Some people overlook skincare in their 20s, believing that they’ll address signs of aging when they show up.
Unfortunately, though, by this time, it can be quite difficult to regain the look of youth.
To maintain younger-looking skin as you age, skincare in your 20s is crucial. Here’s why.
1. It’s never too early to start
The simple reason why skincare in your 20s is super important is that it’s never too early to start looking after your skin. While you might not have started to show signs of aging yet, it doesn’t hurt to start preparing for that inevitable time. That way, you can pave the way to continue rocking a youthful glow even once the aging process becomes visible.
2. Prevention is the best remedy
Of course, there are things you can do to look younger as you age. Just as it’s never too early to start, it’s also never too late. But while there may be methods to make you look younger, it’s much easier, much more effective, and usually, much cheaper, to stay looking young rather than regain youthful looks after you’ve lost them. Prevention is the best cure.
3. Collagen production slows before your 30s
For most people, there are no obvious signs of aging in their 20s. But things are happening with your skin that you might not realize. The skin gurus at Kadee Botanicals explain that your skin actually slows down in its production of collagen as you reach your mid-20s. This means that your skin elasticity reduces. Fine lines, skin damage, and dark shadows will start to become visible. It’s best to address this as early as possible, rather than waiting until the signs are obvious.
4. Your lifestyle choices may take effect by the time you hit 30
By the time you reach 30, the impact of your lifestyle will usually show on your skin. For most people, this means premature aging as a result of sun exposure. Other factors that can cause premature signs of aging include smoking, repeated facial expressions, and sleeping on your face. Beauty experts advise starting a skincare routine before 30 to mitigate these signs.
5. Routines can take time to develop
Even with all the advice out there, it can still take a while to find your ideal beauty routine. While there are universal products and techniques that have been proven to work well, the truth is everyone has different skin. Some of the most powerful products might irritate your skin. You might prefer a natural alternative, or find that it’s not financially feasible to follow the exact routine set out by beauticians. Spend your 20s getting it right so you have a solid skincare plan in place by the time you reach your third decade.
6. You’re likely to be more stressed in your 20s
Stress is one of the factors that can lead to dull skin and fine lines. One of the main reasons is that stress leads to certain facial expressions that can result in fine lines. And for many people, stress is at an all-time high in their 20s. Even though it’s supposed to be the prime of life—or maybe because it’s supposed to be the prime of life—many people are highly stressed and anxious in this decade. You’re sorting out your career, your love life, your hopes and dreams, and just how to be an adult in general. It’s not a walk in the park!
7. You might not have the best diet in your 20s
While there’s a certain pressure to have your whole life worked out by your 20s, the reality is most people are still figuring it out well beyond that. Diet is one of the areas where people might be lacking in their 20s, as they might not be able to afford the most nutritious foods. A poor diet and lack of water can also lead to premature aging and skin issues. So again, it’s important to counteract this with a quality skincare routine.
What should your skincare routine look like in your 20s?
Now we know that a skincare routine is crucial for our 20s, even if we haven’t started showing signs of aging. So what does a good skincare routine look like in your 20s?
1. Protect your skin against harmful UV rays
The single most important thing that skincare experts recommend is wearing sunscreen daily. Wear SPF every day, even in the wintertime. Reapply every two to three hours when there are periods of high exposure, such as in summer.
2. Cleanse your skin twice a day and exfoliate a few times a week
Moisturize your skin after you cleanse and look for products that contain hyaluronic acid as an active ingredient, rather than oil. This is a compatible ingredient with the skin and doesn’t typically lead to breakouts.
3. Don’t be afraid of actives
It’s also important to incorporate anti-aging ingredients into your routine, such as retinol, glycolic, and vitamin C. These can come in the form of eye creams or skin serums, which can be applied after cleanser and before moisturizer.
4. Experiment a bit
Many experts also recommend adding further treatments, such as skin masks or facials, often. Skin masks are cost-effective treatments that you can use once a week. Facials tend to be costlier but can add a powerful boost of hydration.
