Are you looking for ways to improve your complexion, but don’t know where to start?
You’re not alone. The truth is, most people aren’t taught how to take care of their skin in school or at home—and if they are, they don’t always remember what they learned when they get older.
I know what it’s like to have sensitive skin that breaks out easily and doesn’t seem to do anything right. But I also know what it’s like when you find the right products and learn how to use them properly—when your skin finally starts responding positively. And I’m here today to tell you: it’s possible!
If you’d like to improve your overall appearance and wellness by learning how to take better care of your skin, then you’re in the right place!
Drink More Water
The first step to healthy skin is drinking enough water. Yes, I know this tip is everywhere, but it’s for a good reason. Drinking enough water is not only great for your body but also for your skin. Water helps to flush out toxins from your body, and that includes your skin too.
Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and even more if you’re active or live in a dry climate. And if you’re not a fan of plain water, you can always infuse it with some fruits or herbs for a refreshing twist!
Cleanse Skin Daily
Your face is a delicate ecosystem, and it’s important to cleanse it daily to maintain its health. Getting into a routine of using a gentle cleanser twice a day, in the morning and evening, will do wonders for the health of your skin.
When I say gentle, I mean one thats formulated with mild and hydrating ingredients. Unless you are instructed to by an esthetician, you should avoid using harsh scrubs or exfoliants, as they can damage your skin’s protective barrier.
Washing your face daily is crucial for removing dirt, oil, and makeup that can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Don’t forget to also cleanse your neck and chest, as these areas are often neglected!
HERE ARE SOME GENTLE CLEANSER RECOMMENDATIONS TO GET YOU STARTED:
Bio Enzyme Cleanser
Mystiq Iluminating Cleanser
Use SPF Every Single Day
You should be using sunscreen with SPF every single day. That’s right, even on cloudy days and when you’re indoors. Sunscreen helps protect your skin from UV rays that cause skin cancer and premature aging, as well as other less serious issues like sunburns or freckles.
It’s also important to reapply sunscreen every few hours—especially if you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time (like at the pool or the beach). And don’t forget about those areas you may not be thinking of when applying, like your neck and chest.
HERE ARE SOME SPF RECOMMENDATIONS TO GET YOU STARTED:
SPF EliōDrops 30 Sheer
SPF EliōDrops 30 Glow
SPF Solar Shield 30 Oil Free
Schedule an Appointment with an Esthetician
It’s so important to get professional advice, especially if you’re new to skincare. A good place to start is with a facial. Your esthetician will be able to identify your skin type and recommend products that are best suited for it. They can also give you tips on how often you should use those products, as well as how long each step in their routine should take.
The best part about seeing an esthetician? You don’t have to spend tons of money on fancy products, most facials include extractions (a process where blackheads and whiteheads are removed), steam towels, masks, and serums — all-inclusive in your treatment!
Stop Touching and Picking at Your Skin
We know it’s hard, but this is a big one: please stop picking at your skin. Picking at your pimples, blackheads, and scabs can lead to scarring and even spread bacteria, which can lead to more breakouts.
If you have to get rid of something, leave it to the professionals, and be sure to request extractions at your next esthetician appointment.
Keep Your Skincare Routine Simple
With so many skincare products out there, it can be tempting to try them all. But using too many products can actually do more harm than good. Stick to a simple routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and applying SPF, and add in additional products as needed.
Finally, it’s important to be patient with your skin. Skincare is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it can take time to see results. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate improvement, and keep at it. With consistent care and patience, your skin will thank you.
We promise, taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple tips, you can achieve a healthy, glowing complexion that will make you feel confident and beautiful.
So, remember this: drink up, cleanse daily, hands off, wear SPF, visit an esthetician, and keep it simple!
Any questions? Leave a comment or schedule a consultation with us here and we’d be happy to help!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
