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The skin issues you deal with in your early 20s are different than what you deal with in your late 20s. This decade starts with simple concerns like blackheads and ends with worrying ones like wrinkles! Even though you should be enjoying your best skin and perky tit years, you should also remember that whatever you do or don’t do in terms of skincare in your 20s is going to define your 30s. So, whether you’re going to have to struggle with hyperpigmentation or early-arriving wrinkles is all up to you. That’s why you need to have a solid skincare routine in your 20s with proper skin care products for your 20s.
It’s important to remember that skincare is personal. It’s all up to you to decide how far to go with it. Stay minimal and stick to a few products.
Or branch out and try other helpful ingredients and supporting products like face masks, essences, face oils, spot treatments, or even skincare capsules. But whatever you do, know that prevention is easier than treatment.
If you’re going to spend money on skincare, make sure you do your part and protect your skin from the sun and try to lead a healthy lifestyle. Otherwise, it’s going to be a waste of money. Keep reading for the skin care products you should be using in your 20s.
The Best Skin Care Products For Your 20s
1. A proper cleanser
It all starts with a clean face. The only common ground with skincare regardless of age is cleansing. A non-drying simple cleanser suitable for your skin type is essential. Cleansers are the ones that run out quickly and can drain your budget. But also, you use those the most.
That’s why you need to pay attention to the formulation, the texture, and the active ingredients it contains. Go for a salicylic acid cleanser if you’re dealing with breakouts or congestion in your early 20s. Or pick a gentler formulation that won’t interfere with the other active ingredients in your routine.
Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash
La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
2. An exfoliant
Exfoliation is a multi-purpose skincare step. It’ll help clear out acne and eliminate congestion in your early and mid-20s. For your late 20s, it’ll increase skin turnover and eliminate dullness, smooth out fine lines, and get rid of flaky skin.
That’s why you need to have some sort of an exfoliant in your skincare routine. You can try exfoliating with a liquid peel 1-2 times a week. Or you can try exfoliating toners or pads and use them every day.
Youth To The People Mandelic Acid + Superfood Unity Exfoliant
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
3. A ride-or-die vitamin C serum
Using an antioxidant face serum in your 20s or an antioxidant-rich face cream is a great investment in your future skin. It’s also the perfect addition to a glow-boosting skincare routine. And there’s no other antioxidant like vitamin C when it comes to adding glow to your complexion. Plus, it goes both as treatment and prevention.
Vitamin C will amplify your sunscreen when you use it under SPF. It’ll protect your skin against oxidative stress and prevent premature aging like hyperpigmentation and fine lines. So you can enjoy an even skin tone in your 20s as well as in your 30s.
Summer Fridays CC Me Serum
Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum
4. An eye cream
Once you find the right eye cream, it’ll make all the difference in your skincare and in your makeup. Eye cream is essential because just like the rest of your face, you’ll have wrinkles and hyperpigmentation in the eye area.
And the best way to deal with them is to make sure you hydrate in your early 20s and start treating in your mid and late-20s with an eye cream made with active ingredients. Try peptides for firming up the skin in that area or try a vitamin C eye cream to get rid of dark circles.
Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Cream
Belif Moisturizing Eye Bomb
5. A hydration booster
Hydration is key in maintaining a healthy skin barrier and preventing signs of aging. Either in the form of a hyaluronic acid serum or a majorly hydrating daily moisturizer, get yourself a proper hydration booster. Most women in their early 20s think they have wrinkles and crow’s feet whereas it’s all because of dehydration.
Dehydrated skin makes lines more visible. Not to mention, all skin types can suffer from dehydration, including oily skin. So, basic hydration followed by a lightweight emollient moisturizer will plump up your skin and increase its radiance.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
Versed Moisture Maker Hydrating Hyaluronic Serum
6. A type of retinol
Just like exfoliating acids, retinol is also a multi-tasker. It’s the absolute best for acne and age-related skin concerns. Here’s the thing, you’re going to start using a full-blown retinol cream/serum or a prescription retinoid in your 30s. And you’ll see that your skin needs adjustment. It takes weeks for your skin to familiarise itself with the active.
For that reason, it’s better to start using a gentle retinol product with a low concentration or a product made with retinol esters or even a bakuchiol serum. They will make sure you get all the benefits for targetting acne, scarring, and wrinkles while helping your skin build tolerance. So when the real wrinkles kick in, you’re already familiar with it and don’t have to deal with major side effects associated with the retinol adjustment period.
First Aid Beauty Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate
Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol
7. SPF
The sun is vital to your being. On the flip side, it’s the ultimate enemy of your skin. The simple act of protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun is going to give you a headstart on having wrinkle-free skin! No amount of an antioxidant serum can give you the protection that a sunblock can.
But sunscreen is one of those things that are usually heavy, smothering, and unpleasant. But invest in a good one and try multiple products. Once you find one, it’ll be your most powerful weapon against wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Remember to reapply your sunscreen during the day and always wear protective clothing.
Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen SPF 42
Supergoop! Mattescreen Sunscreen SPF 40
So these are the skin care products you should be using in your 20s to maintain healthy skin and prevent premature wrinkles. If things feel overwhelming, remember that moisturizing and applying SPF are the most important steps.
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