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15 Skincare Tips for Your 20s to Look Great in Your 30s

By Staff Writer
Share to Pinterest15 Skincare Tips for Your 20s to Look Great in Your 30s
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The skin is the body's largest organ. It protects you from the elements and deserves your protection in turn. This is particularly true as you age and your skin becomes less resilient. By adopting healthy habits in your teens and 20s, your skin can look and feel youthful well into your 30s and 40s. By choosing appropriate products for your skin type and keeping a skincare routine simple, you can be consistent, and consistency is the key.

01

Rule number one: sun protection

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While spending time outdoors and basking in the sun's warmth is undeniably wonderful, it's crucial to take the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin. Those comforting sunrays can potentially lead to skin damage, so it's wise to cover up whenever possible. Relying solely on the SPF in makeup is not sufficient. Your sunscreen should have a minimum SPF of 30 and provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. Opting for water-resistant sunblock is even better, as it ensures protection for a longer duration. Be sure to use enough sunscreen to cover not only your face but also your neck and hands. Accessorize with sunglasses and hats to provide additional defense, and remember not to let your guard down even on cloudy days. Discover the benefits of clean and organic sunscreen options, like those offered by Juice Beautyd, to keep your skin healthy and well-protected.

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02

Prioritize a balanced diet

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Eat nourishing foods, limit sugar and refined carbs, and cook with healthy oils and fats to protect your skin from premature aging. Consume foods like wild-caught salmon or flaxseed oil that contain omega-3 fatty acids for a natural glow and fewer breakouts. Zinc and vitamin E have anti-inflammatory properties and are present in nuts and seeds, for example. Whole grains, fruits, and veggies provide fiber and additional antioxidants. Within three months of shifting to a more nutritious diet, you may notice visible improvements in your skin.

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03

Get moving

Share to PinterestActive men jogging outdoors on blue cloudy sky with copy space. Two athletic guys or young sports friends running together, doing their routine cardio workout and fitness exercise in the city
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Exercise plays a pivotal role in improving your skin's overall appearance, and we're not merely referring to the post-workout glow of sweat. Engaging in moderate-intensity exercise bolsters circulation and provides a valuable boost to your immune system. However, it's the positive impact of those "happy hormones" that truly shines. Regular physical activity helps release these mood-boosting hormones, which can be a game-changer. Stress is known to trigger the release of cortisol, which, over time, can break down collagen, leading to sagging skin and the formation of wrinkles. By managing stress effectively, you secure a significant piece of the skincare puzzle.

Remember, working out isn't solely about the body; facial exercises are equally important. Discover products from Face Gym to incorporate into your skincare routine and ensure your facial muscles receive the attention they deserve.

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04

Beauty sleep

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While you're asleep, your skin renews itself. So, ensuring you're getting enough shut-eye (at least six hours per night) paves a positive path for your skin in your 30s. Good quality sleep improves skin barrier function and appearance. During your 20s, it can be tempting to forego sleep to achieve career goals, but getting adequate sleep is crucial for your mental and physical health. Give in to the yawn, and your face will thank you.

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05

Avoid smoking

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Cigarettes may temporarily make you feel good, but boy, do they come with a whole lot of downsides. The packaging hints at the most dangerous of these risks, cancer, but we're pretty sure the box says nothing about how your skin pays the price when you light up. Smoking narrows blood vessels in the outer layer of skin, dulling the complexion. It reduces oxygen and nutrients in the skin and damages collagen and elastin, which make the skin firm and plump. In addition, repetitive lip pursing causes premature wrinkles around the mouth.

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06

Alcohol is a bad idea too

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Your body retains less water as you age. Alcohol is dehydrating and results in a weaker skin barrier, which is why you may notice that heavy drinkers have bad skin. If you want to lay a good skin foundation in your 20s, curb your alcohol intake or eliminate it. Hydrate your skin by drinking lots of water and squeezing in some lemon for good measure.

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07

Gently cleanse

Share to PinterestMan washing face with facial cleanser face wash soap in bathroom sink at home
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First and foremost, make it a daily habit to cleanse your face. This should be done in the morning and before bedtime using a gentle cleanser, avoiding drying soap bars. This simple step helps bid farewell to the environmental pollutants that settle on your skin throughout the day. Remember, never sleep with makeup on! The key to effective skincare is finding the right products tailored to your specific skin type and the current season. Elevate your skincare regimen by exploring the range of products available from Bloomingdales, because investing in your skin is investing in yourself.

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08

Be wise and moisturize

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After cleansing, the next step in your skincare routine is to apply a moisturizer that's tailored to your specific skin type. Moisturizers play a vital role in preserving the skin's natural barrier. They work by trapping moisture within the skin, imparting a youthful and radiant appearance. If you have oily skin, you can opt to skip this step during the daytime, as sunscreen can often serve as a sufficient moisturizer. Instead, focus on a nighttime product that includes beneficial ingredients such as niacinamide or hyaluronic acid to nourish and revitalize your skin. For dermatologist-approved skincare products, explore the offerings from Prose to ensure you're giving your skin the care it deserves.

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09

Exfoliate

Share to PinterestFace scrub for glowing skin.
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Exfoliate your skin twice a week after cleansing to encourage cell renewal. Exfoliation removes dead skin and clears pores, resulting in a brighter, smoother canvas that moisturizer can penetrate more easily. Chemical exfoliants containing salicylic acid, for example, are preferable to harsh scrubs, but don't overdo it, or your skin could become irritated. A microfiber towel on its own works just fine.

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10

Fake the tan

Share to PinterestPortrait of young woman with perfect glowing skin looking aside, holding sunscreen, bronzer, skincare product while posing isolated over grey background
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Few things are worse for your skin than using indoor tanning equipment or baking in the sun without the shade of an umbrella. There's a reason tanning booths come with a warning label—the UV rays can lead to skin cancer. They also accelerate signs of aging, such as brown spots and loss of firmness, and may lend skin a more leathery texture. If you're feeling a little vampirish and want a more golden complexion, you're better off using a self-tanning product or getting a spray tan.

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11

Don't pop the pimple

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We all know how strangely satisfying it can be, but resist the temptation to pop that pimple, even when it seems determined to sabotage your flawless look. Pimple-popping can result in the dreaded dark spots, which we all want to avoid. Instead, take proactive measures by applying a specialized spot treatment and allow the product to work its magic. For effective blemish care products, explore the offerings from Yves Rocher to help maintain your skin's clarity and radiance.

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12

Resist the urge to rub your eyes

Share to PinterestIt's been a long day!
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It's natural to develop under-eye bags as you age, but constant rubbing can make them more pronounced. Eczema and allergies can cause excessive eye-rubbing, which pulls at the delicate skin around your eyes and causes Dennie-Morgan lines, inflammation, and darkness. If you notice you're rubbing your eyes often, visit your GP.

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13

Address your skin concerns

Share to PinterestAfrican American woman applying lotion to face
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You can try out optional but recommended products such as a vitamin C serum to prevent oxidative damage and multitasking retinol. This duo is worth the investment, but if you're using the latter on your face at night, be generous with your sunblock the next day. Introduce new products one at a time so you can see how your skin reacts, and always patch test. It's best to see a dermatologist or qualified professional if you have specific skin concerns such as adult acne or hyperpigmentation.

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14

Skin advice: grab bag

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Here are three quick tips you can start implementing today.

  • After you exercise or come in from the heat, wash your face—sweat can irritate the skin.
  • Hot water is more drying than warm water, so pay attention to temperature.
  • If the environment where you live is dry, use a humidifier.

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15

Don't hop on every skincare trend

Share to PinterestJade Roller and Gua Sha
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In the age of social media, you'll come across countless skincare tips, but it's important to remember that not all of them are reliable. Before you get "skinspired" to try the latest trend on TikTok, it's wise to do your research and ensure you're only taking advice from reputable sources, such as board-certified dermatologists. Feel free to explore techniques like lymphatic drainage massage and test out the depuffing jade roller, but resist the pressure to purchase every tool or product that's out there.

Remember, achieving beautiful skin in your 30s doesn't have to break the bank. Taking care of the basics in your 20s and beyond is the foundation for long-lasting skincare success. You can attain a genuine, radiant glow for your skin by using trusted and effective products from Merle Norman.

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