Age gracefully by starting your anti-ageing routine in your 20s

Yes, your twenties are a crucial time in your life. You’re busy getting a job and being an adult, but don’t forget your skin in the process. This is when you should be amping up your skincare game.

Starting young

Dermatologists recommend that you start incorporating anti-ageing productsinto your routine by your mid-twenties, because when it comes to your skin, prevention is key. According to the experts, the signs of ageing have started rapidly appearing in younger women over the past few years. This is because of several external factors, including pollution. Dr. Loretta Ciraldo spoke to Marie Claire’s Tatjana Freund, and said:

I am seeing more women in their 20s with lines and other stigmata of ageing that previously hadn't surfaced until the 30's.

I attribute this to the external factors that are ageing us faster and at younger ages, including pollution, visible light and even irritants often from the multiplicity of products we are 'experimenting' with, which leads to irritation and in turn to collagen breakdown among other unwanted skin ageing changes.

So, if you’re in your twenties and you're trying to beat the clock, now is your chance to really give your skin some much needed TLC.

Essential tips for your anti-ageing skincare routine

The first, and most important product you absolutely cannot ignore is sunscreen. SPF is vital in preventing signs of ageing and you should be using at least SPF 15 every day, regardless of whether you are in the sun or not.

Retinol is another amazing research-backed ingredient that not only prevents, but in some cases rewinds signs of ageing, like dark spots and fine lines. Everyone should be using retinol by the age of 25, but it’s completely safe to start it even when you’re younger as it can be incredibly beneficial for acne-prone skin. You can get over-the-counter retinol products from numerous brands including The Inkey List, The Ordinary, La Roche Posay and Paula’s Choice.

Switch to a gentle face wash or an oil-based cleanser that cleans and hydrates your skin. Avoid harsh physical facial scrubs, like sugar and walnut exfoliators, at all costs! You can rely on chemical peels to exfoliate, or buy products with ingredients like salicylic acid to get all that grime out. Dr. Luke Maxwell and Dr. Muneeb Shah, dermatologists who started their own YouTube channel called 'Doctorly,' went into detail about how to exfoliate according to your skin type in one of their videos, and you need to check it out!

Finally, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. There’s nothing like having well hydrated skin because it keeps your cells healthy and happy. Buy a moisturizer that is packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. They lock the moisture into your skin, keeping it soft and supple. If you’re trying out new products on your face, using a moisturizer will also help your skin to heal when it's overly irritated.