Radiant by 30: 30 Skin Care Habits To Start right Now
January 4th, 2025—Written By Sania.K
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As someone in her mid 20’s I can vouch for starting your anti-aging journey sooner than later. For most anti-aging is not even a concern. The real concern is not knowing how even to begin their skincare journey. Where do I start? What products should I buy and When do I use them? There are endless questions. Sometimes, just watching a skincare reel on Instagram won’t give you all the answers you’re looking for. That’s why I’ve put together 30 skincare habits to help you achieve your best skin yet, all before you turn 30. So, let’s dive in
Daily skin-loving practices
1. Wear sunscreen every day
A sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 should be applied as a part of your everyday morning skincare routine and reapplied every 2–3 hours. SPF is a non-negotiable in all seasons.
SBH Tip: Check your Weather app for UV index. Use it as an indicator for when, and how long, you need to wear sunscreen.
2. Double cleanse
The day your skin feels grimy, or you’re wearing makeup and SPF, you need to double cleanse. Use a cleansing balm or micellar water as your first cleanse. For your second cleanse, use a foaming cleanser formulated for your skin type.
3. Moisturize
Moisturizer is essential for all skin types, yes, even oily skin.
4. Skincare Newbie
New to skincare? Use products in this order – Cleanse, Tone, Treat, Moisturize and finish off with SPF.
Eco-friendly clean beauty practices
5. Follow a sustainable, simple, and minimalist skincare routine. Less is more aka ”Skinimalism”.
6. Only invest in essential skincare and makeup products. This helps you save money and reduce waste.
7. Choose products with recyclable packaging and support, cruelty-free, and vegan skincare brands.
Preventative Care
8. Patch Test
Always patch-test before applying new products directly on your face.
9. Incorporate Antioxidants
Start using multi-benefit antioxidants like a Niacinamide serum in the morning. Although vitamin C serum is popular, it may not suit everyone.
10. Chemical Exfoliation
Opt for chemical exfoliation using AHA’s which are generally safe for all skin types. Bear caution for dry sensitive skin. BHA aka salicylic acid is a potent exfoliant to help eliminate blackheads and reduce excess oil and skin congestion. For sensitive skin or people looking for gentle exfoliation, Enzymes are the perfect choice. Gone are the days of physical exfoliation, and harsh scrubs on the face.
11. Your neck, chest, and hands need skincare too. Use Hand cream and foot masks to give them essential care.
SBH Tip: Apply skincare product residue from your palm, on the back of your hands. This helps keep them looking youthful and soft.
Hydration goals
12. Add high water-content foods like strawberries, watermelon, cucumbers, and celery to your diet.
13. Limit caffeine and alcohol, as they greatly contribute to dehydration.
14. Drink at least 2 to 3 L (67-101 oz) water daily.
MUKOKO Glass Water Bottles
Motivational Water Bottle with Time Marker
15. Use moisturizers and serums rich in peptides and ceramide to keep your skin soft and supple.
16. Use overnight face masks, They help combat dry skin in all weather conditions.
BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
Hydrating Overnight Hydrogel Mask Pore Minimizing Elasticity Improvement
Makeup skincare balance
17. Clean your makeup brushes and tools, weekly or at the very least bi-weekly.
18. Have make-up-free days to let your skin breathe.
19. Double-cleanse your makeup before bed.
20. Use Skincare-infused, makeup, give examples
21. Look for non-comedogenic makeup that won’t clog your pores.
22. Test out fermented ingredients to increase product absorption, commonly found in Korean skincare.
ONE THING Centella Asiatica Extract CICA Toner
A soothing toner for sensitive skin
Advance treatments
23. Begin incorporating anti-aging skin care in your mid-20s and early 30s. It’s never too early and never too late to start your Anti-aging skincare journey. Argireline, Copper Peptides, and Ferulic acid are a few powerful ingredients found in serums that promote youthful skin.
24. Try, at-home LED light therapy face mask and micro-current devices for anti-aging benefits.
25. Get a medi-facial at a dermatologist’s office or visit an esthetician.
26. Fix half-yearly or an annual dermatologist visit for advanced treatment recommendations to treat specific skin concerns.
Protect your skin
27. Protect your skin barrier.
28. Do not over-exfoliate.
29. Avoid overly stripping cleansers.
30. Lastly, try lymphatic drainage facial massages or use a Guasha tool to sculpt and drain your face.
Taking care of your skin in your 20s is an investment that pays off in your 30s and beyond. These 30 tips are more than just advice, they’re a simple roadmap to healthy, radiant skin. Know that every skin is unique, and so is your skincare journey. Find out what works best for your skin and stay consistent. Don’t forget to bookmark this post for future reference and share it with someone who’s ready to glow up before 30.