Youthful skin is naturally beautiful. At this age, collagen and sebum production are at their peak, giving you taut and luminous skin. However, a busy social life, late nights and frequent partying can take their toll. How you care for your complexion in your 20s will greatly impact your ageing trajectory, and any skin sins you commit now will certainly come back to haunt you in your 30s and 40s!
Youthful skin is naturally beautiful. At this age, collagen and sebum production are at their peak, giving you taut and luminous skin. However, a busy social life, late nights and frequent partying can take their toll. How you care for your complexion in your 20s will greatly impact your ageing trajectory, and any skin sins you commit now will certainly come back to haunt you in your 30s and 40s!
1. Gentle face wash
Cellular renewal tends to slow down from your mid-20s, so try a foaming cleanser with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) to boost skin renewal. We love Hada Labo AHA/BHA Foaming Wash ($13.50), which gently lifts off dead skin cells, purifies pores and reduces the appearance of blackheads.
2. Acne SOS
If you suffer from adult acne, resist the urge to pick at pimples as this could leave a scar. Instead, apply a spot treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. We also recommend CNP Laboratory Anti-pore Black Head Clear Kit ($14.10 for three sets).
The two-step kit is formulated with hypoallergenic polyhydroxy acids, witch hazel water and zinc PCA to help decongest clogged pores and blackheads around the nose.
3. Sebum control
Young skin tends to produce more sebum. Restore it to optimal balance with Innisfree Super Volcanic Clay Mousse Mask ($29). This 10-minute skin saver removes dirt, tames shine, and is said to regulate sebum production.
4. Long-wearing SPF
Sun damage is your No. 1 enemy, contributing to dull skin, pigmentation, wrinkles and premature ageing. Even if you apply sunscreen religiously every morning, excessive sweat and sebum from an active lifestyle may cause it to fade.
So never leave home without Sunplay Skin Aqua Sarafit Fragrance Free UV Mist ($9.90), a long-wearing triple action sunscreen that supposedly absorbs, reflects and scatters ultraviolet rays. The mist formula also allows for fuss-free application on the go. You can even use it over makeup.
5. Water-based hydration
The sooner you start on anti-ageing skincare, the better. That said, at this early stage, it’s best to avoid rich products or harsh ingredients such as retinol, as this may cause breakouts. Instead, opt for lightweight lotions formulated with hyaluronic acid to replenish moisture.
Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion ($22.90), has hyaluronic acid molecules in four sizes to infuse skin at different layers for intense hydration.
