Your 20s can be a rather tumultuous time. You’re kickstarting your career, evolving in your personal relationships, and attempting to figure out a consistent skincare routine that works for you. Ideally, as puberty recedes, your hormonal cycle begins to stabilise, which means that you can probably expect your skin to calm down a little.
But, your hormones can continue to ebb and flow well into adulthood, even after puberty is long gone. This naturally affects your skin, often leading to what is commonly known as adult acne. However, if you’re one of the few lucky ones blessed with acne-free skin throughout your hormone cycle, your 20s can still present other skin concerns like dryness, excess oil and dullness. Plus, many 20-somethings often move to large, crowded cities, where increased exposure to stress, dust and pollution can adversely affect your skin.
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Research indicates that your skin’s collagen and elastin levels, both of which are responsible for making your skin firm, flexible and resilient, begin dipping around the age of 25, albeit slowly at first. Don’t fret just yet, because proper and preventative care in your 20s can go a long way in keeping your skin healthy and glowing for decades. Here are our best, tried-and-tested tips for nailing skincare in your 20s.
1. Never sleep with your makeup on
The one cardinal rule you must follow in your 20s is to take off your makeup before you go to bed, no matter how exhausted you are. Leaving your makeup on overnight can clog your pores, damage your skin barrier and even lead to acne caused by excessive oiliness. Even if your skin appears to be super resilient, the ill effects of leaving your makeup on overnight can compound over the months and lead to problems later on. Double cleansing is your best bet to ensure that every speck of makeup is wiped clean before you sleep. Pick an oil-based cleansing balm to gently melt your makeup away before you proceed with a foaming face wash.
2. Cleanser conundrum
If you buy a single skincare product in your 20s, invest in a good cleanser. Keeping your skin free of excess oil, dust, and grime is vital to keeping skin concerns like acne at bay. Go for a gentle, hydrating wash that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils but leave it feeling clean and refreshed. Buying skincare online can tempt you to try the latest viral sensation every other month, but don’t give in— with a cleanser, consistency is vital if you want to see results.
3. Start exfoliating on the reg
Exfoliating once or twice every week can do wonders for your skin by sloughing off dead skin cells. Ensure you pick a gentle chemical exfoliator since physical scrubs can be too harsh for your face. Look for AHAs like glycolic and salicylic acids to keep your skin’s texture smooth and even-toned.
4. A little goes a long way
If you’re just starting to dabble with actives, make sure you proceed with caution. Using a bunch of different actives can sound like a quick fix to get your glow on, but it can spell disaster for your skin, leaving it sensitised and irritated. Start with gentler actives like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, and in lower concentrations to get your skin acquainted with them. Vitamin C can be a great option to maintain and protect your radiance while combating the damage caused by environmental aggressors like the sun and pollution.
5. A good moisturiser is your BFF
Picking the right moisturiser can help keep your skin hydrated and strengthen your skin barrier, which in turn can keep a host of concerns like dryness and acne at bay. Pick a gel-based hydrator for oily skin and a richer emollient for dry skin. Look for ceramides to nourish your skin barrier and humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to keep your skin plump.
6. Never skip sunblock, seriously
You’ve probably heard this a million times before, but applying sunscreen daily is key to maintaining good skin health. Pick an SPF 30 or above for maximum protection, and reapply every 2-3 hours, even when you’re indoors. A good sunscreen can help combat early signs of ageing and keep your skin looking youthful for longer.
7. Switch it up
As the seasons go by, your skin’s needs change. Reach for oil-free, lightweight products during the hot and humid months and for rich, nourishing formulations during the colder, dryer seasons. Also, it is important to note that skincare for early 20s can differ slightly from skincare for late 20s. While the first focuses more on basic maintenance, the latter can take on a more preventative approach. It is wise to kickstart a basic anti-ageing regimen in your late 20s. Retinol is proven to be highly effective in delaying signs of ageing and even combating acne. Consult your dermatologist to help you pick a gentle retinol derivative that is best suited for your needs.
8. Watch what you eat
It may sound like a cliché, but you truly are what you eat. Your skin only stands to gain from a healthy diet rich in proteins, good fats and vitamins, and excess sugar or junk food can stress it out. Working out regularly is also crucial to maintaining good skin health, as is getting a solid 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
There you go with your 20s skincare! Money can be tight in your 20s, and splurging on expensive skincare may only sometimes be an option. But, who says good skincare has to come with a hefty price tag? Building an affordable skincare routine for 20s is easier than it sounds, especially when you’re spoilt for options today. If you’re still confused, going for pharmacy brands can also be safe, effective, and affordable.
