Weren’t Gen Xers just a second ago ripping the perfect holes in their grunge wear, waiting for someone to say “bless you” ala Bridget Fonda in Singles, and playing London Calling on repeat? Members of this group are now in their 40s and 50s, and skin care has moved to the front burner. It’s a daunting task, but these rules will help your skin’s journey into middle age go that much smoother.  

Rule #1: Sunscreen is a must    

You should be wearing an SPF every single day and reapplying every couple of hours. And yes, this counts if you’re inside, too! Believe it or not, UVA rays can travel through windows, and they are the culprits most responsible for wrinkles and discoloration. Wearing sunscreen will help prevent that UVA-induced aging, all while providing the added benefit of protection from skin cancer. Keep the SPF no lower than 30 and no higher than 50 for optimal protection. The Senté Invisible Shield Sunscreen is a great option. An added bonus? It also provides some pollution-protection properties. 

Rule #2: Keep your skin hydrated  

Hydration is more than slathering your face in moisturizer. Hydration targets your skin below the surface of your outermost layer of skin, and it’s just as vital as moisturizing the outer layers. Along with drinking water and using a hydrating serum, it’s best to get a HydraFacial once a month. This treatment will deeply cleanse, remove the impurities a washcloth at home can’t reach, and hydrate your skin deeply. You’ll notice a difference in the look and feel of your skin almost immediately. Afterward, your products will be much more effective with fresh, properly cleansed skin. 

Rule #3: Recovery treatments matter 

Remember all that time you spent by the pool this summer without sunscreen? Well, your skin does. Fortunately, you can aid in the recovery of your skin now that you’re wearing SPF every single day. (Right? Right.) A favorite treatment of ours is the Forever Young BBL Photofacial, which uses pulses of broadband light to treat sun damage. If you’ve got hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and other signs of aging, consider this in combination with other age-defying OrangeTwist treatments. 

Rule #4: Good skin comes from the inside out 

If you’ve been looking for a sign to clean up your diet and drink more water, this is it! Good skin is achieved from the inside out. Eat those leafy greens and fruits to encourage healthy, glowing skin. If you want a big boost, consider the vitamin B12 injection from OrangeTwist. It’s an anti-aging IV therapy service that pumps a special blend of Zinc, Biotin, Taurine, and B-Complex vitamins straight into your system.  

Gen Xers are individuals and tend to do their own thing, breaking rules along the way. But not these ones! Your skin is a large part of your body, and your body is the only one you’ve got. Taking care of it should be a top priority. Follow these skin care rules, and you’ll be good to go, no matter which generation can claim you.