How to Care for 20s Skin

When you're in your 20s, your skin naturally looks its best. So why worry about wrinkles when you don't have them yet? I have to admit, when I turned 27 I had a bit of a wake up call. After a couple of months of following the routine below, I've gotten so many compliments on my skin. Follow these preventative steps to keep your skin clear, radiant, and keep those fine lines at bay, in this decade and for many to come. Then visit the Resources section below to find all the products you need.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cleanser and make-up remover
• Sunscreen (spf 20 or higher)
• Moisturizing Lotion containing Retinol
• Eye Cream

1. 
    

   SUNSCREEN. The importance of protecting your skin from the sun cannot be emphasized enough. Aside from causing scary things like skin cancer, sun exposure is inarguably one of the main reasons our skin ages(not get all preachy...I spent too many years going to the dermatologist not to make this Step 1!). So wear sunscreen, at least spf 20, every single day, every time you go outside, even if for a few minutes. Reapply as necessary.

2. 
    

   Don't go to bed without washing your face. I know it's tempting, especially after you come in from a long night of partying and you need every extra minute of sleep you can get. But removing that make-up allows your skin to breathe and prevents clogged pores. The last thing you need when you wake up is a big pimple in the middle of your forehead.

3. 
    

   Moisturize. The sunscreen takes care of this in the morning, but also make sure to put some lotion on after you cleanse and before bedtime. If this makes you think of creepy Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs, make sure you adopt this habit now and you'll never have to look like him! One of my favorites is Hope in a Jar by Philosophy.
   
   In addition, you should use an anti-wrinkle product containing retinol before bed. Retinol is the over the counter and less potent version of Vitamin A, found in prescription Retin-A. Many clinical studies prove this is the best method for reducing and preventing fine lines. If you start using it in your 20s, can you imagine how awesome you'll look when you're 40 and beyond? A wallet-friendly option is Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream.
   
   Also, don't forget the sensitive area around your eyes - use a dedicated eye cream to keep this delicate skin moisturized.

Tips & Warnings

• If you really love the tanned look, skip laying out in the sun or tanning beds and opt for skin-safe spray-on tans, fake tanner or bronzer.
• Check out websites like Sephora.com to read reviews and ratings to find the right products for your skin.
• Don't smoke, eat right, drink lots of water and exercise - all the usual things they tell you - and your skin will look its best!
• Talk with your dermatologist if you have any skin issues before beginning a new routine.

Resources

• Essentials for 20s skincare

[SchoolOfLife]

on 3/14/2009 This was an enjoyable article. Look forward to reading more from you. :)

[kaytay]

on 3/9/2009 Great skin care tips! 5*