Your twenties - many life-changing experiences and changes take place throughout this decade of life, but the last thing you might be expecting is a change to your skin. After you’ve made it through the turmoil of teenage skin into adulthood, it could feel exasperating to find that, even though you’re in the prime of life, your skin is still needing a little TLC. Whether you already have a skin care routine in place, or you want to lay down the groundwork to nourish, protect and address areas of concern, this is really the best time to do it. Before we give out tips on how to take care of your skin, let us discuss the following:
What age should you start using skin care products? It is suggested to start using skin care products as early as your teenage years. However, if you are concerned that you might be starting to young, you should consult a dermatologist. Research shows that skin has basic needs regardless of age: cleansing, hydration, UV light protection, and ingredients to support barrier function and combat external stressors. Those are the basics, but as you age, you may want to expand your skin care routine to address other skin concerns.
How can your skin change in your 20s? Visible signs of skin aging such as fine lines and wrinkles can appear early in your 20s. But know that skin aging occurs before you can see it. Ethnicity, environment and lifestyle are the main culprits impacting facial skin aging. As you age, there is a reduction in collagen production. Collagen begins to degrade at a rate of 1% per year which leads to thinning skin and the development of fine lines and wrinkles. There is also a reduction in skin hydration and barrier function making the skin drier. If you’re concerned about reduced collagen production, add an antioxidant-rich vitamin C serum to your daily skin care routine.
Now, how do you take care of your skin in your 20’s. Creating a skin care routine at this point in your life doesn’t have to be overly complicated but should include the essentials:
- Cleanse and Tone - Use a gentle cleanser or exfoliating wash to rinse away buildup and makeup without stripping natural oils from the skin. Also, formulas with antioxidants are especially helpful as they combat free radicals and slow down signs of aging. You can even refresh your face with a revitalizing mist in the morning.
- Exfoliate - Keep your skin looking radiant and fresh by exfoliating two to three times a week. Exfoliants help reduce buildup of dead skin cells (which contribute to breakouts) as well as buff away environmental impurities that come into contact with the skin.
- Mask & Treat - Masks are exceptional for skin health because they contain concentrated levels of nutrients and vitamins to give your skin a healthy and vibrant glow. Choose a mask that combats dry spots and restores moisture with a hydrating formula.
- Moisturize - Healthy skin is hydrated skin! An antioxidant-rich moisturizer or serum seals in natural hydration while replenishing skin down to deeper levels. For even more benefit, look for a moisturizer that contains sunscreen to protect against sun damage or treat your lips to a hydrating formula for optimal moisture.
- Sunscreen - If your moisturizer doesn't contain an SPF, don’t skimp on this step - sun protection is just as (and maybe even more) important than any step in a skin care routine because it shields against damaging UVA and UVB rays and slows the appearance of aging.
- Eye Cream - While the previous steps are the essentials for skin care in your twenties, you might also feel inclined to boost a routine with extra products to serve as a preventative measure.
Aside from putting on skin care products to your skin, a healthy diet is also a must! What you should include in your diet:
- Bone Broth- bone broth is made of bones and connective tissue, it contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, collagen, glucosamine, chondroitin, amino acids that can boost not just your skin elasticity but also your immune system.
- Fish- have bones and ligaments made of collagen. Some people have claimed marine collagen is one of the most easily absorbed. But while your lunchtime tuna sandwich or dinnertime salmon can certainly add to your collagen intake, be aware that the “meat” of fish contains less collagen than other, less desirable parts.