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7. Why Your 20s Matter More Than You Think

A dermatologist explains why it is important to start skincare early and make mindful choices.

Dr. Bindu Sthalekar, Founder & Chief Dermatologist, Skin Smart Solutions

There’s a quiet beauty to your 20s. It’s a decade of discovery, ambition, and independence. But while you’re finding your voice, your style, and your rhythm, one thing often gets overlooked—your skin. As a dermatologist, I’ve seen time and again how the choices made in your 20s can echo well into your 30s, 40s, and beyond.

We’re now in an era where prevention is being rightly recognised as the cornerstone of long-term skin health. The earlier we start caring for our skin—gently and consistently—the better the payoff in the decades to come. And no, it doesn’t mean doing everything all at once. It’s about doing the right things, consistently.

Why prevention in your 20s matters

In your 20s, your skin is at its peak—plump with collagen, high in elasticity, and with a glow that often comes naturally. But beneath the surface, subtle changes are already beginning. Collagen production begins to decline by your mid to late 20s, and early signs of damage—like uneven texture or pigmentation—can quietly start to develop, often from sun exposure or lack of care.

Preventative skincare is not about overdoing it. It’s about smart maintenance. It’s the difference between trying to reverse damage later and simply never letting it escalate in the first place. 

The 20s Skincare Playbook: Here’s what I tell my patients in their 20s:

1.Sunscreen is your skin’s best friend

If you do nothing else, do this. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, applied daily (even when you’re indoors or it’s cloudy), can significantly reduce your risk of premature ageing, pigmentation, and of course, skin cancer. Sun damage accumulates silently—prevention really starts here.

2. Hydration and barrier protection

Stick to a gentle cleanser and a lightweight moisturiser, and avoid over-exfoliation. Your skin doesn’t need harsh products—it needs balance. If you’re acne-prone, look for non-comedogenic formulas, but don’t skip moisturiser. Dehydrated skin can be just as breakout-prone as oily skin.

3. Introduce antioxidants

This is the decade to bring in a well-formulated vitamin C serum into your morning routine. It helps neutralise free radicals from pollution and UV exposure, supports collagen production, and evens out skin tone over time. It’s a small step with a big impact.

4. Start slow with actives

You don’t need a 10-step routine. What you need is awareness. Retinol isn’t a must in your early 20s, but by your mid to late 20s, a low-strength retinoid a few times a week can help prevent fine lines and maintain cell turnover—provided it suits your skin type and is introduced gradually.

5. Lifestyle is part of your skincare

Sleep, stress, diet, and movement show up on your face more than any single product. Late nights, processed foods, or chronic stress will offset even the most expensive skincare. In your 20s, create a lifestyle that supports your skin from within. Think of skincare as holistic—not just topical.

6. The mindset shift: Less trend, more consistency

Social media can make it feel like you need to use every trending product or that flawless skin is the norm. Please remember: good skin isn’t about perfection—it’s about resilience. The real magic is in consistency. You don’t need 20 products. You need a few that work for you, used mindfully, every day.

Future you will thank you

The most rewarding thing I hear from patients in their 40s and 50s is, “I’m so glad I started early.” Prevention doesn’t mean you’ll never age. It means your skin will age well—with strength, grace, and a foundation that reflects years of care.

So if you’re in your 20s and wondering whether it’s too soon to start a skincare routine—the answer is no. This is your window to protect what you have, preserve it wisely, and set the tone for decades of skin confidence.

Your future skin starts today.

Cover Credits: Instagram @rashathadani