At 20, the skin is young and supple. However, it gradually begins to undergo constitutional changes (loss of hyaluronic acid, collagen fibres...) and signs of ageing appear progressively. Therefore, it is important to have a good routine to prevent premature skin ageing. What actions and care should be adopted at this age? Discover all our advice in this article.
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How to take care of your facial skin in your 20s?
Summary
- What is the skin like at 20 years old?
- The key actives at 20 years old
- Typical routine for taking care of your skin in your 20s
Published June 17, 2022,
updated on December 16, 2024,
by
Sandrine, Scientific Editor
—
10 min read
What is the skin like at 20 years old?
At 20 years old, the skin is still at the peak of its suppleness. However, depending on your genetic heritage and lifestyle, it may show the first signs of skin ageing. Studies have notably shown that the production of collagen decreases (by an average of 1% per year), causing the onset of skin sagging and the appearance of the first fine lines (corners of the mouth, corner of the eye, etc...).
Furthermore, your skin begins to dehydrate as the level of hyaluronic acid decreases along with the production of sebum. Indeed, the complexion can become dull and appear perpetually tired, even if wrinkles and fine lines are not distinctly visible. This dehydration is the root cause of a reduction in the skin's barrier function which becomes more susceptible to external aggressions (UV rays, tobacco, pollution...), causing premature ageing of the skin.
It also happens that at this age, the skin is prone to blemishes such as acne spots or blackheads resulting from dilated and blocked pores due to a slowdown in cell renewal. Therefore, it's time to take preventative measures to preserve the skin in the long term.
The key actives at 20 years old.
Some active ingredients are essential to incorporate into your routine in order to protect the skin from external aggressions and photo-ageing:
The antioxidants :
Antioxidants are a family of molecules that enable the skin to combat oxidative stress, caused by external factors such as UV rays, pollution or even tobacco. Thus, the skin is better protected against these external aggressions responsible for premature ageing. Moreover, antioxidants brighten and even out the complexion and reduce the formation of pigmentation spots. This family includes vitamin C, ferulic acid, resveratrol, vitamin E, etc...
The hydrating agents:
From the age of 20, skin hydration begins to decrease. Indeed, this can be explained by the fact that the quantity and quality of hyaluronic acid (a molecule naturally present in our body) starts to diminish from the age of 20. This molecule is responsible for hydrating the skin (it is capable of retaining 1,000 times its weight in water), improving skin elasticity, and protecting the skin from external aggressions. Moreover, the skin's barrier function begins to reduce, which increases insensible water loss. Therefore, it is essential to provide the skin with hydrating actives such as hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5 (INCI: Panthenol), niacinamide, pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), glycerine, polyglutamic acid, and so on...
Typical routine for taking care of your skin in your 20s.
Here is an example of a routine for normal skin:
The Cleansing:
It is essential to thoroughly cleanse the skin. A good cleansing will rid the epidermis of its impurities and aid in its regeneration. Indeed, these impurities are factors that block the pores, promoting excessive sebum production and the appearance of blemishes.
Every evening, we recommend the double cleanse method. Firstly, remove your makeup with an oil-based product such as a cleansing balm or cleansing oil to eliminate makeup residues, sunscreen, impurities, as well as excess sebum which are lipophilic components. Follow this with a gentle water-soluble gel to deeply cleanse your skin, like our unifying gel which is suitable for all skin types. It contains 6% of niacinamide which reduces redness, evens out skin tone and fights against the appearance of blemishes. It also includes clary sage hydrosol which refines skin texture, combats blemishes and premature ageing thanks to its antioxidant properties.
Once your skin is clean, finish with a toner to remove limescale residues and prepare the skin to receive care. Our radiance toner composed of 2% vitamin C helps to regulate the skin's pH, brighten the complexion and fight against premature ageing. You also have the hydrating toner which hydrates and soothes the skin thanks to hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
Note : If the evening cleansing has been done properly, in the morning you should only need to refresh your face with a tonic lotion or a hydrosol to remove excess sebum and sweat, especially for dry and sensitive skin in order not to damage the hydrolipidic barrier.
The products in this routine can vary depending on your skin type. For instance, if you have oily skin, you should lean towards the purifying cleansing gel.
Highly concentrated treatments with active ingredients:
On clean and dry skin, apply treatments concentrated in active antioxidants or moisturisers. These will help to protect your skin against free radicals and hydrate it. In the morning, opt for the vitamin C serum which restores radiance to your skin and fights against premature ageing. In the evening, use the hydrating serum based on 3% hyaluronic acid and 2% pro-vitamin B5. These help to hydrate the skin and reduce insensible water loss.
Hydration:
Hydration allows for asupple and smooth skin,as well as aradiant complexion. It also contributes to protection against external aggressions. Indeed, hydrationstrengthens the skin's hydrolipidic barrier.
Apply the vitamin C antioxidant creammorning and evening.It is suitable for all skin types. Enriched with moisturising and antioxidant active ingredients, it helps to combat the oxidation process and even out the complexion.
The selection of your moisturising cream should be based on your skin type. For instance, if your skin is oily, you should opt for a purifying face cream , and if your skin is dry, you should choose a nourishing face cream.
Sun Protection:
Skin ageing is a normal biological process. However, external factors such as UV rays can accelerate this process. Therefore, it is essential to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays throughout the year!
To do this, choose a broad-spectrum sun protection suitable for your phototype. The sunscreen helps to prevent photo-ageing thanks to the combination of mineral and organic filters providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Its formula enriched with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera is ideal for normal and dry skin.
Exfoliation:
At the age of 20, the cell renewal process begins to slow down. Therefore, it is crucial to use exfoliants 1 to 2 times a week to unclog pores and brighten the complexion. Our peeling mask offers a triple exfoliation: chemical (PHA), mechanical (cranberry powder) and enzymatic (acid from blackberry, blackcurrant and raspberry). This mask should be used 1 to 2 times a week.
For sensitive skin, you can turn to gentler chemical exfoliants, such as our gentle peeling serum. Formulated with 10% lactic acid, this serum exfoliates the skin without causing sensitivity. This serum can be used daily, but only in the evening.
Diagnostic
Understand your skin
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