Skin in your 20s: what should I actually be doing?
Think skincare can wait until you're older? Your twenties are actually when small habits — SPF, a simple routine, treating acne properly — pay off for decades to come. It's less about fixing anything now and more about protecting what you've got.
Your twenties are when good habits pay off for decades — but they're also when it's easiest to ignore skin entirely. If you're wondering whether you need a nine-step routine, or whether aesthetic treatment is even relevant yet, here's an honest, unhurried look at what your skin actually needs in this decade.
A maintenance decade
Right now it's all about protection and prevention; this is largely a maintenance decade. Collagen production is still strong, skin is at or near its lifetime peak for elasticity and repair speed, and whilst early signs of damage (sun, lifestyle) may not show yet, they will accumulate if you don't do the simple stuff.
The simple stuff that matters
SPF is your friend! It's the single most effective anti-ageing cream there is, so make it the most important habit you develop. Now is also a good time to establish a simple, consistent routine — not a complicated one. Find a good cleanser and a light moisturiser that suit your skin. Oil production may still be high and breakouts common, so treating any acne properly rather than masking it is a good way to prevent long-term scarring. Early pigmentation from contraception, hormones or the sun can be a concern, so consider introducing an antioxidant such as vitamin C to limit damage.
Future-proofing your skin
Skin boosters can be a fabulous option for skin quality, and treatments such as micro-needling ensure optimal collagen induction. These are a great way to future-proof your skin, maintaining elasticity and delaying the onset of fine lines and wrinkles.
What about aesthetic treatments?
In terms of aesthetic treatments, these are often not relevant to most 20-somethings; we would generally prefer you to invest in your skin to optimise quality. However, sometimes features are not well balanced and a subtle 'tweakment' can help soften the impact. Preventative neuromodulator injections such as Botulinum toxin are not universally recommended, although again, they do have their place if you have particularly strong muscle activity or perhaps an inherited tendency.
When to see a professional
So when should you consider seeing a professional? Well, if you have persistent acne not responding to over-the-counter products, we can help with pharmaceutical-grade skincare and resurfacing options. You may not have anything that needs 'fixing', but if you'd like a proper skin assessment rather than guessing at a routine, we are here to help guide you — now, and as an investment for your long-term skin health. The market is saturated, and it's so difficult to know what is right for you. Book in for a Skin Scanner Assessment and let's get you on the right path!