Why preventative skin care in your 20s is so important

“Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” If you’re like me, this question is enough to send you into a panic spiral. While you have no idea what your personal life and career will be like a decade from now (which, by the way, is Totally agree), dermatologists agree that it’s a good idea to have a 10-year plan for your skin.

“Prevention is better than cure,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a certified dermatologist in New York City, who attributes the citation to Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus. “In most areas of health and beauty, prevention is essential. From wrinkles to hyperpigmentation, the more you protect and pre-treat your skin with the right ingredients and formulas, the better equipped you are to fight the signs of aging.

As we age, changes in our body begin to appear on our skin. Our natural production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin slows down, leading to fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. While it’s important to use your routine to plan ahead at any age, Dr. Engelman notes that it’s especially relevant as you approach your third decade. “By age 30, ceramide production decreases by 46% and we lose about 1% of our collagen each year,” she says. “[By this point], many have accumulated enough sunlight or environmental damage to trigger visible signs of aging, and the way you treat your skin, either by making the damage worse or by preventing it, sets the stage for your aging. “

Below, she shares the seven products that should become a permanent part of your preventative skin care routine in your 20s.

1. Cleaning brush

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While most dermis will tell you that it doesn’t matter if your cleanser costs $ 8 or $ 800, what East how you use it matters. Dr. Engelman recommends lathering with a sonic cleansing brush, which provides gentle exfoliation and removes dead skin cells to allow products to penetrate the skin. This uses gentle vibrations and soft silicone bristles to gently cleanse your skin without stripping or damaging its barrier.

2. Vitamin C serum

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“Vitamin C serums are my favorite for fighting aging and reversing sun damage,” says Dr. Engelman, and this one is the best money can buy. It contains one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C on the market, making it a powerful antioxidant that brightens, evens skin tone and repels free radical damage. The addition of vitamin E means it’s also ultra-hydrating and great for treating inflammation.

3. Sunscreen

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No matter your age, sunscreen is the most important part of any skin care routine. “Daily sunscreen is imperative,” says Dr. Engelman. “The effects may not be visible now, but the signs of all those days in the sun will build up in later years.” She is a fan of this SPF 50, which offers protection against UVA and UVB rays, as well as pollution, and has an enzyme complex that helps strengthen your skin while you are wearing it. Whether it’s preventative skin care in your 20s or protection into the 90s, the magic number with SPF is 365 (that is, the number of days per year you should apply ).

4. Eye cream

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The skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your body, which means it begins to show signs of aging faster than the rest of your face. For this reason, Dr. Engelman suggests adding an eye cream to your routine by the time you hit 30. This one uses peptides to stimulate collagen production in the area, as well as antioxidants, which in combination decreases the appearance of fine lines and improves skin elasticity.

5. Peel

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Regular exfoliation is important at any age, but it can be especially helpful between the ages of 20 and 30 when wrinkles start to appear. “Peels will use a mixture of acids to lift pigmentation and reduce fine lines,” says Dr. Engelman. This cult toner isn’t exactly a peel, but it uses a intense combination of acids (which means it’s not for sensitive skin) to melt away dead skin cells and totally resurface your skin.

6. Retinol

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If you only incorporate one ingredient from this list into your preventative anti-aging routine, make it a retinol. The vitamin A derivative is responsible for stimulating cell renewal, which replaces the dead, dull cells on the surface of your skin with fresh, healthy cells. Dr. Engelman suggests using a light retinol, like this, at least three nights a week. What if your skin is too sensitive to tolerate the intense active ingredient? Apply a thin layer of moisturizer before your retinol serum for an extra protective barrier.

7. Moisturizer

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“Dry skin can start to age prematurely, so it’s essential to keep the skin hydrated with moisturizer,” says Dr. Engelman. She adds that the skin regenerates mainly between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., while we are sleeping. This means that your evening routine is the best time to apply a heavy moisturizer that will help your skin repair itself. This triple-action formula contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which will help keep your complexion hydrated and provide preventative skin care in your 20s and beyond.

Curious about what a dermis uses in its own routine? Watch the video below to find out.

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