Hey fellow 20-something go-getters! As we march through the dynamic landscape of our 20s, chasing career dreams and seizing life’s opportunities, taking care of our skin is a commitment to self-care amidst this chaos. In this blog post, I’m sharing not just the basics but a treasure trove of tips and rituals I’ve embraced in my skincare journey. This is going to be about all the things to do in your 20s for beautiful skin! Let’s embark on this radiant adventure together, armed with a skincare routine tailored for the vibrant professional in their 20s.
Apply Your Sunscreen
In the morning rush of deadlines and meetings, applying sunscreen has become my non-negotiable ritual. But let’s dive deeper. Choosing a sunscreen isn’t just about SPF; it’s also about understanding the ingredients. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. I love Korean options because they are light years ahead of American brands, plus they are cheaper and feel so much nicer on the skin. Remember applying sunscreen in the morning is not enough, reapply throughout the day!
Pro Tip: Invest in a sunscreen stick that you can throw in your bag for reapplication on the go.
Use a Retinol
As we embrace the late nights of brainstorming and networking events, introducing retinol into my skincare routine has been a game-changer. This potent ingredient stimulates collagen production, reduces fine lines, and even combats acne. It’s the go to ingredient for smooth, stress-free skin. Adding retinol is one of the things to do in your 20s if you want ageless skin for years to come! Starting with a lower concentration and gradually increasing has allowed my skin to acclimate to this powerhouse and has been an absolute life-saver for dark spots, scarring, and acne. My skin has never been so glowy!
Pro Tip: Use retinol at night to avoid potential photosensitivity, and always follow up with a good moisturizer. Start at lower concentrations and work your way up.
{Related Post: Avoid the Retinol Purge: 7 Retinol Tips Your Skin Will Thank You For}
Don’t Touch Your Face
The urge to absentmindedly touch my face during long work sessions is real, but I’ve adopted the no-touch rule. Beyond germs, constant touching can lead to irritation and breakouts. We are so used to resting our face against our hands and touching it unconsciously. But, this can lead to breakouts! To combat this, I keep a stress ball on my desk—a healthier outlet for those fidgety moments.
Don’t Pick Your Skin Either
This goes hand in hand with the previous tip, but they are worth mentioning separately. While touching your face is bad, picking at it is probably worse. In the quest for flawless skin, resisting the urge to pick at blemishes has become my resolution. Instead, I’ve turned to spot treatments enriched with ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil to target imperfections without causing further damage. Picking your skin will lead to more breakouts, dark spots, and even indented scarring.
Pro Tip: Keep a skin-friendly fidget toy on hand to redirect the urge to pick like a stress ball.
Use Gentle Face Washes
My 20s are all about balance, and that philosophy extends to my skincare routine. We no longer need those harsh cleansers we used in high school, instead opt for gentle face washes that clean without stripping. These maintain the natural oils my skin needs, leaving it fresh, cleansed, and hydrated.
Pro Tip: Double cleansing—using an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle face wash—ensures a thorough cleanse without compromising skin health.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
In the fast-paced world of environmental, physical, and mental stress, all the hormonal imbalance can lead to dehydrated and irritated skin. I have learned that even oily skin requires hydration. Lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers have become my go-to, ensuring my skin stays supple without feeling heavy. I love using thicker ones at night too, especially on retinol days.
Pro Tip: Consider layering different textures of moisturizers for optimal hydration, like a gel-based formula followed by a lightweight cream.
Hydration from Within
Beyond external rituals, I’ve amped up my water intake to foster hydration from within. Drinking water isn’t just about skincare; it’s a holistic approach to well-being. Infusing my water with slices of antioxidant-rich fruits adds a flavorful twist and boosts skin-loving nutrients. Teas are another great source of water with added benefits. Skincare can only do so much, so make sure you are helping it from the inside out.
Pro Tip: Herbal teas, especially those with ingredients like chamomile or green tea, contribute to hydration and skin health.
Protect Against Environmental Stress
In the urban jungle where pollution is a constant companion, incorporating antioxidants into my routine has become essential. Vitamin C serums, for instance, protect against free radicals, brighten skin, and boost collagen production. They also help fade dark spots and give a glowy complexion. Try incorporating an antioxidant rich serum, even those with copper peptides, for a continued boost of radiance.
Pro Tip: Store antioxidant products in a cool, dark place to prevent oxidation and maintain their efficacy.
{Related Post: What is Vitamin C + The Best Affordable Vitamin C Serum}
Exfoliate Your Skin
In the realm of skincare for 20-somethings, exfoliation is my secret weapon. It sloughs off dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and promotes cellular turnover. This is what can help prevent acne and keep your skin smooth. The key is to use a gentle chemical exfoliant, only do it about once a week, and avoid retinol that night. Exfoliating helps to unearth all the new skin cells, allowing your other skincare products to work harder for you!
Pro Tip: Incorporate exfoliation into your routine 1-2 times a week, adjusting based on your skin’s response.
Sleep is Important
In the pursuit of radiant skin, never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. This is one of the best things to do in your 20s for glowing skin. During sleep, the skin undergoes repair and regeneration. This is where all that hard work you put into your skincare routine really gets to shine. And when you think about it, lack of sleep really does show on your skin. So create a sleep routine, minimizing screen time before bed, and invest in quality bedding for happy skin, and honestly your own well-being.
Pro Tip: Silk pillowcases not only feel luxurious but also reduce friction on your skin, minimizing the risk of sleep lines.
Try to Manage Stress
The demands of a budding career can be stressful, and our skin often bears the brunt. Stress management techniques—whether it’s meditation, yoga, or a simple deep-breathing exercise—contribute to skin health. Stress hormones can exacerbate skin issues, causing excess oil production, acne, inflammation, and skin sensitivity, so finding healthy coping mechanisms is a skincare essential.
Pro Tip: Keep a small bottle of calming essential oil at your desk for moments of stress.
Final Thoughts
Navigating our 20s is a thrilling adventure, and our skincare routine should reflect the vibrancy of this journey. From daily rituals like sunscreen application to embracing the power of antioxidants, this comprehensive guide is all about the things to do in your 20s for radiant skin. This time is all about trial and error, prevention, and finding what works for our skin. So, fellow 20-somethings, let’s nurture our skin, celebrate our uniqueness, and glow through this transformative decade together. Here’s to the radiant skin that mirrors the vitality of our 20s!
With love,
Aditi <3
Aditi Rani – Figuring Out Life in Your Twenties
*Disclaimer: This is not professional advice. Some links are affiliate. By clicking and/or purchasing, I may receive a commission. It does not alter the price or change your buyer experience.
