Your 20s are the perfect time to develop a foundational, preventative skincare routine. Once you hit age 20, you'll lose roughly 1% of collagen production in your skin every year. 

Wrinkles and other obvious signs of aging may not be too prevalent at this stage in your life, but the skincare routine you establish in your 20s can influence how gracefully you'll age in your 30s and 40s. 

In this article, we'll detail the most common skin concerns throughout your 20s, explain the best products you can use to target them, and share habits that can be beneficial or detrimental to your skin.

Common Skin Concerns in Your 20s

In your 20s, you may experience some overlap with skin concerns from your teenage years. That's combined with new challenges you'll face as your skin begins to age.

1. Acne

Unfortunately, pimples are not something you'll outgrow once you leave your teenage years. And even if you've never experienced teenage acne, that doesn't make you exempt from developing it later in life. 

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, adult acne can be triggered by hormonal imbalances (particularly in women), stress, certain medications, and hair and skincare products that are comedogenic (acne-causing).

2. Fine Lines

It's unlikely you'll find deep creases in your skin at this stage of your life. Fine lines, on the other hand, can develop as early as your mid-20s. In most cases, fine lines will eventually turn into wrinkles in your 30s or 40s as your body produces less collagen over time. The eye area is often where the first signs of aging are detected. 

3. Decreased Cell Turnover

By the time you reach your late 20s, cell turnover begins to slow down. This leads to an increase of dead skin cells on the surface. A buildup of these cells can lead to a duller, less radiant complexion. In addition to that, when dead skin cells combine with sebum (oil), they can clog pores, resulting in whiteheads and pustules.

4. Sun Damage

If you spent your childhood and teenage years frolicking in the sun, you will begin to see the residual effects of sun damage in your 20s. Even if you tan easily, you aren't exempt from this. Sean Christensen, MD, director of Yale Medicine’s Dermatologic Surgery Program, explains that regardless of whether you tan or burn, your skin's DNA becomes damaged from any type of sun exposure. Sun damage can range from innocuous fine 4 lines and wrinkles to a skin cancer diagnosis.

The Best Skincare Products to Use in Your 20s

To successfully treat the common skin concerns we outlined above, you'll want to incorporate the following products for the best skincare routine for your 20s.

1. Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

In your 20s, you'll want to counter the slowdown in cell turnover with products that gently exfoliate while removing all traces of oil, dirt, and other impurities. Look for cleansers that contain either alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs help shed surface skin while BHAs penetrate pores for a deeper exfoliation.

YORA's Clarify Face Cleanser contains both an AHA (glycolic acid) and a BHA (salicylic acid) for a deep clean that leaves skin free of unwanted buildup. It also contains witch hazel and tea tree to help relieve inflammation and decrease oil production.

2. Exfoliant

Most dermatologists recommend using an exfoliant two to three times a week, depending on your skin type. However, when introducing this type of product into your skincare routine, it's best to start by using it once a week to avoid damaging your skin. 

You can use a chemical exfoliant, which contains AHAs/BHAs, or a physical exfoliant, which is a grainy scrub. If you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, stick to chemical exfoliants as physical scrubs may be too abrasive.

Supplement your exfoliating cleanser with a standalone exfoliant to keep your complexion smooth and vibrant. YORA's Revitalise Face Polish is formulated with AHA (glycolic acid) plus bamboo powder to penetrate congested pores and remove dead skin cells. It also includes PENTAVITIN® to hydrate and soften skin. 

3. Moisturizer

Do not underestimate the benefit of a moisturizer, even if you have oily skin. It's important to know which moisturizers are best for your skin type. For instance, dry skin can benefit from richer, heavier creams while oily skin plays well with lightweight formulas that are non-comedogenic. Moisturizing regularly is a good habit to develop in your 20s, and it'll be even more crucial once you hit your 40s when significant hormonal changes bring forth drier skin.

YORA’s Revitalise Face Moisturizer is perfect for daily use. This lightweight gel provides added daily protection against environmental pollutants and free radicals thanks to a combination of mineral-rich Swiss glacier water, plant sugar-derived squalene, and YORA's own hyaluronic acid blend of PRIMALHYAL 50 and PrimalHyal™ 300 plus sodium hyaluronate. 

4. Eye Cream

Whether you're starting to experience puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines in your mid- to late 20s, the right eye cream can target those concerns. The skin under your eyes is thin and delicate, which is why it's quick to show signs of aging or fatigue. While a regular moisturizer may work just fine for your under-eye, a more concentrated formula can provide a sufficient level of treatment required for such a sensitive area. 

Fade those signs of aging and fatigue under your eyes with YORA's Dynamic Eye Concentrate. It's made with ARGIRELINE® for a smoother, younger-looking eye contour. It also includes EYESERYL® for added moisture and elasticity.

5. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is not just meant for fair-skinned people who burn easily, nor should it only be worn on bright summer days. Everyone should wear sunscreen if they'll be outside, no matter what time of year it is. 

Clouds don't guarantee protection from the sun's harmful rays, either — according to the World Health Organization, over 90% of UV rays can penetrate light cloud cover. Pay mind to the UV Index Scale before venturing outdoors to see how much sun protection you'll need.

You can use a moisturizer that includes an SPF. However, a 2019 study published in the scientific journal PLoS ONE revealed that's not enough. For optimal protection from UV rays, look for sunscreens that are broad spectrum, meaning they protect against UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays). The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests using a sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF rating of at least 30.

Skincare Habits to Follow in Your 20s

Got the best skincare routine for your 20s down? That’s only one component of your overall routine. To maintain a healthy complexion in your 20s (and beyond), be mindful of your habits.

Do:

• Remove all traces of makeup and other beauty products from your face before going to bed.
• Wear wide-brimmed hats and UV protective sunglasses in addition to applying sunscreen when going out in the sun.
• Get plenty of sleep, as this recovery period is crucial for skin health per a 2015 study in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology.
• Wash your makeup brushes and applicators regularly with antibacterial soap.

Don't:

• Fall asleep with makeup on, as it will leave skin dull and clog pores.
• Pick at blemishes and other marks on your face with your fingers — this can cause bacteria to spread, resulting in breakouts.
• Forget to patch test prior to using new skincare products to see if your skin has a negative reaction to its ingredients.
• Neglect your diet — while dietary triggers differ for everyone, pay attention to how your skin and body react to certain foods.

Adopting the Best Skincare Routine for Your 20s

Cultivating a skincare routine in your early 20s will set the foundation for a healthy complexion in your later years. However, if you're in your mid- to late 20s, don't think you're out of time. Wholistically assess your skin's needs and concerns so you can develop good habits. Your more mature skin will thank you for it later.