Your twenties is the perfect time to lock down a skincare and self-care routine that will serve your skin as it ages and goes through tons
more change. Let’s explore…
You may be wondering why your twenties are so important. Lifestyle. Your lifestyle and habits affect your skin and future ageing even more than your skin and self-care routines. A more active social life, sports with friends and a lot more dating means you’re exposed to the elements, particularly the sun a lot. It’s important to note that if nothing else, sun care is extremely important.
WHERE TO START?
In your twenties it’s likely you’re still finishing studies or starting to build a career. Life is expensive and resources can be limited. Thankfully, even creating a foundation of basics is a good way to ensure you age like fine wine.
WASH
You’re an adult now, sorry! You simply have to wash your face twice a day, and definitely before and after activities or sport. Upgrading from your bar soap is a good first step.
SCRUB
Exfoliation might feel a bit extra if you are a laidback-Luke but it paves the way for an even complexion, and a smoother shave. If you have a beard and/or moustache, this is equally as important to prevent ingrowns, excess oil that can trigger acne or spots and to minimise or at least manage the size of your pores.
MOISTURISE
Moisturising alone is a word that causes many okes to roll their eyes a little. Don’t think of it as something fussy, rebrand it as hydration – as much as drinking loads of water benefits you, your skin needs a solid drink to stay supple and healthy. More that that, it provides a protective barrier between your skin and the elements, and the perfect base for good sun care.
SUN PROTECTION
If you’re going to be exposed to the sun for more than 10-15min minutes (that’s everyone!), you need an even SPF barrier to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Don’t skimp on this, you’ll regret it in a few short years when preventable lines and pigmentation show up to
put a dent in your confidence.
READY FOR THE CHALLENGE OF A MORE COMPREHENSIVE ROUTINE? THIS GUIDELINE WILL HAVE YOU LOOKING AND FEELING FRESH.
1. IMPROVE YOUR DIET
Your diet and metabolism plays a significant role in the health of your skin. More than it, it’s essential for your skin to be able to heal after a knick or injury. A diet with a foundation of hydration and nutrient-rich food is your first line of defence for your health, ageing gracefully and to up your dating game.
2. EXERCISE!
This is the sibling of nutrition, exercise is not only about peak fitness. It stimulates blood flow which in turn helps your body more efficiently metabolise nutrients (for maximum absorption) and expel toxins via your lymph nodes, kidneys and liver.
3. MANAGE STRESS LEVELS
Stress ages you. It’s as simple as that. Chilling out and finding ways to cope with stress is an essential part of your health, well-being, maintaining energy levels (exercise helps this too) and will keep you looking youthful for far longer.
4. SHAVE BETTER… AND SLOWER
Shaving should never be a rush job. A sharp object gliding over your skin repeatedly is sure to cause some amount of stress for your skins healing over time. Slow down, move with intent and use a good product to ease the pressure too.
5. TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH!
Pearly whites and fresh breath goes a long way. Brush your teeth at least twice, floss regularly and remember to freshen up after a fragrant meal or nap.
6. LOOK AFTER YOUR HANDS AND FEET
While you don’t have to go the extra mile and get a full mani and pedi, at least scrub your hands and feet regularly to shed dead skin, prevent funky infections and reduce the speed of ageing. You know what they say, your hands give your age away!
7. KEEP YOUR TOWELS AND BEDDING FRESH
Sleeping on funky, sweaty linen and using damp towels that touched your butt (yes, we said it!) is nothing short of unhealthy for our skin. Changing your sheets, pillow cases and properly drying towel is still essential! Try dedicating a small towel just for your face to avoid contamination, especially since your facial skin is far more vulnerable than the rest of your body.
8. SMILE
Need we say more? A smile really is everything and it produces far less wrinkles than frowning! That’s an all round win if you ask us.
Words by Steffanie Titus
Photography: Unsplashed, Courtesy Images
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