When I was younger, I always imagined that my 20s would mark the end of my skin woes. I thought that in your 20s, you just had this beautifully clear skin, completely free from spots and with wrinkles still a long way off. Well, uh-huh honey. 20s skin is much more unstable than I imagined, with the potential for teenage-esque blemishes sitting right alongside my first forehead wrinkle. How is this fair?! Because there is so much going on with our skin during this period, it’s the perfect time to implement a proper skincare regime. This is something I’ve been trying to learn a lot more about recently, and thought I’d share some Dos and Don’ts I’ve come across…
DON’T: Sleep In Your Makeup
I’ve been a fan of the double cleanse for a while, but I used to think it was only important to remove all of my makeup to avoid getting spots. I now know that makeup can also cause skin to age, not only by settling into pores itself, but also by essentially trapping all of the environmental pollutants we encounter during the day against our skin too. All of this gunk can break down our collagen and ultimately lead to fine lines, so I now make sure my skin is completely cleansed by using two different cleansing products. At the moment, I’m loving Amelia Moss Jojoba Oil* (£10) followed by Soap and Glory Total Drama Clean 5-in-1 Micellar Cleansing Water (£6) to get it squeaky clean. Except when I’m drunk. Then I’m lucky if I manage to use a face wipe, but something is better than nothing.
DO: Invest in an Eye Cream
While our 20s might not be time for full-on wrinkle cream yet, it is definitely time to start using eye creams. The skin under our eyes is thinner than the rest of our face, and so it’s more prone to losing elasticity and developing lines early. Applying a gentle eye cream now could help us a lot by the time we reach our 30s – and they’re also great for hiding any puffiness now caused by late night Netflix binging. I’m currently using a sample size of Benefit’s It’s Potent Eye Cream (£25 full price) but there are more affordable options on the market which will also do a good job.
DON’T: Think You’re Too Young to Start Treatments
I used to think that facials and skin treatments were for slightly older women; but when I went for my first ever facial last year, the therapist explained to me that this is the perfect age to start getting regular, professional treatments done. Facials are perfect for ridding your skin of toxins and providing deep nourishment, and then there are numerous other treatments to consider, such as microdermabrasion. This sounds a bit more intense, but is essentially a deep exfoliation that also stimulates collagen production, clears congested pores and can also treat sun damage. At ProSkin, a microdermabrasion treatment will cost you £49, and your skin will look instantly more luminous. In your 20s, you would probably only need a treatment such as this once or twice a year, but getting into the habit of having a professional look at your skin will get you one step ahead of the game.
DO: Get Used to SPF
This one has taken me a while to get on board with, but one of the best things you can do for your skin in your 20s is to wear a SPF. I never used to like the idea of applying an SPF along with my usual moisturiser and makeup (ain’t nobody got time for dat etc), but thankfully a lot of foundations now contain SPF as standard. My most recent foundation bae, Estee Lauder’s Double Wear (£30) has an SPF 10 so you can add this step into your skincare regime without even thinking about it.
And finally…
DO: Drink Water.
Obviously. We all know this. Just do it. Yes it’ll make you wee a lot. and no it’s not as delicious as a nice blue WKD (don’t judge me), but daaaaaamn our future selves will thank us if we guzzle a couple of litres a day. Just. Drink. It!
These are some of my favourite tips for skincare in your 20s; if you have any more essentials then please share them in the comments below!
(This post was written in collaboration with ProSkin Clinics.)
This is such a great post! I’ve recently invested in eye-creams and have been loving using them – it’s amazing the difference they make! I hadn’t thought about the importance of treatments though – I may have to book myself in for a facial soon! x
Small&Blonde♥
Yes definitely – treat yourself gurrrrl! Haha, thank you for reading 🙂 xx
Always enjoy reading tip and advice posts like these! I need to invest in a good eye cream as I never see myself committing but know i should!! I remove my make-up every night because if I don’t I notice blemishes appearing and my skins been a huge problem for me with this and I’m hoping it goes away soon haha! xx
Jenny | Krystel Couture ♥
Glad you enjoyed it Jenny! So true, I always pay for it if I accidentally sleep in my makeup :'( xx
Eye cream is definitely something we’ve been forcing ourselves to remember to use twice a day! And drinking plenty of water is a great habit that reallly does make a world of difference
M + K
Bloglovin
It does, and helps curb my hunger too! xx
I have been using a lot of eye creams lately but have yet to see results I do however notice my dark circles are lighter then usual
Beauty Candy Loves
Ah that’s brilliant 🙂 xx
yes to all of these! id say eye cream is very important! Will get those wrinkles at bay 😀
Pam xo/ Pam Scalfi♥
A thousand times yes! Thanks for reading Pam 🙂 xx
I love a treatment! A new luxury I’ve started to get into. But I do need to start using eye cream.
Great post!
Jasmine xx
jasminesimone.co.uk
Same, it’s new for me too but I do love it 🙂 Thanks for reading! xx
I needed this post haha! I always thought that in my 20’s it would finally be the time my skin was perfect as well… such a shame it doesn’t work that way for everyone. This is a perfect excuse to get a facial – if my boyfriend complains I’ll just tell him you told me 😉
Lovely post!
Lindsey Elyse | lindseyginge
Haha YES, and book him in for one toon 😉 xx
Need to remind myself to keep drinking water! I’m the worst at that 🙂 xx
Christine │ http://www.beautyinyoureyes.weebly.com/blog
I know, I’m very up and down with it haha! Really trying though xx
This is a great post! I recently fell in love with using eye creams. Before I just didn’t see the point, and I didn’t think I needed anything because I’m in my early 20s. However, I think I’ve finally found one that I can visibly see make a difference (Benefit’s It’s Potent!).
Becky, xx // http://undertheseabeauty.blogspot.ca/
Yesss I really like It’s Potent too! SO worth starting early 🙂 xx
Great advice! Solar protection is very important , also wear non comedogenic makeup that will prevent acne
http://estefaniareviews.blogspot.mx
Ooh thanks for the extra tip! xx
I love this post i think a lot of people are so bad at taking makeup off but it can be such a massive factor in acne and aging etc
http://www.beautyandtheboy.com
I agree, I think people still don’t believe how bad it can be! I definitely try to be really strict now 🙂 xx
I really need to buy an eye cream, especially since I’m gonna be 30 in a few months, yikes!
Nereyda│ This Girl Is Obsessed
Lovely post. These products look wonderful. x
http://www.themakeupaficionado.com
Great tips! It’s scary how time flies but agree entirely with all your points.
fourcatsplusus.co.uk | My blog giveaway – Amy <3
Love this post Claire, such great tips for 20-somethings and anyone just starting to get into caring for their skin. I’m new to your blog, so hello from Cape Town 🙂
Lauren x
Dearheartbeauty.com
Love the blog! So glad I found it! And seriously…I have been denying myself an eye cream like that for way too long. I’ve got to just accept the fact that I must do it and get over the old lady stigma.