The Best Skincare Advice for People in Their Twenties

When it comes to skincare, your twenties are the ideal age to take care of your skin. This is the decade to reconsider your routine and give it a thorough update, but where do you even begin?

There's the anti-ageing stuff, which many experts recommend starting sooner rather than later. "Women should start thinking about anti-ageing in their twenties." According to Dennis Gross, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon and the founder of Dr Dennis Gross Dermatology in New York, "research shows that as early as age 25, our skin's two structural proteins—collagen (which keeps it firm, taut, and resilient) and elastin (which gives skin its flexibility, allowing it to stretch out and then snap back into place)—decrease."

 

Don't worry if you're unsure about the first steps. We've got you covered with some of the most excellent advice from the country's leading dermatologists. So, incorporating these suggestions into your skincare routine today is critical whether you desire wrinkle-free skin in the future or want to preserve its long-term health.

 

Please continue reading to find out what experts told us about taking care of your skin in your twenties.

 

 

Exfoliation is essential.

Exfoliate regularly to maintain collagen regeneration. "Products containing salicylic, alpha, and beta hydroxy acids can help exfoliate dead skin cells and grime from the skin's surface while also penetrating beyond the surface to unclog pores, prevent future breakouts, smooth texture, and accelerate cell regeneration," explains Gross.

Never underestimate the effectiveness of SPF.

"U.V. rays are constantly there, even on a gloomy day," explains Elizabeth Hale, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at N.Y.U. Langone Medical Center. "U.V. rays can be reflected off several surfaces, including concrete, sand, water, and snow." "U.V. radiation reflected from surfaces is exactly as harmful as direct exposure.

 

"Sun is the leading cause of external skin ageing; individuals should be concerned about this degree of sun exposure because it isn't often considered regularly," she explains. "It is essential to protect oneself at all times since unintentional sun exposure occurs regardless of the season and leads to premature skin ageing." A daily SPF product year-round is essential for any healthy skin routine.

Diet is important, but so is exercise.

"Drink two or three litres of fresh water with a touch of lemon every day," advises Jeannette Graf, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York and partner at O.M.N.I. Aesthetics MD. "Eat plenty of fresh greens and fibre; take vitamin D3 supplements." For optimal health, often exercise and follow an alkaline diet. "

Cleaning (and choosing the correct cleaner) is essential.

Are you still using the same skincare routine you had in college or high school? You may want to reconsider your strategy because your skin's requirements change as you age. "Many people in their 20s continue to use the same harsh cleansers and drying astringents they relied on as greasy and acne-prone youths," says Gross. You may not notice it, but your oil glands are shrinking at this point in your skin's life cycle, causing anti-acne and mattifying creams formerly helpful to produce redness, flaking, and irritation.

 

Even if you suffer from acne, your skin shouldn't be squeaky clean, says Rebecca Kazin, MD, of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and the Johns Hopkins Department of Dermatology. Scrubbing excessively aggravates the situation by causing irritation and leading to additional outbreaks. "

During the warmer months, choose oil-free products.

"It is vital that you combine a moisturizer with humectants to assist the skin in absorbing and retaining moisture," Gross advises. But, before you go for heavy cream or foundation, remember that oil isn't necessarily your friend; instead, search for moisturizing components that will work well for your skin.

 

"Hyaluronic acid is usually an excellent active component to look for because it moisturizes via these humectants, which suck water vapour from the atmosphere and into the skin," he explains. "Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that is compatible with the skin and does not produce breakouts, which can still be an issue in this decade." It plumps the skin and eliminates fine wrinkles, giving you an immediately revitalized appearance. "Use an oil-free solution, especially in hot weather."

Retinol is an essential component and multitasker.

"Beginning in your 20s, your skin begins to lose its capacity to regenerate itself, so it's critical to begin an anti-ageing program early." "A careful use of retinol and glycolic will drastically delay the ageing process while maintaining a healthy regimen," says Craig Austin, MD, a big fan of glycolic.

 

Retinol is an excellent anti-ageing component and aids acne prevention, making the star element a skincare favourite.

 

"There is a lot of overlap between acne and anti-ageing products." Peels and retinoids address both concerns. "Peels are ideal for those who find Retin-A too irritating," Kazin says.

Never, ever sleep with your makeup on.

 

We're all guilty of sleeping in our makeup on occasion—hey, it happens—but we never consider making it a habit. "This can clog pores and trap oil within," warns Gross. "This causes germs to accumulate and, yep, outbreaks." It can also cause pores to swell, which no one wants. Try a cleanser containing witch hazel extract, a natural toner with antioxidant and anti-irritant characteristics, or willow herb extract, which has natural antibacterial properties. "

Adult acne should be treated cautiously.

Acne occurs after high school, but treating it before it worsens is critical. "A few sporadic breakouts can still occur at this age." " Avoid over-drying your skin using over-the-counter [treatments]. Consider receiving a prescription for Aczone 7.5 per cent, which soothes irritated acne cysts without drying out the skin, "suggests Annie Chiu, MD, a board-certified cosmetic and general dermatologist."

Begin your anti-ageing routine.

When it comes to anti-ageing, everyone has a different mindset. Incorporating at least one anti-ageing product into your skincare routine might be a fantastic way to ease into the process while experimenting with elements that work for you. "Begin with a product containing vitamin C or other antioxidants." "These treatments help prevent premature ageing by avoiding the oxidative damage caused by U.V. exposure and pollutants," explains Chiu.

Don't go overboard.

It's crucial to prioritize preventive and skin health, but it's also important to realize that doing too much can cause irritation and damage. Kazin has even noted an increase in sensitive skin among patients in their twenties due to overly severe skin overhauls. "I've seen an upsurge in rosacea and acne in my patients' the early twenties." They are frequently so concerned with prevention that they overcompensate and overuse specific products. Some are utilizing excessively harsh or unpleasant products for their skin, such as too potent retinol or excessive exfoliation, "she explains.

 

If you want to eliminate sensitivity, there is a strategy for changing products. "If your skin care regimen isn't producing the desired results, simply switch out one product at a time," she says. "Otherwise, you could have a response, and if you're trying out five new items at once, you won't know what caused it." "Leave a new product in your routine for at least four weeks before introducing another."