Skincare in your 20’s

Skincare in Your 20s

Build habits now for skin that still glows in your 30s, 40s and beyond

Your 20s are the time to set the foundation. The skin is resilient, collagen is strong, and cell turnover is still working at its best — but what you do now makes a big difference to how your skin looks later. This is when small habits add up to long-term results.

Understanding oxidative stress – and why it matters

Every day, your skin faces tiny “stress attacks” from the environment – UV, pollution, alcohol, vaping, stress, and lack of sleep. These create unstable molecules called free radicals, which damage healthy skin cells. That damage is called oxidative stress.

When oxidative stress builds up, collagen breaks down faster, hydration drops, and inflammation increases. Over time, this can show up as:

• Dullness or uneven tone
• Early fine lines around the eyes or forehead
• Texture changes or dryness
• Small pigment spots or blotchiness

It’s the start of what we see later as premature ageing — and it’s preventable.

What causes it

Free radicals are created by daily choices and environment. The most common triggers are:

• UV exposure – the biggest source of skin damage
• Smoking or vaping – depletes oxygen and floods skin with toxins
• Alcohol and binge drinking – dries out and inflames the skin
• Lack of sleep – reduces repair and recovery
• Chronic stress – elevates cortisol and weakens barrier function
• Pollution and blue light – constant low-grade oxidative stress
• Skipping skincare or sunscreen – leaves skin unprotected

What helps

Think of your 20s as your skin’s “training years.” The aim is prevention and consistency, not perfection.

Daily

• Cleanse gently morning and night. You’re setting the stage for everything else to work. It’s the simple routines that make a big difference. 
• Use antioxidants daily. Think Vitamin A, B, C, but also green tea, zinc, 
• Hydrate and protect the barrier. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalene
• SPF every day. ALWAYS! Even when it’s cloudy or you’re inside. 
• Sleep 7–8 hours, manage stress, and stay hydrated. Skin health reflects internal health.
• Feed your skin from within. Eat antioxidant-rich foods like berries, greens, and nuts.
• Watch lifestyle triggers. Avoid smoking or vaping and limit alcohol — both age the skin faster than you think.

Professional support makes all the difference

At Shine Skin & Body, this is where we help you go deeper than skincare alone. A facial isn’t just a treat – it’s professional skin maintenance.

Regular treatments let us track changes, boost circulation, and support long-term results. We recommend:

• Monthly facials for deep cleansing, hydration and barrier repair
• Layered peels for smoothness and brightness
• SQT bio-needling or dermal needling for collagen stimulation
• LED light therapy to calm inflammation and energise skin cells

All are customised to your skin goals and lifestyle. The aim isn’t to do everything, it’s to do what your skin truly needs.

Your simple 20s routine

Morning: Cleanser → Antioxidant serum → Moisturiser → SPF
Evening: Cleanser → Targeted serum (Vitamin A or Niacinamide) → Moisturiser
Weekly:  Mask
Monthly: Facial for deep repair and guidance

The takeaway

In your 20s, it’s easy to think you don’t need much – but the truth is, this is when prevention counts most. Protecting collagen, reducing oxidative stress, and keeping your barrier strong now sets you up for healthy, glowing skin for years to come.

If you’re not sure where to start, book a Skin Health Consultation at Shine Skin & Body. We’ll assess your skin, help you create a plan, and make sure every step works toward long-term results – not short-term fixes.