skincare starter kit for your 20s
There's a lot of changes that take place in our 20s. Everything we consume, mentally and physically, changes who we are and who we want to be. Ageing is a beautiful journey and being proactive with your health, inside and out, can help that journey go as smoothly as possible.
By age 25, the two structural proteins in our skin decrease- collagen and elastin. These proteins give structure to your skin to keep it firm, taut and flexible (able to stretch and snap back into place). You don't want to miss the opportunity in your 20s to prevent pre-mature ageing before it's too late. It's a lot easier to prevent, rather than treat fines lines, wrinkles and sun damage.
It can be overwhelming to build a skincare regimen with all the options on the market. We recommend you contact a Professional Esthetician in your area to book a skin consultation. You can work together to find a skincare regimen customized for your skin type and concerns.
Your 20s skincare starter kit:
Exfoliate
Use products containing AHA's and/or BHA's 2-3 times a week. They help slough away dead skin cells and penetrate the skin to unclog pores and boost cell renewal. Be sure to moisturize your skin post-exfoliation.
SPF
Sun damage is the number one cause of premature skin ageing. Protect your skin from sun exposure by applying and reapplying your SPF daily. UV rays are present all year so don't think you get away without any damage by skipping SPF in the winter months. Reapply till you die!
Retinol
Begin with an OTC retinol and start by using it 1-2 times a week to allow the skin time to adjust to its effects. Gradually work your way up to using it every day. Adding retinol into your routine in your mid-20s will help your skin tolerate using prescription-strength retinol in your late 30s.
Vitamin C or other antioxidants
Antioxidants help the body fight off free radicals. If you're not familiar with free radicals, check out this blog post to learn more.
Don't overdo it
Avoid using multiple exfoliating products at the same time and products that are too harsh or irritating to your skin. It can do more harm than good.
Double cleanse
Two cleansers may seem like a pain, but the extra step will ensure you've removed all oil, sweat, SPF, makeup and pollution at the end of the day. A proper cleanse is the first and the most important step in your skincare routine.
Sleep on your back
Sleeping on your side can result in pre-mature wrinkles caused by friction and pressure on the sides of your face. If you can't fall asleep on your back, try switching to a silk pillowcase.
Pay attention to your health
Focus on creating healthy eating habits. Fish, nuts, avocados, walnuts, carrots, green tea are all essential for your skin's health. Keep an eye on hormonal imbalances, deficiencies and talk to your doctor to discuss the potential need to take any supplements.
Hydrate
Find yourself the perfect water bottle to help you with your daily water intake. It's essential for your overall health as it aids in blood circulation, nutrient absorption and removal of toxins. When the skin is hydrated, it improves elasticity and looks plump. This reduces the chances of the skin cracking and becoming irritated, leading to skin conditions.
Don't neglect the neck
You may notice the first signs of ageing around the décolletage (neck and chest). Don't wait too long to bring your skincare down to your neck and chest to hydrate, exfoliate and protect the delicate skin.
As the years go by, our skin's ability to repair itself decreases. Find products that help you protect, prevent and heal the skin from damage caused by UV exposure and environmental stressors. If you're in your mid-20s, challenge yourself to update your skincare using this 20s skincare starter kit.
