Your 20s is an ideal time to start a skin care routine and adopt skin healthy habits. “The skin care choices you make now will affect what your skin looks like in your next decade – and beyond,” says board-certified dermatologist Rajani Katta, MD, FAAD.

6 skin care practices to start in your 20s

With an overwhelming array of products and skin care trends, it can be difficult to know what’s good for your skin. That’s why we asked two board-certified dermatologists to share their expertise.

Here’s the skin care advice they recommend for women in their 20s:

1. Use these two skin care products daily: To keep your skin looking its best, dermatologists recommend using these two skin care products every day:
   • A mild cleanser: When selecting a cleanser, choose one for your skin type. Dr. Katta says, “For example, if you have acne-prone skin, use a mild cleanser that removes oil.” Dry skin does better with a hydrating cleanser.
     
     To get the best results from your cleanser, wash your face twice a day – when you get up and before bed. You also want to wash after sweating.
   • Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum, and water resistant): Any time you plan to be outside during the day, even if it’s to take a walk or drive to work, you expose your skin to the sun’s harmful rays.
     
     If you will be outside during daylight, protect your skin. Apply sunscreen to your face and any skin that clothing won’t cover, putting the sunscreen on 15 minutes before you go outdoors. Always put sunscreen on after other skin care products – and beneath your makeup.
     
     Like your cleanser, you want to use a sunscreen formulated for your skin type. If you have oily skin, look for the words “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores” on the product. Women with darker skin tones may want to use a tinted sunscreen. Most tinted sunscreens won’t leave a white cast on your skin.
2. Add in a skin care product that addresses your primary skin concern: “In our 20s, women’s skin care concerns can vary greatly,” says Dr. Katta. While some women have acne-prone skin, others are noticing fine lines and other signs of aging. Dark spots can be the biggest concern for some.
   
   The best way to address your concerns is to use a skin care product that contains science-backed ingredients, says board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Baxt, MD, FAAD. She recommends the following ingredients:
   • Vitamin C serum or cream: Science shows that this ingredient can reduce skin aging and dark spots.
     
     Like other skin care products, you want to use a product formulated for your concern and skin type.
     
     When to apply vitamin C: Dr. Baxt tells her patients, “Apply it after washing your face in the morning, before you put on your sunscreen.”
   • Retinoid: The term "retinoid" is a catch-all for an array of vitamin A-based products used on skin. It can treat mild fine lines and wrinkles, acne, and dark spots. It can also improve skin texture.
     
     If you’re looking to treat uneven skin tone, dark spots, or your skin’s texture, look for the word “retinol.” It’s a type of retinoid that’s used for these purposes.
     
     Retinol can give you younger-looking skin by speeding up new skin cell turnover, which starts to slow in your 20s.
     
     To treat acne, dermatologists prescribe one of these retinoids – adapalene, tazarotene, tretinoin, or trifarotene. You’ll also find adapalene in an acne-fighting product available without a prescription.
     
     When spread on acne-prone skin, a retinoid can unclog pores. This can give you clearer skin and allow other acne gels and creams to work better.
     
     When to apply a retinoid: Dr. Baxt recommends applying a retinoid before bed. After washing your face, wait 20 to 30 minutes and then apply it.
     
     If you find the retinoid too drying, apply a moisturizer immediately after washing your face, using a moisturizer that won’t clog your pores. Then apply the retinoid 20 to 30 minutes later.