As a skin care therapist, I treat a wide range of clients, but nothing gives me more pleasure than when a young person in their 20s or early 30s comes to me for their first facial!
They come to me a little shy and unsure, but hopeful that I can help them with their skin problems. Starting a first job or going to college is challenging. Young people want to look their best and not be judged on their appearance.
Most problems at this age are acne and clogged pores, but this is also a perfect opportunity to begin a regimen that will help prevent premature aging. Healthy habits that begin in the 20s can make a big difference in the health and appearance of one's skin later in life. It is much easier to preserve youth than trying to regain it.
So this is the perfect time to get serious about your skincare routine.
After a long day, it is tempting to go to sleep without washing off makeup, but I guarantee that is the worst thing to do! The oil, grime, and pollution must be thoroughly cleansed from your face before going to bed because that's the time when the skin repairs itself. And bacteria left on the skin overnight creates clogged pores along with acne.
Foaming cleansers are the best for young people. They remove makeup, surface dirt, and oils. For women, I always recommend double cleansing - first to wash off makeup, second for deeper cleansing. Our Totally Clean Coconut Foaming Cleanser is perfect for this daily ritual.
The skin is constantly creating new cells, so exfoliation helps in sloughing off dead skin to reveal healthy new layers of fresh skin and also keep the pores clean.
Manual scrubs are the easiest and most popular form of exfoliation.
Some treatments contain small grains from nuts or charcoal while others may contain glycolic and lactic acids. Synthetic grains are forbidden now in the USA due to danger to marine life. For very sensitive skin, natural enzyme exfoliators are also available.
I recommend exfoliation no more than two to three times a week. Too much exfoliating may cause redness and irritation.
Acne breakouts can appear on the face, back, the neck, or shoulders. This condition can be painful and cause emotional distress. If not treated properly, it can lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation. Extraction needs to be done solely by a professional esthetician, but topical serums can help in controlling this problem. Some serums contain Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, and Sulfur. The most effective ones contain soothing organic ingredients to prevent over-drying.
Our Clear Skin Collection includes targeted treatments specifically designed for acne-prone skin, including our bestselling Clear Skin Spot Treatment.
Young people, especially those with breakouts, are often reluctant to use moisturizers. This is a huge mistake. Dry, flaky skin clogs up the pores. Hydrated skin not only looks great but it is crucial for skin health. The key is to choose a correct product that is oil-free and contains hyaluronic acids. Hyaluronic acids do not cause breakouts and aid in reducing fine lines.
Skin damage is cumulative, so protecting yourself from the aging effects of the sun is important to start at a young age. Sun damage and more importantly skin cancer can show up years later. A non-chemical, zinc-based broad-spectrum sunscreen is best to use since chemical sunscreens will cause skin irritations and breakouts.
Zinc sunscreens are now sold in a micronized form which does not leave your skin white. Some have color tints that can be used instead of makeup.
I recommend starting your day by applying zinc sunscreen in the morning and reapplying it after lunch.
In between professional facials, clay or charcoal masks will help in keeping complexion looking smoother and more glowing. Choose a mask that is natural and does not contain harsh chemicals, and they can be used once or twice a week.
Starting a proper at-home skin care routine combined with a healthy diet will improve how young people look and feel about themselves. And that can contribute to happier lives!
As always, please choose skin care that is natural, organic, and cruelty-free.
One aspect I haven't touched on yet is the importance of consistency in your skincare journey. Many young adults struggle with maintaining a regular routine, often switching products too frequently or skipping steps when they're tired. Remember that your skin needs time to adjust to new products and show results – typically 4-6 weeks.
I recommend starting with a basic routine and gradually adding products as needed. Begin with a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Once you're consistent with these three steps, you can introduce targeted treatments for specific concerns. Track your skin's progress with photos taken in the same lighting every few weeks.
Keep in mind that hormones, stress, diet, and sleep all impact your skin's health. If you're experiencing persistent issues despite following a good skincare routine, consider keeping a skin diary to identify potential triggers. Note changes in your skin alongside factors like your menstrual cycle, stress levels, diet changes, or new products.
Remember, investing time in your skin health now will pay dividends for decades to come. Your future self will thank you for developing these healthy habits early!
To your health!
Margaret
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