It’s easy to assume your youthful skin requires little to no care in your 20s but the way you treat it now is crucial as it determines the quality and health of your complexion in the future. All manner of problems like dullness, loss of elasticity and dark spots are the result of a lack of attention to your skin in the early years. To avoid playing catch-up later on we suggest adopting certain habits pronto to maintain a fresh, radiant glow. Ahead, eight things to start incorporating into your routine immediately for the best skin now and for years to come.
Skincare Habits to Start Early
1. Never Forget Eye Cream
Once you start noticing fine lines, increased puffiness and dark circles around the eyes, they are some of the most difficult signs of aging to reverse. Keep this extremely delicate area hydrated and bright by applying an eye cream 1-2 times daily.
2. Always Apply SPF
We'll say it once and we'll say it again—SPF is invaluable in maintaining a youthful complexion and protecting the skin from deeper damage. Prevent dark spots and melanoma now by applying sunscreen every single day no matter the weather. See our team's favorite picks here.
3. Exfoliate Face & Body
To prevent a lackluster dermis, remove dead skin cells and increase cellular turnover by exfoliating weekly. However, since your young skin is sensitive to powerful ingredients we suggest opting for a microdermabrasion product that is gentle. Don't forget to scrub down your body as well, especially the dry patches like knees and elbows.
4. Use Antiaging Products Early
While you don't want to go overboard with heavyweight antiaging agents like peptides, introducing a serum to prevent signs of aging is essential. Select one derived from natural ingredients and antioxidants such as vitamin C to brighten and even your skin tone.
5. Moisturize Hands, Neck & Décolleté
The face is not the only area you should care for. Most people are oblivious that the hands, neck and upper chest are the first to reveal someone's age. Invest in products to keep them hydrated and supple.
6. Take Lukewarm Showers
Hot, steamy showers make for a great end to a long day, but the harsh temperature unfortunately strips the skin of moisture, causing dryness, redness and irritation. We suggest swapping to lukewarm water.
7. Be Gentle To The Skin
Do you have a habit of picking at your face in front of the mirror, trying to pop that behemoth of a zit? Stop that. This only adds fuel to the pimple fire, resulting in scars and dark spots. Instead, treat the pesky blemish the minute you feel it coming and leave it alone!
8. Adopting A Healthy Lifestyle
With a busy professional and social calendar it's easy to go off track when maintaining a healthy lifestyle in your 20s. However, beauty comes from within and if you take care of yourself internally it's bound to show on your skin now and in the future. Make effort to minimize alcohol intake, get at least seven hours of sleep every night, eat clean and stay active for a fresh, glowy complexion.