It's hard to believe that the carefree days of young teenage skin (minus the acne) are a distant memory, and now it's time to start taking your skincare seriously. Whether you're just starting your roaring 20s or are nearing your flirty 30s, you can take proactive steps to ensure that your skin stays healthy, vibrant, and glowing for years to come. If you're just starting a skincare routine or if you're trying to update a routine you've had for years, learning about skincare for your 20s is a must. In this post, we'll be sharing our tips and insights on the best products, habits, and strategies for your 20s so you can look and feel your best.
Anti-Aging
What Skincare Should You Do In Your 20s?
How Does Your Skin Change In Your 20s?
Your 20s are an exciting time when you fully transition into adulthood and establish a strong foundation for your future. But it can also come with a steep learning curve, like figuring out how to balance your schedule and conquer everyday tasks. Even with everything else going on, it's essential not to forget about your skin— with age and changes in lifestyle, hormones, and diet come changes to your complexion and skin texture.
In your 20s, there are some common changes you will likely see in your skin: First, you'll notice a decrease in elasticity, and you may see wrinkles and fine lines beginning to form. Starting at around the age of 20, your skin begins to lose 1% of its collagen annually. Collagen loss, combined with a decrease in elastin, causes your skin to become weaker, less firm, and less bouncy, allowing wrinkles to form.
You may also notice that your skin looks more dry and less dewy in your 20s than it did in your teens. As we age, our skin produces less of the natural oils that keep it soft and moisturized. Lastly, you may find that your skin is more sensitive than it used to be. All of these changes can sound scary, but if you take proper care of your skin, you can age gracefully and maintain healthy skin.
Skincare Routine For Your 20s
Throughout your 20s, it's all about prevention when it comes to skincare, and it's never been more important for you to create and stick to a routine. Start with developing a morning and night skincare regimen that's tailored to your skin type.
At the very least, your daytime routine should include a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF. Make sure to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30, as sun damage speeds up the aging process. For more effective results, you should use a serum before moisturizing. For the evening, be sure to cleanse your face from all of the makeup and debris it's gathered during the day and follow up with a heavier moisturizer. To nourish your skin overnight, apply an anti-aging serum after cleansing and before moisturizing.
You can also enhance this simple morning and night routine by including exfoliation, masks, and other specialized treatments. Gentle exfoliation a few times per week can help to remove the build-up of dead skin cells, free up clogged pores, and immediately brighten the complexion. This prevents hyperpigmentation and keeps skin smoother. Try to exfoliate 3 to 4 times a week, depending on your skin type. Lastly, make sure to apply a face mask once or twice a week to deeply nourish and soothe your skin.
Must-Have Skincare Products For Your 20s
When it comes to skincare products for your 20s, investing in the essentials is critical. As we mentioned, no matter what skin type you have, cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF should be the core of your routine. We'll go over what to look for in these products and more.
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Cleanser
Given that your skin becomes more sensitive over time, it's essential to use a gentle, non-irritating cleanser. Look for a mild cleanser that is free of any harsh chemicals. Hyaluronic acid is an excellent ingredient for dry and sensitive skin, as it is ultra-hydrating. Cica also reduces inflammation while hydrating the skin. With the right cleanser, your skin will be ready to absorb whatever other treatments you use afterward.
Our Pick: Cica Redness Relief Nourishing Cleanser
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Moisturizer
Moisturizer is an essential product for people in their 20s, as a good moisturizer will help keep your skin hydrated and lock in moisture and nutrients. Find a moisturizer that contains hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. You can also find products that contain anti-aging ingredients like ceramides and peptides for improved texture and plumpness. Vitamin C and retinol helps with collagen in the skin so they can help replenish some of the collagen that is lost in your 20s.
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Serum
Serums play a crucial role in any skincare routine. The ingredients in serums are usually more potent than moisturizers and penetrate deeper into your skin. Look for products with anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinoids, Vitamin C, and peptides. Hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while retinoids help with the formation of new wrinkles. Vitamin C brightens and evens out skin tone, while peptides help to firm and plump the skin. Serums may seem like an extra step, but they can do wonders for your skin.
Our Pick: Matrixyl® 3000 Collagen Serum
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Facial Masks
Facial masks can be a great way to treat your skin to a deep cleansing and nourishing session. For 20-somethings, acne and blemishes can be common, so there are masks designed to help clear them up. Clay masks are great for absorbing excess sebum and dirt from the skin. Sheet masks can also be great for dehydrated and sensitive skin, as they contain a variety of beneficial ingredients like antioxidants that fight damaging free radicals. For more intensive treatments, look for overnight masks. These are thicker and have more concentrated ingredients to help give your skin an extra boost.
Our Pick: Replenishing Night Under Eye Patch
The Final Verdict : start your skincare in your 20s
Your 20s are a time of transition and change, and it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure healthy and vibrant skin. This will set you up for success in your 30s and beyond. The best thing you can do for your skin is to build a simple but effective daily regimen and stick to it consistently. Investing in quality and specialized skincare products tailored to your skin type can also help keep your skin looking and feeling its best. With a bit of effort, you'll be well on your way to a bright and glowing complexion for years to come.