Many people believe that acne and other skin issues disappear after your teenage years are over, but that isn’t the case. Many people have acne, uneven skin tones, or other skin issues well into their twenties. A good skincare routine is great at any time in your life, but the early to mid-twenties is a great time to start focusing on preventing future aging symptoms.
A good skincare routine should protect the skin from stressors while also addressing any current skin issues. Here are some ideal skincare tips for your 20s to keep your skin looking young and healthy for years to come!
Skincare Tips for Your 20s
Minimize Skin Harm
Any stress, harm, or damage done to your skin in your 20s will be magnified in your 40s and 50s. Two of the easiest ways to protect the skin from unnecessary harm is to avoid smoking cigarettes and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Smoking is extremely harmful to the skin, due to over 4,000 toxins in cigarettes that can induce premature aging and even lead to the development of long-term skin disorders. Alcohol is similar in that it results in dehydration, blood vessel dilation, skin texture issues, and can aggravate chronic skin conditions such as rosacea or psoriasis.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Another major contributor to skin damage in your 20s is UV exposure, whether it be natural from the sun or synthetically from tanning beds, or even both. Overexposure to UV rays from any source can damage the skin and result in sunburn, result in early-onset aging, and increase your chance of developing skin cancer. If you’re in your 20s, make sure you’re practicing safe sun care, including wearing a high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen even on cloudy days. Also, make sure you’re avoiding sun exposure during peak UV hours, and wearing UV protectant apparel like a wide brim hat when you’re outdoors. You can still enjoy being outside in the warm weather, just make sure you’re protecting your skin while you’re out there.
Regularly Cleanse
Make it a habit to wash your face twice daily, once in the morning and once at night because this is one of the most important parts of a skincare routine. Before you go to bed, cleansing is especially important in order to remove all of the dirt, debris, and makeup from your face. Ideally, you should be using a double cleanse each time you wash your face. Start with an initial cleanse with an oil-based cleanser, then follow up that with a gentle foaming cleanser. This double cleanse routine will make sure there is no dirt, debris, or makeup on your face. It may seem excessive to use two cleansers, but sometimes the first cleanser doesn’t fully get all of the makeup off of the skin.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating is an essential part of maintaining healthy skin. The key to healthy exfoliation is balance, as over-exfoliating can lead to irritation and inflammation of the skin. The right amount of exfoliation provides benefits in the form of a healthy cellular turnover rate. For many twenty-somethings, a weekly exfoliation treatment using a product with alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is a great addition to the routine. We recommend avoiding physical exfoliants such as scrubs and brushes as these can lead to irritation and accelerate the signs of aging. Choose a chemical exfoliant, such as the one mentioned above.
Treat Acne
Again, many people think that acne only affects teenagers, but in fact, many people continue to have acne-related issues well into adulthood. People with light to moderate acne can control breakouts with mild acne products with lower concentrations of active ingredients. Products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are especially effective. People with severe and persistent acne should consult with a board-certified dermatologist, who can help prescribe medication and create a personalized treatment plan.
To learn more about how to treat acne properly, click here or check out our Acne Solutions Kit!
Add Anti-aging Products
For most people in their 20’s, anti-aging treatments are the last thing on their minds. However, your 20s are a great time to begin introducing anti-aging products into your routine. You can slowly introduce starter products (products with lower concentrations of active ingredients) into your skincare regimen. As always, if you have any questions or hesitations about using these types of products, consult with a board-certified dermatologist.
One of the easiest ways to start using anti-aging products is to start using a nightly eye cream, like our Advanced Eye Correction cream, because the skin around the eyes is incredibly delicate and prone to show signs of aging early on. Look for a product with proven anti-aging ingredients like peptides. Skincare products that contain retinol, or other forms of Vitamin A, are also a good choice as they are used to prevent wrinkles and boost collagen production. Additionally, antioxidant-rich serums can be used to protect the skin from daily environmental hazards like pollution and other free radicals.
Preventative Treatments
Dermatologists offer many great in-office treatments that are effective for younger skin including injectables such as neuromodulators (Dysport and Botox) and fillers (Juvederm and Restylane). Both of these are great options to maintain a youthful appearance while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles.
Chemical peels are a good option to consider for minor sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels are very effective in freshening up one’s appearance and improving the texture and surface of the skin.
To target acne scars, large pores, fine lines, and wrinkles, or just tighten up the skin, micro-needling is a great option with minimal downtime. Micro-needling is when small injury zones are created in the skin to stimulate new collagen and elastin for an overall healthy and rejuvenated glow.
BBL (Broadband Light) laser treatments are also a great option and can be fit into a busy schedule. BBL laser treatments are very effective in improving skin tone, texture, and eliminating sunspots. If you’d like to learn more about BBL treatments, download our Free BBL Infographic!
Anti-wrinkle Treatments
Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators, such as Botox and Dysport, are typically associated with older people, however, it’s a great treatment option for younger patients. Dermatologists have found that in your 20s, you start to lose collagen which can result in fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes and forehead.
Botox is also one of the most common treatments provided in dermatology offices that help to relax facial muscles that cause wrinkles and creases, and it is recommended for patients, even as young as in their twenties.
For younger patients, a lower dose is usually recommended as a method of prevention rather than correction. These treatments can be maintained 2-3 times per year with long-lasting results.
Fillers
Exposure to the sun, in addition to genetics, can cause the skin to lose its vibrance and plumpness. This volume loss can result in the skin appearing “saggy” around the cheeks, or “hollow” around the eyes. Fillers are a great option as they have little downtime and can be very effective in the improvement of one’s overall appearance. Fillers also might help delay the need for any more invasive treatments later in life, such as a facelift.
Micro-needling
Micro-needling is a procedure where tiny needles are used to penetrate the skin and create small injury zones. Once these zones are created, the skin responds by producing new collagen, resulting in tighter, smoother, and more evenly toned skin. This procedure is a great option for young patients that want to target any fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, large pores, or uneven skin tone. Micro-needling can also be performed with or without PRP (platelet-rich plasma) which is used to decrease downtime and enhance collagen production.
When it comes to taking good care of your skin, earlier is always better. Your 20s are a great time to start investing in yourself and your skin. If you have any questions about skincare in your 20s, contact us or download our Ultimate Skincare Guide to create the best skincare routine for your skin!