When is the right time to start thinking about anti-ageing, is a popular question we get asked all the time as Nykaa Editors. The right answer to this question, contrary to popular belief, is in your 20s. We know it sounds drastic to start thinking about anti-ageing skincare practices in your 20s when you barely feel like an adult, but this is when your skin agrees to preventative products that reduce or slow down skin ageing in your 30s and 40s.
According to a study, as you grow older (after your 20s) your skin starts losing 1% collagen every year. Collagen is one such protein that is responsible for cell regeneration, skin elasticity, and a strong skin barrier. Your skin also starts becoming thicker as the epidermis loses its structural integrity at a cellular and physical level. Your lipid count starts falling and your barrier becomes weaker. A weak barrier and slow cell regeneration mean slower restoration. Every night as you sleep your skin restores the damage it undergoes due to UV exposure, pollution, moisture loss, and other environmental stressors and impurities. When your skin loses its restoration powers the damage starts becoming permanent leading to increased signs of ageing.
Signs of ageing include inflamed skin, dullness, dark spots, pigmentation, sensitive skin, puffiness, wrinkles, and fine lines. In your 30s and your 40s, you can only repair any damage that occurred but your 20s is when you can start nourishing your skin to glow like a goddess well into your 50s.
So, here are some of our go-to anti-ageing mantras that we swear by as 20-something skincare writers.
Diya’s Skinvestment
“I know this is on the pricier side of things, but I am okay with spending this amount because I look at skincare as an investment. As a 26-year-old, if I can avoid crazy expenses in the future with a formulation that I know works wonders for my skin, then take my money. This Advanced Night Repair Serum from Estee Lauder is supercharged with tripeptide-32 which helps reverse signs of ageing two times faster than any other serum. It also improves my skin’s texture so I can wake up to healthy skin every morning.”
Gizelle’s Fairy Dust
“For me, healthy skin begins with a healthy gut. I take this collagen-boosting supplement powder every day because it has biotin that’s great for my hair, hyaluronic acid that hydrates my skin, vitamin C that brightens, and collagen peptides that reduce wrinkles and fine lines. I am 28 now and I have been consuming this collagen powder every morning for three years and I am seeing great results. I would totally recommend this fairy dust in your 20s for that magical glow in your 40s.”
Gauravee’s Sun Sheild
“I’m 21 right now, so I am not going ham with active anti-ageing ingredients. Rather, my focus is to prevent as much sun damage as I can with Minimalist’s Photostable sunscreen that offers prolonged protection with SPF 50 PA+++. It has vitamins A, B3, B5, E, and F that hydrate, nourish, protect, and repair my sun-exposed skin. It also blends super quick and doesn’t leave a white cast.”
Clara’s Regenerist
“I grew up seeing my mom use Olay as part of her day and night routine, and I have always had an affinity towards the brand. With their advanced formulations and retinol-infused night moisturiser, I felt automatically drawn to it and how. Have been using this moisturiser every night and it really does wonders for my skin when I wake up the next morning. It completely hydrates my skin and the retinol helps with improved cell regeneration process.”
Parting Thoughts
Don’t think of ageing as a bad thing, it is good to age because you gain more wisdom, a new perspective on life, and experience new chapters. You can do all this while being the quintessential glistening goddess you desire to be by taking care of your skin right from your 20s. Make sure to never miss your sunscreen and start incorporating anti-ageing retinoids in your nighttime routine.
FAQs
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What is the best way to reverse signs of ageing?
The best way to reverse signs of ageing is to start doing some things and stop doing others.
Dos
- Start maintaining a simple morning and night routine.
- Always stay hydrated
- Ensure to indulge in a healthy diet and get ample amounts of sleep and exercise
- Invest in good-quality makeup and skincare
Don’ts
- Stop smoking and overconsumption of alcohol
- Avoid facial treatments and focus on repair and prevention
- Never skip sunscreen and never sleep with makeup on
- Avoid self-tanners and harsh chemical treatments
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What is the best anti-ageing ingredient?
Retinol is the best anti-ageing ingredient, a vitamin A derivative that boosts collagen, repairs damaged skin, and improves the elasticity, strength, and bounce of your skin.
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When should I start anti-ageing skincare?
If you are looking to slow down the process of skin ageing then start protecting and nourishing your skin barrier in your 20s. You can slowly ease into your 30s with younger features and age gracefully with restorative measures in your 40s and 50s.
