An Effective Skincare Routine for Your 20s

While your skin may look incredible in your 20s, that doesn't mean you can simply leave it to do its thing. In fact, this is the decade to nurture and protect your complexion. Since the damage you do in your 20s tends to show up in the decades following, there's no better time to start a preventative anti-aging skincare routine than when you're a blooming 20-year-old.

If you're unsure where to get started, try implementing these tips into your skincare regimen for future-proof glowing, youthful skin. Even if you're in your late 20s, it's not too late to start taking better care of your complexion.

Upgrade Your Cleanser

Are you still using those harsh cleansers and drying astringents you relied on as an acne-prone teenager? It's time for an upgrade.

Now that you're past your teen years, your oil glands are starting to shrink, making acne-fighting skincare products that were once effective cause dryness, redness, and irritation.

There's no better time than now to switch to a more hydrating cleanser that gently cleans the skin without irritating it or stripping it of natural oils. Look for a product designed for your skin type to get the most out of your daily face wash. 

Exfoliate Daily

In your 20s, collagen production begins reducing.

"After the age of 20, the dermis layer produces 1% less collagen each year. It is a natural ageing process known as intrinsic ageing," says skincare expert Dr. Garry Cussell. "The collagen and elastin fibres become thinner and looser as we age, which means our skin is less elastic, which eventually causes wrinkling and sagging."

The skin's exfoliation process also decreases by 28% once you hit your 20s, meaning dead skin cells stick together for longer periods of time, leading to overall dullness and uneven skin tone. 

One of the best ways to continue daily collagen renewal is by exfoliating daily with ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or lactic acid. These alpha and beta hydroxy acids will help exfoliate dead skin cells, dirt, and product build-up off of the skin’s surface, boosting cell renewal, smoothing skin texture, and preventing future breakouts.

Apply a Vitamin C Serum

According to Miami-based dermatologist Alicia Barba, this is the decade to start utilizing the power of serums. Besides its brightening effects, vitamin C can boost the protective abilities of your broad-spectrum sunscreen.

"I recommend a vitamin-C serum packed with antioxidants for an added layer of sun protection," says Barba. "Everyone should know that sunscreen is not a complete block. UV rays do still penetrate, so it’s nice to wear something underneath the SPF to neutralize the free radicals that get released, and also to help with collagen production."

Rainbow's Smooth Serum is a nourishing blend of vegan collagen and vitamin C to plump out fine lines and refresh the complexion. 

Wear Sunscreen Daily

Sun protection is key for keeping your skin healthy, youthful, and radiant. Regular sun exposure without protection can lead to a myriad of skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. 

There are many formulations to choose from, but dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher. If you're out and about, make sure you reapply your SPF every one to two hours.

Even on cloudy days, you should continue wearing it as UVA and UVB rays are still present, leaving you vulnerable to sun damage and potentially even skin cancer.

Moisturize

Moisturizing should be a regular part of your skincare routine. Even those with oily skin can get dehydrated, and with dryness comes inflammation which leads to premature signs of aging. 

Opt for a lotion formulated with humectants to help the skin absorb and retain moisture. Hyaluronic is one of the best humectants out there and extremely helpful in warding off fine lines, dry skin, blemishes, brown spots, and dullness.

Try Rainbow's Hydrate Serum, which contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to plump up and drench dry skin in lasting moisture. 

Reach for Retinol

Every good skincare routine includes a retinol product. 

Whether you're dealing with creases, adult acne, or discoloration, retinol (or vitamin A) treats all. In addition to treating active issues, it can also function as a preventative treatment. 

"Your skin starts to lose the ability to repair itself starting in your 20s, so it’s important to start early with an anti-aging regimen," says Craig Austin, MD. "The use of a conservative application of both retinol and glycolic will dramatically slow down the aging process while establishing a healthy routine."

If retinoids are too harsh for your sensitive skin, consider using a gentler alternative like bakuchiol. You will find this potent antioxidant and exfoliating glycolic acid in Rainbow's Glow Serum. 

Stop Sleeping with Your Makeup On

It happens. We're all guilty of it. However, sleeping with your makeup on can cause detrimental effects on your skin. 

It blocks the pores and leaves oil and impurities trapped inside, which leads to a bacteria build-up and ultimately, breakouts. For the sake of your present and future skin health, always take of your makeup before going to bed. This is even more important if you have acne-prone skin, as it will only exacerbate the issue. 

Use a cleanser and toner with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties to maintain clear and healthy skin well beyond your 20s.

Introduce an Eye Cream

This skin around the eyes is the thinnest and most delicate, making it one of the first spots to show age. Introducing an eye cream into your skincare regimen hydrates and plumps the area, warding off the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Use it on a daily basis for best results.

The best skincare routine in your twenties is one that focuses on protection and prevention. How you take care of your skin in this decade will impact how your skin looks in the upcoming decades. That's why it's so important to start taking good care of it now, and that starts with healthy skincare habits and a consistent daily routine.