How to Prevent Aging Skin in Your 20s
I've been in the beauty industry for 4+ years now, although my background is originally in fine arts. In between researching and publishing our guides, I’m usually snacking and making spontaneous (and somewhat chaotic) choices about what to do with my hair.
We get it, you’re a busy woman! Between jump-starting your career, dating, going out with the girls, and getting to the gym (well, sometimes), it’s hard to prioritise a skincare regime, let alone one that’s anti-aging.
When you’re young, your body has a healthy tank of collagen, vitamins, and antioxidants to plump up and defend your skin against any stressors. From the age of 20, our body starts making less collagen and fewer antioxidants.
One of the key chemicals in our skin, hyaluronic acid, also reduces over time, leaving skin drier and rougher. So your skin might be glowing now, after the beach session you had last weekend. But this is the perfect time to take early preventative measures, which will make a significant impact on your skin for years to come. After all, the best offense is a good defence. So if you're not sure where to start, don't worry - we got you, girl.
Let’s explore how we can prevent aging in our 20s:
Retinol in your 20s
Retinol in your 20s
Have you heard of Retinol but been afraid to try it? Beginning a light Retinol in your 20s is a great start to preventing aging. A concentrated version of Vitamin A, Retinol has been clinically proven to improve skin cell turnover and minimise the breakdown of collagen (and therefore prevent wrinkles). Additionally, Retinol helps minimise the appearance of pore size while correcting the blemishes and blotchiness often associated with problematic skin.
Let your skin adjust by introducing a low-dose Retinol into your skincare arsenal. Begin by using once and waiting a week to allow your skin to react. After that, use every 2 days while monitoring for a skin reaction. Also remember to apply only at night, as Retinol increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. And as always, wear an SPF during the day. SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Frequent re-application or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection. Always read the label. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided.
Products we recommend when starting Retinol treatment:
- Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol 25ml is suitable for all skin types but is particularly beneficial for aging skin or pigmented skin from the sun.
- SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 30mL contains 0.5% Retinol, which is a great starting concentration to incorporate into an existing anti-aging skincare routine.
Retinol for Skin - Tips from our Beauty Editor
Protect your skin
Protect your skin
The advice to use sunscreen shouldn’t come as a surprise—because you’re already using it every day j… right?! It’s important to know you should always use SPF all year round, irrespective of the temperature and weather conditions. According to SunSmart, up to 80% of fine lines and wrinkles are the result of UV damage. Sun exposure can also cause skin sagging, blotchiness, and roughness.
We’re not trying to scare you, but the majority of your sun damage won't start to appear until you're in your 30s. So, if you don’t see anything now, it doesn’t mean it won’t be surfacing soon.
There are so many great sunscreen options now that can be worn under your everyday makeup. During your morning skincare routine, sunscreen is the middleman between your skincare products and your makeup.
Our recommendations for SPF* if you're in your 20's:
- For Dry Skin: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen 75ml is a 3-in-1 product that combines the protection of a sunscreen with the hydration of a moisturiser and the makeup-readiness of a primer.
- For Oily Skin: Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30 is an oil-free, broad-spectrum sunscreen containing oil-absorbers to help prevent shine and provide an all-day matte finish. This sunscreen is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and free of artificial fragrances and colours.
- For Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is an ultra-lightweight formula that has been dermatologically tested for sensitive skin (meaning it won't irritate your skin or sting your eyes). The invisible finish is suitable for all tones and can be worn alone or under makeup.
*SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Always read the label.
Your daily cleanse
Your daily cleanse
Do you take off your makeup every night? (Even at 2 a.m. after a night out?) Cleansing is an important step in your anti-aging skincare routine. A facial cleanser removes impurities from your complexion that could potentially damage your skin and lead to fine lines and wrinkles. An effective anti-aging cleansing routine should incorporate gentle products that protect your skin's acid balance and moisture levels.
Here are our picks:
- asap daily facial cleanser 200ml is enriched with antioxidants to infuse skin with environmental protection. Then, Glycolic Acid (an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid) gently lifts and removes excess dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria from the skin’s surface. This unique blend of ingredients leaves skin bright, even, and healthier than ever.
- Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel 500ml is a soap-free, nourishing cleansing gel that removes excess oil, dead skin cells, and pollutants without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Get your glow on
Get your glow on
If you’re after that healthy, glowy look, add a serum to your rotation. For hydration, look for Hyaluronic Acid, which is one of the best natural skin care ingredients to plump up your skin. Or opt for an antioxidant-rich serum to protect cells from free radical damage (like sun damage) and help skin rebuild lost collagen, preventing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Our picks are:
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 - 30ml is a water-based formula that blends three different weights of Hyaluronic Acid with a Hyaluronic Acid Crosspolymer to provide multi-depth hydration.
- KORA Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum 30ml features a balanced concentration of Vitamin C that defends your skin from free radicals, making your skin brighter and more clarified.
Eye Care
Eye Care
I don’t know about you, but when I think of eye cream, I always think it’s a product for when I get older. But your 20s are actually the perfect time to start caring for your eye area! As the skin around your eyes is dramatically thinner than anywhere else on your body, it’s more susceptible to irritation, fine lines, and sagging.
Get a jump on eye anti-aging now with our picks for making your eyes look youthful and radiant:
- Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado 14g hydrates the eye area with Avocado Oil and Shea Butter, banishing dry, dull skin. Vitamin E provides an antioxidant boost to fight and prevent free radical damage.
- Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye 15ml visibly restores your under-eye area by morning. Lavender Essential Oil works to soothe and stimulate skin repair. Evening Primrose Oil helps repair and hydrate skin. Butcher’s Broom improves microcirculation and reduces inflammation, while Squalane replenishes skin's moisture barrier.
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
