Skincare is a science and sometimes it really feels like a science lesson. Getting your head around skincare routine dos and don’ts can be a little tricky, add anti-ageing and what to do at what stage and what age, and now we’re talking advanced science lessons. You’ve probably heard these common skincare rules; incorporating a retinol at 25, adding eye cream to your routine as soon as possible, and of course wearing sunscreen everyday.
As soon as you hit your twenties, it’s constantly drilled into us that prevention is key. As we age, our skin develops and your skincare needs will also change and while not a bad thing, it’s always a good idea to stay on top of things, because you know your future self will be thanking you later. Anti-ageing is a huge buzzword in the beauty industry, but what does it actually mean? Anti-ageing skincare refers to skincare that specifically targets the signs of ageing, from fine lines to reduction in collagen levels.
It can be overwhelming, with so much information and the rise of social media skin experts, how do we know what's the correct way to go about skincare routines in our twenties? Do you really start using retinol in your twenties? What does an anti-ageing skincare look like? And when is the best time to start using eye cream?
If you’re in your twenties and you want to get clued up on the best anti-ageing practice for your skin but don’t know where to start, we’ve got it covered. We spoke to the experts to find out everything you need to know about an anti-ageing skincare routine, to make it that much easier to navigate because you have a lot of things to be getting on with in your twenties.
THE BEST SKINCARE ADVICE FOR YOUR TWENTIES:
1. Sun protection:
One of the common and major causes of ageing and how it manifests visibly on the skin is sun damage. Here, the idea of prevention plays a significant role, sunscreen is key in protecting and essentially preventing the skin against UVA and UVB damage. The higher the SPF, the more protection it offers, experts recommend using a minimum of SPF 30 depending on how hot it is. The main cause of premature ageing is the sun’s UVA rays and thus you want to always go for a broad spectrum SPF, as it offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Research has shown that SPF can indeed help with the signs of ageing and work to reduce them. While you may not see the impact of sun damage on the skin right away, it will show up in your 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. So, make sure you are applying and reapplying that sunscreen daily.
Shop our favourite SPFs:
SPF formulations have come a long way, and this Bondi Sands offering is not only super affordable it applies like a dream. No need to go in heavy handed, just rub it into to the skin and you'll be left with no white cast.
A personal favourite of mine, it's so good I honestly forget that it's an SPF. Incredibly lightweight and jam-packed with antioxidants to make your SPF go further.
Specifically designed to combat the signs of ageing, this clever SPF is activated by the sun’s rays. The SPF 50+ photo technology uses heat to boost the skin’s protection by activating the skin’s biological defence systems. While the added vitamin H, Micro-encapsulated water and the signature NCEF® complex to supercharge the anti-ageing properties and restore skin health.
2. Eye Cream:
There is a lot of noise around whether eye cream actually does anything for the skin and whether it's any different from a regular moisturiser. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest skin and usually the first area where you can spot signs of ageing. Eye creams are specifically designed to cater to that skin structure, eye creams work as a preventative, hydrating and boosting collagen production to slow down the process. "To target eye issues such as the appearance of puffiness, darkness, and fine lines look for eye creams that contain anti-inflammatory and tightening fighting ingredients like red tea, arnica and peptides’’ advises dermatologist Dr Goldfaden of Goldfaden MD.
A powerhouse product that not only targets fine lines, but puffiness and dark circles, creating the illusion of a restful good night sleep. Created with nourishing jojoba oil vitamin K, rice bran extract, organic red tea and soy peptides to provide a continuous boost of hydration and light-reflective mica particles to detract from dark circles and blur visibility of crow’s feet.
As luxurious as the name would suggest, this is an absolutely treat for your under eye area.
If you prefer a lighter eye cream, this Fenty offering is perfect. A lightweight and refreshing gel formula that absorbs almost instantly into the skin, it works for even the most oiliest of skins.
3. Retinol:
I’ll admit, I find retinoids slightly intimidating. Retinol is often referred to as the gold standard of anti-ageing products in the industry, research has proven over and over again that retinol actually delivers. "Retinoids are an absolute powerhouse when it comes to skin skincare and the overall benefits they have when it comes to skin health. They are by far the most effective ingredient when it comes to treating skin ageing by targeting fine lines and wrinkles, and pigmentation and skin texture," says Dr Malvina Cunningham, consultant dermatologist for Skin + Me. Retinol works as an exfoliate and works to increase the production of collagen, for that plump and fresh glowing skin.
Shop our favourite retinol products:
Ease yourself into the world of retinol and start off with a low percentage, using it once a week at first to allow your skin time to become accustomed to the ingredient.
Don't be afraid of using retinol in your twenties. "Retinol will not negatively affect younger skin. If anything, it will help prevent the signs of aging," says Dr Goldfaden. "Retin-A has been prescribed and used by teenagers battling acne with no negative side effects. It is crucial however, to always wear an SPF if you’re using Retin-A or a retinoid product. Most 20-something skin tends to produce more oil than say 45-year-old skin, and therefore will be less affected by dryness or redness that can come along with retinoid usage," he adds.
4. Vitamin C
"Add an antioxidant, like a vitamin C serum to prevent damage caused by oxidative stress such as pollution, and the sun," suggests Dr. Charakida, dermatologist at EF Medispa. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, which occurs naturally in our bodies, however depletes as we age. As well as acting as a powerful antioxidant protection, vitamin C also works to stimulate collagen production to help plump and smooth the skin, increases the efficacy of SPF, reduces inflammation and fights sun damage and pigmentation.
Shop our favourite vitamin C Serums:
Delivers an instant glow, and feels and looks incredible on the skin.
Our favourite affordable option contains vitamin C and ferric acid for extra antioxidant protection.
Formulated with time-released vitamin C and vitamin B3, which double up to provide a super charged defence against damage caused by pollution and sun damage by increasing the skin’s resistance and working to fight against signs of ageing.
5. Cleanser
Taking it back to basics, cleansing is integral to a good skincare routine. ''Thorough cleansing and the daily use of SPF (even when it’s cloudy) are the pillars of a good skin care routine,'' says Dr. Charakida, dermatologist at EF Medispa. You want to look for a cleanser that works with your skin and that doesn't disrupt your skin barrier. Stay away from drying and stripping cleansers and opt for gentle and hydrating ones that cleanse the skin, leaving a clean canvas for your products to perform more efficiently.
shop our favourite cleansers:
Another personal favourite, this is an absolutely dreamy cleanser. With a soft creamy gel consistency, it has the perfect texture that allows you to work the product into the skin for that thorough cleanse. It is developed with hyaluronic acid and ceramics to boost hydration, and to repair and protect the skin's natural skin barrier for healthier and plumper skin.
I love incorporating active ingredients into my skincare routine via my cleansers, it's a more gentle approach to using more active ingredients you may find in serums, that stay on the skin for longer. This cleanser is formulated with lactic acid to offer a gentle daily exfoliation.
They didn't call it the perfect cleanser for nothing. Formulated with an impressive list of ingredients, including prebiotics to balance bacteria, omegas 3 6 to restore elasticity, MSM to promote collagen production and vitamins A E to repair and protect. This silky nourishing balm cleanser is perfect for anyone looking for that one cleanser that does it all.
Up Next, Dermatologists Say These 3 Products Are Not Worth Splashing On—But These 3 Are
