The Decade: 40s
The Skin You're In
Your skin is losing some of its elasticity and firmness now. Many of the changes you're seeing are due to a decrease in estrogen that naturally occurs as you get closer to menopause, Welch explains, and chronic ultraviolet exposure that finally catches up with you. Typically drier, your skin will have larger pores, some age spots, and some fine lines around the eyes and mouth.

Essential Steps
+ The rules of cleansing and toning stay the same, although you should opt for a heavier moisturizer. If you use a light, water-based facial lotion, try switching to an oil-based product or a cream formula.

+ If you didn't start using an exfoliant or vitamin A in your thirties, start now. Other ingredients to add to your arsenal include green tea and soy extracts, topical vitamin C and E, and coenzyme Q10, all of which protect skin from damage.

Thinking Ahead
Menopause is coming, which means your skin will get drier -- so don't skip the moisturizer. As estrogen levels drop, fatigue and nutritional gaps will take a greater toll, Treloar points out. "This is when adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and relaxation exercises become really important," she says. And don't slack on the sunscreen -- keeping sun damage at bay is as crucial as ever.

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Petty's prescription for dry skin includes increasing your vitamin B2 (as part of a multivitamin or B-complex supplement) and taking borage oil supplements, which supply the body with gamma linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid. And drinking eight glasses of water a day will promote skin hydration from within

The Decade: 50s and beyond
The Skin You're In
You'll notice even more of a change in your skin tone after menopause, says Lucchina. "It has even less elasticity," she explains. When you toss in cumulative sun damage, texture and color issues suddenly become more apparent. You'll also see more significant lines around the eyes, mouth, and across the forehead.

Essential Steps:
+ Watch for signs of skin cancer, says Welch. Enlarged moles, dry spots that don't go away, and pimples that bleed and don't heal should be examined.

+ To prevent moisture loss, use a creamy cleanser, an alcohol-free toner, and a rich hydrator every morning and night.

+ Cell turnover slows in your fifties, so consider switching to an abrasive exfoliant like ground almonds or apricot seeds.

Thinking Ahead
It's never too late to prevent skin damage from occurring in the future, emphasizes Schultz. "It's terrible to think people are writing their skin off," he says. "Your skin is still constantly renewing itself and can actually be very forgiving. It just needs help to improve." You'll be surprised at the difference proper moisturization and exfoliation can make.
 
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Age spots indicate an accumulation of free radicals, Petty explains. Prevent further damage by getting enough vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, and selenium -- all potent antioxidants. Petty also suggests drinking milk-thistle tea to support the liver and aid in the elimination of toxins.

Freelance writer Sharon Goldman covers health and beauty issues for Body + Soul.