Welcome to your skincare era.
What might feel like a chore now will soon become one of the most calming parts of your day. Give it a few weeks, and you’ll find those quiet moments with your skincare routine unexpectedly therapeutic—a small ritual that energizes your mornings and helps you unwind in the evenings. It’s more than self-care; it’s a daily act of kindness to yourself.
When Should I Start?
Just like with most things in adulting, the answer is: now’s a great time. The habits you build in your 20s set the stage for how your skin will look in your 30s, 40s, and beyond. Skincare isn’t just about looking good for brunch this weekend—it’s about protecting your skin’s strength, elasticity, and radiance so you age gracefully and confidently.
By your mid-20s:
- Collagen production starts to slow
- Sun damage starts to silently accumulate
- Your skin may start showing early signs of stress—like dullness, uneven tone, or fine lines
The earlier you build a simple, consistent skincare routine, the better your skin will age.
How to Build Your Skincare Routine: 4 Essential Steps
Here’s your no-fuss, no-fluff guide to building a skincare routine that actually works. No 10-step K-beauty marathons here—just four essential steps to get your started.
Step 1: Cleanser – Wash the Day and Night Away
Water alone won’t cut it anymore. Just like how you wouldn’t skip soap on your hands, your face needs a proper cleanser to remove oil, sweat, and grime. It’s important to know your skin type before diving into skincare products.
Not sure your skin type? Try this:
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Wait 20 minutes—no products.
- Oily all over? → Oily
- Tight and dry? → Dry
- Shiny T-zone, dry cheeks? → Combo
- Balanced and comfortable? → Normal
Starter Pick: Youth To The People Mini Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser. This lightweight cleanser is great for all skin types and works to clean your face without stripping your PH.
Step 2: Exfoliate – Out with the Old
If your skin looks dull or uneven, you’re likely overdue for exfoliation. This helps remove dead skin cells, boosts radiance, and lets your serums/moisturizers penetrate better.
🔄 Start Slow: Begin once a week. Build up based on your skin’s tolerance. Too much too fast? You risk damaging your skin barrier. Your Options: (choose 1)
Physical Exfoliation
Think gentle scrubs, cleansing brushes, or washcloths. These manually buff away dead skin, but the key word is gentle. Harsh scrubs can cause micro-tears, leading to irritation.
- Try This ➡️: Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder – A luxe, water-activated exfoliant that polishes skin without being too harsh.
Chemical Exfoliation
Acids like AHAs (glycolic, lactic) and BHAs (salicylic) dissolve dead skin without scrubbing. They’re game-changers for smooth texture and glowing skin.
- Try This ➡️: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – A cult-favorite for refining pores and smoothing skin.
Tip: Dermaplaning – Your Secret Self-Care Weapon
After mastering your routine, if you’re looking for an extra glow boost, do some extra research on dermaplaning. This professional (or at-home) treatment gently removes the top layer of dead skin and peach fuzz using a fine blade. The result? Baby-soft skin that absorbs products like a dream.
At-Home Dermaplaning Must-Have:
Try This ➡️: Panasonic Eyebrow and Facial Hair Trimmer - A gentle, beginner-friendly tool that helps remove fine facial hair and dead skin without irritation. It’s a perfect pick for smoother makeup application and an overall polished look.
Always sanitize your tool. Never rush. Trust us: the glow is worth the patience.
Step 3: Hydrate – Quench your Skin
Dull, flaky, or tight skin usually means dehydration. And while drinking water helps, topical hydration is what really counts.
Your Hydration Game Plan:
Hyaluronic Acid
This powerhouse ingredient holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, giving your skin a plump, dewy look.
- Try This ➡️: Mixsoon Glacier Water Hyaluronic Acid Serum 300ml – Budget-friendly, lightweight, and deeply hydrating.
Moisturizer Matters
A no brainer for dry skin but even if you have oily skin, a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer keeps everything balanced.
Try This ➡️:
- Oily Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel – A lightweight, gel-based hydrator that doesn’t feel oily.
- Dry Skin: ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream – A rich, soothing moisturizer with ceramides to hydrate and calm your skin.
Step 3: Protect – Your Long Term MVP
The real anti-aging secret? Daily sunscreen. UV rays break down collagen, cause hyperpigmentation, and lead to rough, uneven texture. No matter your skin type or tone, daily SPF is non-negotiable.
Sun Protection Tips:
Use a Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
Look for one with added hydration if you have dry skin, or a lightweight, matte formula if you’re oily.
- Try This ➡️: Anessa by Shiseido Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+ - A weightless, invisible SPF that works under makeup.
Reapply, Reapply, Reapply
Sunscreen isn’t just a morning thing. If you’re outside, reapply every two hours.
- Try This ➡️: COOLA Organic SPF 50 Face Mist – A refreshing SPF mist for quick touch-ups on the go.
Cover Up
Hats, sunglasses, and shade are your best friends when the sun is blazing.
Final Thoughts
Smooth skin isn’t about having a 10-step routine or spending a fortune on fancy products. Stick to these four essentials—cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, protect—and sprinkle in some self-care moments like dermaplaning for an extra treat.
Consistency is key! Be patient, treat your skin with kindness, and get ready to glow for years to come.
