As we grow older, many of the things we’ve taken for granted become a priority. We may only be in our twenties, but before we know it, wrinkles, dark spots and crow’s feet will be creeping onto our currently flawless (or nearly so) skin. That’s why it’s important to start taking care of our skin—now. To help get you started, here are the top dos and don’ts of skincare in your twenties!
DO be mindful of your diet
Good skincare starts from the inside! Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, a renowned dermatologist and founder of Epionce Skin Care, says that one of the biggest mistakes twentysomethings make when it comes their skin is actually in their diet. “They eat a high-glycemic diet with sugar and starch, which is pro-inflammatory. They ingest too many products that contain caffeine, alcohol and chocolate which increases blood flow to the skin,” he says. Dr. Thornfeldt suggests eating a “low-glycemic diet high in protein and good fats” in order to prepare your skin for a healthy future.
He even goes on to explain that your diet affects your sun safety. He suggests using supplements that reduce sensitivity to UV light such as green tea, melatonin and Heliocare. When you’re healthy on the inside it shows on the outside!
DON’T forget to wash your face before bed
It’s such a small chore, but seems like a huge hassle. However, washing your face before you go to bed is crucial to keeping your skin healthy. Rachel Crocetti, a 2015 graduate of Hofstra University, says, “Always, always, ALWAYS wash your face before bed, no matter how tired you are!” While it may be convenient to use a face wipe to get the dirt and makeup off at the end of the days, it’s actually best to cleanse rather than just use a wipe. Finding a face wash you really like can be helpful and while exfoliating weekly is essential to great looking skin, be sure not to exfoliate too often. Make washing your face before bed a habit now so that you continue to have healthy, glowing skin for years to come.
DO moisturize and use anti-aging creams
Starting to moisturize and use anti-aging creams in your twenties will ensure beautiful skin well into adulthood. By making moisturizers and anti-aging creams part of your skincare routine, you’re jumpstarting the anti-aging process, which works better as a preventative measure, rather than an after-the-fact fix. These products are best when started young, so it’s important to incorporate them now! Jordyn Sifferman, a 2014 graduate of the University of Washington, shares her top picks: “A few of my favorite products are Kate Somerville Quench serum ($75) and goat milk moisturizer ($65). I also make a homemade honey and cinnamon face mask once a week to moisturize (it also helps with breakouts).” Meanwhile, Rachel uses a night cream you can find at most local drugstores saying, “I like Neutrogena Naturals Night Cream ($16.49) for an awesome scent.”
DON’T damage your skin in the sun
Tan skin can be so irresistible, but it’s one of the worst things we can do to our skin. Excessive tanning may not only lead to skin cancer, but can cause wrinkles and premature aging, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation. While it’s unrealistic to stay completely out of the sun, there are important steps you can take to keep your skin from being damaged.
First and foremost, always use sunscreen. Jordyn says, “Sunscreen everyday! I like Shiseido created for an urban environment SPF 40 ($32).” Jordyn realizes the importance of using sunscreen daily and you should as well. After all, The Skin Cancer Foundation explains that even tans acquired through “incidental exposure” indicate skin cell damage.
Dr. Thornfeldt suggests that the best sunscreen is at least SPF 50 and includes an anti-inflammatory. His favorite sunscreens include Epionce Ultra Shield SPF 50 ($25), Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 100 ($11.49), and Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($10.99).
If you simply must have a tan, opt for self-tanners. They’ve come a long way and can give you a natural-looking tan without causing permanent damage. While the glow of a tan is tempting in the present, it’s essential to avoid premature aging and a potentially life-threatening disease in the future.
DO keep your skin hydrated
Keeping hydrated is something we’ve heard all our lives. However, it’s also important to make sure our skin is staying hydrated as well. Taking cold showers, aloe and what we eat can help keep our skin hydrated throughout the hot months.
Incidentally, one of the best ways to achieve this is by keeping your body hydrated! Dr. Thornfeldt recommends drinking water in order to have healthy skin for life: “Drink plenty of water, including a glass of water before a meal.” Caitlin Fitzgerald, a 2015 graduate of Lasell College, does this herself. “I drink about 64 ounces of water a day (this also helps with weight loss!) to keep my skin healthy and hydrated,” she says.
It’s easy to eschew skincare, especially as dangerous trends like #SunburnArt make their way around social media. Just remember that what we do now will affect our skin for years to come and before we know it, we’ll be lamenting our wrinkles and wishing we’d started moisturizing years earlier. Now slather on that sunscreen!