleep and hydration. The outer layer of skin is drier and thicker than when you were younger, so it’s a good idea to gently exfoliate to lose that dull, dry look older women can sometimes get.

—After Menopause. Hormonally deficient skin needs even more nutrients than younger skin, and, because of the aging population, more and more products are being developed for this particular age segment. Moisturizing, UV protection, vitamins, and retinol are still vital, as well as a mild exfoliate.