What Is a Good Skin-Care Routine for Women in Their Early 20s?

Masks work well to exfoliate the skin.

Coming up with a skin-care routine when you’re in your early 20s makes perfect sense. Not only is your skin changing from that of a teenager, but it’s time to start thinking about the future and preventing some common causes of skin aging, such as too much exposure to the sun. While it’s a good idea to pay heed to your skin type -- oily, dry or combination – when choosing products, it’s just as important to choose products that don’t clog pores and are not irritating. The best times to perform your skin-care routine are in the morning and in the evening, before going to bed.

Things You'll Need

• Skin cleanser, alcohol-free
• Toner or astringent
• Moisturizer with sunscreen
• Facial scrub
• Skin-care brush, optional

Instructions

1. Cleanse your skin with an alcohol-free product. Read the ingredient panel on the packages. Alcohol not only dries the skin, it is irritating to some. Consider gentle face washes or transparent glycerin soaps that won’t strip all the oil from the skin. Use an anti-acne cleanser if you are still prone to breakouts. Dry your skin by patting it, not rubbing.

2. Tone your skin with an alcohol-free toner or astringent. While the skin is still wet with toner, apply moisturizer, rubbing it lightly into the face, avoiding the area around your eyes. Ensure that the moisturizer contains sunscreen to protect your face during the day. Those moisturizers listed as noncomedogenic won’t clog your pores. Moisturizers containing glycerin increase hydration in your skin, according to the Net Wellness website.

3. Exfoliate your skin once a month. Use warm water and the tips of your fingers or a skin-care brush to gently massage the scrub in a circular motion. Keep the product away from the eye area, and rinse well with clear, lukewarm water when finished.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have acne, consult with your physician about topical retinoids to reduce the severity and frequency of outbreaks.

References

• CBS News: Skin Care for Any Age
• Women’s Health: The 25 Best Things You Can Do for Your Skin
• Web MD: Women’s Skin Care for Your Face
• Net Wellness: Skin Care: A Practical Guide to Skin Care Products and Ingredients

Resources

• Web MD: Topical Retinoid Medicines for Acne