3 Nonnegotiable Skin Care Staples For Those In Their 20s, From A Doctor

If you're a 20-something or know one looking for a staple skin care routine that encourages healthy skin aging without overdoing it, you've come to the right place. 

When it comes to active ingredients, Ikeji swears by retinoids. (She specifically mentions retinoic acid, a natural derivative of retinol; retinol converts to retinoic acid when applied topically.) This ingredient speeds up cell turnover, which will encourage healthy skin aging. Research has even shown that retinoids hold the power to stimulate collagen production in the skin, which is key to keeping a youthful appearance, given that your natural collagen production decreases with age. More specifically, this production decreases by 1% each year1 after you hit a certain threshold in your 20s (although, the exact age depends on genetics).

What's more, studies show that retinoids may be helpful in treating acne2 as well, a condition many 20-somethings struggle with. So think of this step as a two-in-one: It can set you up for healthy skin aging long term, and it can help keep pesky breakouts at bay.

This one is key for keeping your complexion bright and protecting it from oxidative stress. Whether it be from pollution, UV rays, or chronic emotional stress, free radicals can wreak havoc on your skin health and lead to accelerated skin aging. On the inside, this means a loss of collagen and elastin fibers. On the outside, this looks like skin sagging, fine lines, wrinkles, and textural changes. It can also trigger dark spots and other forms of discoloration. 

"It sounds like a broken record," says Ikeji, but you need to be wearing sunscreen. Even if you haven't been diligent with SPF throughout the years, it's never too late to start.

A recent survey showed that Gen Z adults (aka, individuals between the ages of 18 and 25) are especially likely to sunbathe compared to other generations and lack general sun care knowledge; meaning, the importance of SPF may not be as widespread as it should be, especially for those in their 20s.