We’ve all heard the timeless advice, “prevention is better than cure,” and if you’re still in your early twenties, it’s especially crucial in skincare.

This is the prime time to take control of your skin, as the choices you make now will significantly impact your skin health in your thirties and forties.

We’ve got the inside scoop from a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Shereene Idriss, on the three must-have skincare essentials to start including in your twenties – trust us, your future self will thank you.

Curious? Continue reading for the details!

Sunscreen

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Yep, it’s pretty obvious, but the basics can sometimes slip our minds.

Making sunscreen a non-negotiable step before stepping out into the sun is a must. Our skin does a stellar job shielding us from harmful ultraviolet radiation, making sunscreen a crucial defence against the nasty effects of UV rays.

Even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors, your skin remains at risk from the sun’s rays, which can lead to issues like skin cancer, discoloration, and wrinkles down the line.

Once you make washing your face and slathering on sunscreen a habit, it becomes a lifelong routine that pays off.

Bonus: Your bank account will thank you too because you won’t be shelling out for loads of laser treatments in the future!

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Retinol

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Ever wondered how to get that sought-after glass-like skin? The trick is to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine.

According to Dr. Shereene, making retinol a part of your daily regimen will gradually even out and smooth your skin, giving you a more uniform tone and reducing those pesky fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production.

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is a key player in various anti-ageing skincare products, with the added bonus of clearing up acne. It’s important to note that not everyone can tolerate retinol. Dr. Shereene’s advice? Stick to consistency over intensity.

No need for a prescription – just grab an over-the-counter option a few times a week in your twenties, and you’ll be on your way to glowing skin in your thirties and forties.

Feel free to dial up the intensity as your skin’s needs change.

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Incorporate An Antioxidant

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To keep your skin protected against free radicals and maintain that collagen glow, having an antioxidant in your skincare lineup is a must.

This proactive measure ensures your skin stays resilient against premature ageing caused by stress, environmental factors, pollution, and more.

Dr. Shereene suggests vitamin C, a go-to antioxidant naturally present in your skin. While vitamin C plays a role in maintaining skin firmness, ageing can slow down collagen production.

When applied topically, vitamin C not only encourages the growth of new collagen but also safeguards the existing collagen, shielding it from damage.

Adding to the morning routine, Dr. Shereene recommends including coenzyme Q10. This ingredient excels in diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boosting collagen production, and maintaining that enviable skin elasticity.

Related read: 17 best vitamin C serums that’ll brighten your skin and restore its glow

By sticking to these three steps day in and day out, you’ll stay committed to your skincare routine and set the stage for some amazing results down the road!

Featured image credits: @mcloving.friedrice/TikTok, @_skincaretips101_/TikTok, @yurileeeee/Tiktok.