Starting a Skin Care Routine in Your 20s: Expert Advice
Your 20s is an ideal time to start a skin care routine and adopt skin-healthy habits. The skin care choices you make now will affect what your skin looks like in your next decade and beyond, says board-certified dermatologist Rajani Katta, MD, FAAD. With an overwhelming array of products and skin care trends, it can be difficult to know what’s good for your skin. That’s why we asked two board-certified dermatologists to share their expertise.
6 Skin Care Practices to Start in Your 20s
To keep your skin looking its best, dermatologists recommend using the following skin care practices daily.
Use These Two Skin Care Products Daily
To keep your skin looking its best, dermatologists recommend using these two skin care products every day:
- A mild cleanser: When selecting a cleanser, choose one for your skin type. Dr. Katta says, “For example, if you have acne-prone skin, use a mild cleanser that removes oil. Dry skin does better with a hydrating cleanser.” To get the best results from your cleanser, wash your face twice a day when you get up and before bed. You also want to wash after sweating.
- Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, and water-resistant: Any time you plan to be outside during the day, even if it’s to take a walk or drive to work, you expose your skin to the sun’s harmful rays. If you will be outside during daylight, protect your skin. Apply sunscreen to your face and any skin that clothing won’t cover, putting the sunscreen on 15 minutes before you go outdoors. Always put sunscreen on after other skin care products and beneath your makeup.
Add in a Skin Care Product That Addresses Your Primary Skin Concern
In our 20s, women’s skin care concerns can vary greatly, says Dr. Katta. While some women have acne-prone skin, others are noticing fine lines and other signs of aging. Dark spots can be the biggest concern for some. The best way to address your concerns is to use a skin care product that contains science-backed ingredients, says board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Baxt, MD, FAAD.
Some recommended ingredients include:
- Vitamin C serum or cream: Science shows that this ingredient can reduce skin aging and dark spots. Like other skin care products, you want to use a product formulated for your concern and skin type. When to apply vitamin C: Dr. Baxt tells her patients, “Apply it after washing your face in the morning, before you put on your sunscreen.”
- Retinoid: The term retinoid is a catch-all for an array of vitamin A-based products used on skin. It can treat mild fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and dark spots. It can also improve skin texture. If you’re looking to treat uneven skin tone, dark spots, or your skin’s texture, look for the word retinol. It’s a type of retinoid that’s used for these purposes. Retinol can give you younger-looking skin by speeding up new skin cell turnover, which starts to slow in your 20s. To treat acne, dermatologists prescribe one of these retinoids – adapalene, tazarotene, tretinoin, or trifarotene. You’ll also find adapalene in an acne-fighting product available without a prescription. When to apply a retinoid: Dr. Baxt recommends applying a retinoid before bed. After washing your face, wait 20 to 30 minutes and then apply it.
Make Your Skin Care Routine Adjustable, Consistent, and Tailored
To help her patients remember this point, Dr. Katta tells them to build ACT into their skin care. Here’s why:
For a skin care routine to meet your needs, it must be adjustable, says Dr. Katta. For example, you may need a moisturizer during the winter when the air tends to be dry. You’ll also need to adjust your skin care with the passing years. If a product you chose irritates your skin, you’ll want to stop using it right away.
When it comes to creating a skin care routine, consistency is also key. Unless a skin care product is irritating your skin, you need to keep using it. It takes at least 30 days to know whether it’s working.
You also want to create a skin care routine tailored to your needs, as discussed above.
One Thing Women in Their 20s Can Do to Keep Their Skin Looking Youthful
Protect your skin from the sun! Wear sunglasses and a hat, a broad-brimmed hat works best. Seek shade. Your future self will thank you! – Rebecca Baxt, MD, FAAD.
Wear big sunglasses! The big lenses help to protect the delicate skin around your eyes, which can prevent those fine lines that many people start seeing in their 30s. – Rajani Katta, MD, FAAD.
Keep Your Skin Looking Its Best with Healthy Habits
Drs. Baxt and Katta stress that keeping your skin looking its best requires more than a skin care routine. Here are the key skin-healthy habits they recommend:
- Stop tanning. Tanning is 100% awful for your skin and your health, says Dr. Baxt. Every day dermatologists tell their patients that it can cause wrinkles, brown spots, and skin cancer. Dr. Baxt’s advice: If you use tanning beds or any other indoor tanning device, stop immediately.
- Protect your skin from the sun. To protect your skin from the sun, the AAD recommends that you seek shade, cover up with clothing, and wear sunscreen that offers SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum protection, and water resistance.
- Don’t scrub your skin. Dr. Baxt says, “Scrubbing usually irritates your skin and then makes it hard to tolerate helpful products.”
- Always remove your makeup before going to bed. Leaving makeup on while you sleep can age your skin more quickly and cause breakouts.
- Limit sugar. Dr. Katta tells her patients that sugar is an ingredient you want to limit. She says, “The World Health Organization (WHO) advises us to consume no more than six teaspoons – about 25 grams of sugar per day. That’s not much. A sweetened, iced coffee drink can have up to 15 teaspoons of sugar and a can of ginger ale more than six.”
Be Cautious About Skin Care Trends That You See on Social Media
Some skin care trends you see on social media can do more harm than good. One skin problem that dermatologists frequently treat is the damage done by overusing exfoliating products people see on social media. An exfoliator is designed to remove the top layer of skin, leaving you with glowing skin. When overused, an exfoliator can damage the protective layer called the skin barrier. A damaged skin barrier leaves you with raw and irritated skin. You may develop allergic reactions to products that previously didn’t cause a problem, says Dr. Katta.
To get helpful skin care advice, Dr. Katta recommends following board-certified dermatologists on social media. You’ll find plenty of advice from board-certified dermatologists on the American Academy of Dermatology’s social media platforms.
See a Dermatologist If You Have a Skin Condition
Dr. Baxt says, “Anyone with a skin condition that affects their quality of life – like eczema or rosacea – should see a board-certified dermatologist.”
Bottom Line
Your 20s is an ideal time to start a skin care routine and adopt skin-healthy habits. If you’re unsure about which products to include in your routine, a board-certified dermatologist can recommend products and a routine tailored to your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal age to start a skin care routine?
Your 20s is an ideal time to start a skin care routine and adopt skin-healthy habits.
What are the two essential skin care products to use daily?
A mild cleanser and sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, and water-resistant.
How often should I wash my face?
Twice a day, when you get up and before bed, and after sweating.
When should I apply sunscreen?
15 minutes before going outdoors, after other skin care products and beneath your makeup.
What skin care product can address my primary skin concern?
A product containing science-backed ingredients such as vitamin C serum or cream, or retinoid.
When should I apply vitamin C serum or cream?
After washing your face in the morning, before applying sunscreen.
When should I apply retinoid?
Before bed, 20 to 30 minutes after washing your face.
What makes a skin care routine effective?
A skin care routine should be adjustable, consistent, and tailored to your needs.
How can I protect my skin from the sun?
Seek shade, wear sunglasses and a hat, and apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
What are some skin-healthy habits?
Stop tanning, protect your skin from the sun, don’t scrub your skin, remove makeup before bed, and limit sugar.
Is it safe to follow skin care trends on social media?
No, be cautious as some trends can do more harm than good; follow board-certified dermatologists for helpful advice.
When should I see a dermatologist?
If you have a skin condition that affects your quality of life, such as eczema or rosacea.
