4 Skin Care Tips for Your 20s

Calling all 20-somethings! We spoke with board-certified dermatologist, and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. Dendy Engelman about the top skin concerns that arise in one’s 20s and the best ways to address them.

Your 20s are full of change and adventure as you begin to transition into adulthood. Perhaps you recently graduated college, started your first job, or signed the lease on a brand new apartment. Just as our professional and social circles take form as we inch towards our third decade of life, our skin (and skin care routines) should change, too. We tapped board-certified dermatologist, and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. Dendy Engelman to better understand the top skin concerns for men and women in their 20s—plus, how to adapt our skin care routines accordingly. Here’s what we learned.

Top Skin Concerns in Your 20s

According to Dr. Engelman, among the top skin concerns that surface during one’s 20s are acne and large pores. Can you relate? These bothersome skin imperfections can bleed into your twenties and—we hate to break it to you—even beyond. But don’t fret, here’s what Dr. Engelman suggests you do to help combat these concerns.

TIP #1: CLEANSE YOUR SKIN

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, and is becoming more and more common in women in their adult years. That’s right—acne is not just limited to teens! Luckily, there are plenty of skin care products out there that target adult acne specifically. If you need a prescription-strength formulation, you can work with your dermatologist to figure out what’s best for your skin.

To avoid acne flare-ups and breakout in your 20s, Dr. Dendy suggests finding consistency with cleansing your face. “Wash your skin daily to help with any bacteria that might be causing breakouts,” Dr. Engelman suggests. Washing the face morning and night is one of the easiest ways to rid the skin of impurities like makeup, excess sebum, and dirt which can clog pores and cause breakouts. “If you are struggling with acne,” Dr. Engelman continues, “a wash formulated with salicylic acid can target flare-ups.” We share a few of our favorite cleansers formulated for acne-prone skin, here!

TIP #2: REACH FOR RETINOL

If you want to take your acne-care one step further, Dr. Engelman suggests using a prescription-strength retinoid. Retinol is a naturally occurring vitamin A derivative that can help with anything from surface cellular turnover to reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Retinol can also be used to target blemishes, and is often prescribed to fight the good fight against breakouts and congestion.

Editor’s note: Retinol is powerful. If you’re new to the ingredient, talk to your dermatologist to ensure your skin is a good candidate. Be sure to start with a lower concentration to help build up your skin’s tolerance. Since retinol can cause sensitivity to sunlight, we recommend applying it in the evening and pairing your applications with Broad Spectrum SPF 15 or higher during daytime hours.

TIP #3: HYDRATE YOUR SKIN

We’ve said it before and we will say it again— moisturize! “Keeping the skin hydrated with a moisturizer is key,” Dr. Engelman explains, “Because dry skin can start premature aging.” You read that right. Moisturizer not only hydrates the skin but can actually help it appear healthy and more youthful! Pay close attention to your eye contour, as it is one of the first areas of skin to reveal signs of aging. Dr. Engelman suggests reaching for an eye cream everyday to hydrate this delicate area.

TIP #4: PROTECT WITH BROAD SPECTRUM SPF

“Even though the skin is young, it is never too early to start caring for and preventing skin damage,” Dr. Engelman says. “Sunscreen gives you a headstart on anti-aging and protects your skin so you have less to worry about later.” By properly caring for your skin early on, you can help reduce future signs of aging and sun damage.

Now that you’ve got the expert tips in tow, check out our roundup of the products you need in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond!