Maintaining Your Skin Through The Decades With Just The Necessities

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- There is a way to save your skin, as well as your money.

As CBS 2's Jessica Schneider reported Friday, you might not need as many products for your skin as you think. It's all about the bare necessities.

Women have been complaining about the state of their skin for ages. Many pile on the products – perhaps moisture, sunblock and serum in sequence – to turn back time.

But dermatologists said it does not have to be that complicated.

"You have to remember that one size doesn't fit all," said dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu. "You have to choose the right skin care for your age group."

You can break it down by the decade.

In your 20s, it's about preventing damage, and your skin care fix should involve a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50 every day. And if you get breakouts, you should use a toner with salicylic acid.

"For most people in your 20s, that might be all you need," Wu said.

In your 30s, your focus should be fighting the signs of sun damage, and a skin brightening project.

"Now's the time in your life when you may start to see discoloration; sun blotches," Wu said.

In your 40s, it's all about fixing sun damage. It's time to switch to a hydrating toner and add anti-aging products.

Wu said the products should contain "ingredients like retinoids, or vitamin C, or alpha-hydroxy acids. These will all help to build the collagen in your skin, and help soften fine lines and wrinkles."

And in your 50s, you want to build on the past few decades, and add a heavy moisturizer since your skin is getting drier.

"Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin that help to hold the moisture in your skin without making it greasy," Wu said.

And for those who opt for botox or fillers, beware – even in-office procedures require a lot of maintenance.

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