How to Prevent Aging Skin in Your 20s

We get it, you’re a busy woman! Between jump-starting your career, dating, going out with the girls, and getting to the gym (well, sometimes), it’s hard to prioritise a skincare regime, let alone one that’s anti-aging.

When you’re young, your body has a healthy tank of collagen, vitamins, and antioxidants to plump up and defend your skin against any stressors. From the age of 20, our body starts making less collagen and fewer antioxidants.

One of the key chemicals in our skin, hyaluronic acid, also reduces over time, leaving skin drier and rougher. So your skin might be glowing now, after the beach session you had last weekend. But this is the perfect time to take early preventative measures, which will make a significant impact on your skin for years to come. After all, the best offense is a good defence. So if you're not sure where to start, don't worry - we got you, girl.

Let’s explore how we can prevent aging in our 20s:

Let your skin adjust by introducing a low-dose Retinol into your skincare arsenal. Begin by using once and waiting a week to allow your skin to react. After that, use every 2 days while monitoring for a skin reaction. Also remember to apply only at night, as Retinol increases the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. And as always, wear an SPF during the day. SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Frequent re-application or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection. Always read the label. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided.

 Products we recommend when starting Retinol treatment:

• Alpha-H Vitamin A 0.5 25ml is suitable for all skin types but is particularly beneficial for aging skin or pigmented skin from the sun.

• SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 contains 0.5% Retinol, which is a great starting concentration to incorporate into an existing anti-aging skincare routine.

Retinol for Skin - Tips from our Beauty Editor

We’re not trying to scare you, but the majority of your sun damage won't start to appear until you're in your 30s. So, if you don’t see anything now, it doesn’t mean it won’t be surfacing soon.

There are so many great sunscreen options now that can be worn under your everyday makeup. During your morning skincare routine, sunscreen is the middleman between your skincare products and your makeup.

Our recommendations for SPF* if you're in your 20's:

• For Dry Skin: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen is a 3-in-1 product that combines the protection of a sunscreen with the hydration of a moisturiser and the makeup-readiness of a primer.

• For Oily Skin: Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30 is an oil-free, broad-spectrum sunscreen containing oil-absorbers to help prevent shine and provide an all-day matte finish. This sunscreen is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and free of artificial fragrances and colours.

• For Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is an ultra-lightweight formula that has been dermatologically tested for sensitive skin (meaning it won't irritate your skin or sting your eyes). The invisible finish is suitable for all tones and can be worn alone or under makeup.

*SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Always read the label.

Here are our picks:

• asap daily facial cleanser is enriched with antioxidants to infuse skin with environmental protection. Then, Glycolic Acid (an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid) gently lifts and removes excess dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria from the skin’s surface. This unique blend of ingredients leaves skin bright, even, and healthier than ever.

• Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is a soap-free, nourishing cleansing gel that removes excess oil, dead skin cells, and pollutants without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Our picks are:

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is a water-based formula that blends three different weights of Hyaluronic Acid with a Hyaluronic Acid Crosspolymer to provide multi-depth hydration.

• KORA Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum 30ml features a balanced concentration of Vitamin C that defends your skin from free radicals, making your skin brighter and more clarified.

Get a jump on eye anti-aging now with our picks for making your eyes look youthful and radiant:

• Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment hydrates the eye area with Avocado Oil and Shea Butter, banishing dry, dull skin. Vitamin E provides an antioxidant boost to fight and prevent free radical damage.

• Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye 15ml visibly restores your under-eye area by morning. Lavender Essential Oil works to soothe and stimulate skin repair. Evening Primrose Oil helps repair and hydrate skin. Butcher’s Broom improves microcirculation and reduces inflammation, while Squalane replenishes skin's moisture barrier.

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.

So let’s recap our favourite anti-aging products for your 20s:

• Alpha-H Vitamin A 0.5 25ml

• SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5

• Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen

• Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

• KORA Organics Noni Bright Vitamin C Serum 30ml

• Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment

• Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye 15ml