Non-Negotiable Skincare Products for Every Woman in Her 20s
The ultimate checklist for healthy skin.
The decade of the 20s represents that sweet spot when youth is robust, looks on fleek, and charms unparalleled. Your skin has crossed a tricky adolescent phase and the onset of progressive 30s is nearing. Unarguably, it’s a defining moment for the skin. The care and attention you put in today will reap powerful results tomorrow. Hence, it is imperative to make a conscious choice of skincare elements.
“Your skin routine is a bank account. Invest wisely”.
I’m soon-to-be 24 and I follow a minimal yet ‘smart skincare’ regime. Forget the overdose of products that’s happening on the market, here’s the no-nonsense checklist of skincare products that’ll keep your skin healthy and hopeful.
1. Scrub
Scrub is my favorite part. Our skin breathes a multitude of pollutants from the air which ends up clogging the pores. The tiny granular particles of an exfoliator gently abrade the dirt, dead cells, greasiness, prevent blackheads, whiteheads and acne and unclog pores thoroughly, unmasking fresh baby skin. I prefer harsher scrubs like walnut or gram flour as my oily skin tends to attract a thick barrier. Creamier scrubs like honey, apricot, and those based on coffee, oats, sugar, salts leave your body incredibly soft and supple. Scrubbing twice a week is enough. A clean and disinfected skin is the most essential part of beauty.
2. Serum
Serum is one product that can do wonders for your skin. They are lightweight in texture, non-comedogenic, and infused with an ample amount of actives that seep deep into skin layers. Various types of serums are available in the market, choose one based on your concern. Vitamin C works for pigmentation and anti-aging as it brightens the skin and maintains collagen production. A combination of niacinamide, zinc, and salicylic acid helps in clarifying blemishes, breakouts, considerably reducing sebum secretion. Hyaluronic acid soothes dryness-induced inflammation and irritation by adding a splash of moisture. Vitamin E replenishes and works like a dream for dullness.
3. Sunscreen
No matter how late you’re for work, departing your home without applying sunscreen is a criminal action. Indoors or outdoors, it’s the protective umbrella you cannot compromise on. An effective sunscreen has SPF higher than 30, is labeled as broad-spectrum meaning it shields you from UVA and UVB rays, is waterproof, and suits your skin type. Critics recommend avoiding those leaving a white cast, but I think there’s no harm in it as long as you are feeling comfortable and protected. The American Academy of Dermatology supports the usage of sunscreen for preventing harmful ultraviolet rays and skin cancer.
4. Almond Oil
An element I’ve recently learned about and welcomed in my nighttime regime, almond oil is the answer to our prayers. Having tried dozens of eye-care creams and serums showing no evident results, almond oil is the sole solution that has worked for me so far. It’s the perfect remedy for tech-gifted dark circles, puffiness, and dehydration. The skin around our eyes is delicate, hence, the Vitamin E, K, Omega-3 fatty acids-rich almond oil nourishes it and lightens any darkened area. Massage a few drops on your eyes and face before dozing off for that glowy morning look.
5. Face Wash and Cleanser
Face wash is the most basic step of daily hygiene. If you’re someone struggling with acne, oiliness, and dullness, washing your wash twice or thrice a day becomes a necessity. Ensure it’s either salicylic acid, turmeric, tea tree, or neem-based formulation. Anything fruity, floral, or synthetic scented is a fail and can have negative effects on your skin. For removing makeup, use a creamy cleanser pre-facewash as it penetratively takes off every bit of product. Here is a list of face washes for everyone.
6. Moisturizer
They say practicing the habit of moisturizing brings you the fountain of youth, rightly said so. It hides fine lines, smoothens signs of aging, corrects uneven tone, and plumps up the skin. I love to douse myself with buttery blobs of lotion, immediately after stepping out of a hot bath. No matter what your skin type, keep yourself moisturized throughout the day and your skin will feel happy and luxurious. You can notice instant differences before and after applying the right moisturizer.
7. Face Mask
Like humans, our skin demands an occasional act of pampering. A face mask isn’t something I use often, however, post the age of 25, the need arises to boost and rejuvenate your face weekly. Keep changing and trying different products, keep in mind it should be as natural as possible. Multani clay, ubtan, fruit mashes, peels, vegetable slices, yogurt, honey, and all types of pantry treasures make the best DIY masks. If you have combination skin, try multi-masking for different concerns. For example, apply a clay mask on T-zone to suck the oil and a honey mask on dry patches of your face.
Quick tip — Apply the face products on your neck as well.
Women in their 20s are free of visible skin issues and for this same reason, they neglect and laze about not taking skincare seriously. The fact is, it’s always better to start early and prepare yourself for natural aging stages. Not just for women, these must-have products are meant for anyone who likes to look after their skin.
Don’t complicate the process, choose wisely and follow a daily ritual. Preserve youthfulness by applying a few beneficial products you blindly trust on.
Remember, less is more.
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