Your 20s are the “coming of age” decade. There are many decisions that will affect the rest of your life. What university will you attend? What career path will you take? What about marriage and children?
However, one important decision not to overlook is starting your skincare routine. Dermatologists tell us that our skin starts to lose its luster when we reach our 30s and beyond. So the earlier you start, the better results you will have in the future.
In this article, we’ll discuss what happens to your skin during your first adulthood decade. And then we’ll lay out a general routine you can start implementing today for healthy, more beautiful skin.
Your Skin During Your 20s
Even though we associate acne and other skin problems with our teenage years, that doesn’t mean changes aren’t still occurring as you go through your 20s. Hormonal adult acne can affect people, especially women, well into their 20s and beyond. But there are additional factors that can do long-term damage to your skin, causing fine lines and wrinkles as you get older.
For one, UV light from the sun damages the skin cells and can even lead to cancer. Dermatologists recommend using lotions with at least 30 SPF for the best protection from sunlight. And remember to apply it, even if it’s cloudy and overcast because UV light penetrates the clouds.
Another factor that affects the skin is pollution from the environment and your habits, such as smoking or drinking. These contain free radicals which are known to damage collagen which causes wrinkles, fine lines, and other blemishes associated with aging.
Your diet also plays an important part in your skin’s health. Foods and drinks high in sugars can cause your skin to break out with pimples and acne. And not drinking enough water can leave your skin dry and tight.
Finally, stress also affects how well your skin recovers and heals. When we’re stressed and anxious, our body releases a hormone called cortisol. While it’s responsible for inducing our “fight-or-flight” response, it’s also been linked to collagen breakdown, damage to the skin’s protective barrier, and causes things like acne and other skin blemishes.
All of these factors combine to work against healthy skin. However, the right skincare routine can prolong the skin’s longevity and help the skin stay beautiful and healthy.
What’s the Best Skin Routine in Your 20s?
Starting your skincare OKC routine today will always be better than putting it off until tomorrow. Here are some basic things you can do now to start improving your skin’s health.
- Use Moisturizers: Keeping your skin hydrated is an important first step. Moisturizers with antioxidants and other minerals help lock in your skin’s natural moisture. They also often contain sunscreen which is a plus.
- Use Cleansers: After a long day, dirt, grime, sweat, and pollution build up on the screen. Using a cleanser before bed is a great way to get rid of all of that.
- Exfoliate: This will remove dead skin cells and unclog pores.
- Use a Face Mask: Face masks are perfect because they can be targeted for specific issues such as dry or sensitive skin.
Still not sure which skincare regimen is best to keep your skin looking its best over the decades? Consult a dermatologist or aesthetician today to determine the best path forward for your unique skincare needs.
