The Best Anti-Aging Products for Your 20s, According to Skincare Experts

Knowledge gap: In your twenties, skin cell turnover slows down. (Cell turnover is a key factor in keeping your skin youthful.) What else is slowing down? Your collagen production. Starting at age 20, collagen production decreases by about 1% per year.

To prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, you should first avoid behaviors that cause premature skin aging. “What’s bad for you is bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.

“Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, causing premature wrinkles and dull complexion. Repeated hard smoking can also lead to the appearance of smoker lines. Alcohol and drugs are bad for the skin and damage the skin’s cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek explains.

“The sooner you kick your bad habits, the better your skin and body can recover.” Anti-aging habits are also important in your twenties. After all, the best defense is a good offense. We spoke with Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to learn more.

Read on to find out the best anti-aging products for your 20s, as recommended by skincare experts.

“We all know that the sun is the leading cause of skin aging, and it’s important to start preventing it in your 20s,” says Ross. “Most sun damage doesn’t show up until your 30s, so don’t wait until it’s noticeable or you’re behind.”

Prevent this by using a high-quality zinc-based sunscreen every day. ” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen. An invisible SPF 30 sunscreen with plant extracts to protect the skin with a variety of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s lightweight and easy to apply under makeup.

Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

While we recommend using sunscreen and moisturizer separately, we understand when you don’t have the time or energy to take this extra step. This moisturizer from bareMinerals is a practical addition to your routine.

Vitamin C Serum

“A great way to start your anti-aging routine is to add a vitamin C serum to your morning skincare routine,” says Ross. ” “It’s a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, leaving skin glowing.”

It’s an excellent way to protect against the sun’s harmful rays, which, as mentioned, is one of the main causes of premature skin aging, he adds.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Daily Serum

Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that combines the brightening power of vitamin C with ferulic acid, L-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E for radiant skin. The sodium hyaluronate it contains replenishes lost moisture, thus preventing skin irritation.

Sunday Riley CEO Instant Brightening Serum

This potent serum is high in vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), making it a true superstar: it brightens the complexion and delivers antioxidants.

Peptides

Applying peptides to the skin has a host of benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier protects the body from environmental pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins,” he explains. “It can be compromised by a variety of everyday factors.” Topically applied peptides help build a stronger barrier. ”

Peptides are made up of elastic fibers, a type of protein. These fibers ensure that skin is firm and radiant. Peptides can also repair damaged skin, reduce inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria, which is common in people in their twenties.

Kuning agrees, saying, “Peptides are a great entry point for collagen support. ” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting ingredients.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Restorer

This ultra-soft eye cream from Charlotte Tilbury is based on coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals and peptides are said to reduce dark circles and boost collagen production.

This creamy moisturizer contains highly effective collagen-boosting peptides, Pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. Rather than sitting on the surface of the skin, the peptides penetrate the outer layer and get deeper into the skin.

The signals they send stimulate cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are essential for maintaining youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.

At-Home Exfoliating Pads

Remember that skin cell turnover we talked about earlier? One way to support this is with a peel. “Exfoliation is so important to keep your skin looking fresh and glowing,” says Kooning, who recommends using exfoliating pads at home as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.

The goal in your twenties is to counteract the slowdown in cell turnover. It’s recommended to use products that gently exfoliate and remove oil and other impurities. Products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are good choices.

According to Somenek, exfoliating only needs to be done two to three times a week. “People of every age use too many peels, and too much is as bad as too little,” he says.

Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peeling Pads

With just a few swipes of this powerful exfoliating pad from Derma Doctor, your skin will be radiant, smooth, and refined, thanks to seven (yes, seven) chemical exfoliants, including AHAs and BHAs. It also contains vitamin C from kakadu plum extract for extra brightening and antioxidant protection.

Key Ingredients: Kakadu plum extract is derived from the kakadu plum, a fruit native to northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, promotes collagen production, and soothes irritation.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Exfoliating Pads

These exfoliating pads are the gold standard with cult status, with over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They are easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.

“In your 20s, your skincare focus should be on hydration and moisturization. You may have avoided excessive moisturizing in your teens because of acne, but as you age, your skin changes and becomes drier,” says Ross. “I recommend using a smoothing night cream as a supplement to your evening skincare routine.”

“In your 20s, you should be careful not to use creams that clog your pores and cause excess sebum production,” advises Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.

CeraVe Skin Renewal Night Cream

A good option is CeraVe Skin Renewal Night Cream, a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing effects of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.

RoC Retinol Correxion Max Moisturizer

“The best ingredients in a night cream are retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to replenish moisture while removing excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion Cream meets those requirements as it contains hyaluronic acid and retinol to provide hydration while being non-comedogenic.