We get it; building a skincare routine isn’t exactly priority in your 20s when your all-in-one moisturiser and acne clearing face wash from your teens seem to be doing the job. But experts believe that investing in your skin early on can have a huge impact on your skin’s future health. The theory is that the cumulative effects of any skin damage done in your 20s (every time you go to bed without taking off make-up or skip sunscreen) will show up in your 30s and 40s.
The basic skincare routine in your 20s doesn’t have to be too complicated. We round-up a few basic rules—you can thank us a decade later.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Wear sunscreen, even when it’s not sunny outside. This step is non-negotiable for people of all ages. A good sunscreen will shield you from UV rays that cause sunburns, brown spots and fine lines. Look out for sunscreens that say broad-spectrum or PA+++ (for protection from UVA and UVB rays) and SPF 15 (when you’re indoors) or SPF 30 (for a day outside).
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Master Double Cleansing
It’s an extra step in your cleansing routine, but double cleansing can help get rid of pore-clogging impurities that your face wash often can’t. Once you take off make-up, wipe your face with an oil-based cleanser and follow it up with your regular cleanser.
Choose Non-abrasive cleansers
Your thick, grainy exfoliator may be doing more harm than good. It may feel like they are lifting away dead cells, but the grains can often cause micro tears in your skin or even block pores. Try gentle exfoliants, cleansers with lactic acid or AHA treatments that smoothen skin and improve hydration.
Invest In Effective Skincare
The best way to ensure glow through the decades is to focus on star skincare ingredients, like vitamin C. The powerful antioxidant is known for improving skin tone and health. You can also try hyaluronic acid to keep your skin’s hydration levels high.
Prevent Oxidative Damage
It’s not just what you put on your skin, but in your body as well. An alkaline diet can be great for skin. Drink water with squeezed lemon every day, eat your greens and increase you dietary fiber, sleep for eight hours, and exercise daily.
Photograph: Neha Chandrakant
