It’s a good sign that you’re still in your 20s and worried about skin care. Why? Because the longer you wait to start a good skin care routine, the harder it is to make up for lost time. As you age, your skin ages with you; practicing good skin care habits now will pay dividends for your skin down the road.
Naturally, this begs a couple of questions. What is a good skin care routine for 20-year-olds? What about men in their late 20s? And men in their mid-20s? Finally, where can young men find the best products for skin care?
At Anthony, we offer everything you need to build a strong foundation for the skin care routine that will take you all the way through your 20s, into your 30s, and beyond. In the meantime, continue reading to get a deeper understanding of your skin, what it needs, and why establishing a consistent skin care routine in your 20s is so important.
What Should My Skin Care Routine Be In My 20s?
Even if you’re in your late 20s, you could still be experiencing hormonal changes that can affect your skin. In your early 20s, it’s especially common to get acne, breakouts, and in-grown hairs. These are typically caused by excess oil production, and fortunately, there are plenty of products and solutions to reduce oil build-up and, in turn, make breakouts less frequent (or even a thing of the past).
Regardless of the specific issue you’re facing, there are general steps you can follow to establish a solid skin care routine in your 20s. By focusing primarily on the three rules of good skin care — cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing — you can start addressing concerns like breakouts, ingrown hairs, and even early signs of aging.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help get you started. Remember, if you need to deviate from these steps a little based on your skin type, that’s okay! There’s always wiggle room, as long as you’re applying quality skin care products correctly.
1. Cleanse Your Face Daily
Men in their 20s tend to get sweaty and oily — fast. As soon as you walk out the door, you might find that your face is shiny and greasy to the touch. Older men typically have the opposite problem; they’re skin is overly dry and requires stronger hydration. However, in your 20s, you’re most likely dealing with excess oil. So, cleansing your face twice a day (AM and PM) will remove this excess oil, as well as sweat and dirt. This will help prevent breakouts and improve acne-prone skin.
At Anthony, we recommend opting for a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser for most men in their 20s. Our Glycolic Facial Cleanser is a great option, as it exfoliates with glycolic acid to clear pores and remove dead skin cells, brightens the skin, and works to prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
2. Exfoliate Multiple Times Per Week
If you’re using a cleanser that gently exfoliates, you probably don’t need to exfoliate every single day. In fact, over-exfoliating could end up irritating your skin and even leave it feeling red and raw. Instead, use an exfoliator 2 to 3 times per week to unclog pores and prevent ingrown hairs. The latter is especially important if you shave regularly.
Anthony’s Facial Scrub contains Bora Bora white sand to buff away dead skin cells and aloe vera to soothe irritation. This is the perfect combination for men in their 20s whose skin may change from oily one day to dry and flaky the next.
3. Hydrate With a Lightweight Moisturizer
Your skin is constantly losing moisture throughout the day and night. Even if you struggle with excess oil, your skin could be dehydrated without you even knowing it. A quality, lightweight moisturizer is the best way to hydrate skin without exacerbating oil production. If you have oily, acne-prone skin, you’ll definitely want to opt for an oil-free formula.
Anthony’s Oil-Free Facial Lotion is among our most popular moisturizers for men in their early, mid, and late 20s. This lightweight lotion absorbs very quickly, hydrates without causing greasiness, and helps minimize shine. If you’re not too worried about excess oil, Anthony’s All Purpose Facial Moisturizer is a great alternative that’s suitable for every skin type.
4. Use Eye Cream to Fight Signs of Early Aging
Even in your 20s, you should already be thinking about what your skin will look like in your 30s, 40s, and 50s. The skin around your eyes is very delicate, and it is often the first area to show signs of aging. A specialized eye cream keeps the area hydrated and reduces puffiness and dark circles associated with stress, tiredness, and aging.
Anthony’s High Performance Continuous Moisture Eye Cream contains shea butter and caffeine. These ingredients work in tandem to brighten the skin around the eyes, hydrate the sensitive area, and reduce puffiness and dark circles. Just be careful to keep the cream (and any skin care product) out of your eyes!
5. Apply Sun Protection Daily
It doesn’t matter if you’re a shutaway that doesn’t see the sun that often. Your skin needs protection from the sun to stay young for as long as possible. Why? Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of premature wrinkles and skin damage. Always use an SPF 30+ cream on your face, even on cloudy days.
Anthony’s Day Cream SPF 30 moisturizes and provides broad-spectrum sun protection at the same time. It’s perfect for applying in the morning before you set foot out the door. Even if you plan on staying inside for most of the day, it’s a good idea to apply an SPF cream regularly. This way, you never have to worry about the sun causing early wrinkles and sagging skin!
Post Workout Skin Care Products For Your 20s
Exercise is great for your skin, but sweat and bacteria can lead to breakouts. After working out, cleanse your face immediately to prevent clogged pores. You can use the products that work best for your skin type, but as a general rule, we recommend Anthony’s Glycolic Facial Cleanser. It’s also a good idea to put on Anthony’s No Sweat Body Defense before you start your workout. This helps keep areas prone to chafing dry and irritation-free during your workout.
Common Skin Care Mistakes To Avoid When You Are In Your 20s
We’ve already covered some of the best choices you can make for your skin in your 20s. Now, let’s take a look at some things you should avoid:
- Skipping sun protection, especially if you spend more than an hour or two per day outdoors.
- Over-exfoliating or scrubbing your skin too hard because it weakens the skin barrier and causes irritation.
- Using harsh products that strip moisture from your skin and increase the chances of a breakout.
- Not moisturizing or under-moisturizing your skin are huge no-no’s, as even oily skin needs hydration to maintain balance.
- Sleeping with an un-cleansed face — always cleanse your face before going to bed!
The Best Skin Care Products For Men in Their 20s
Here’s a recap of some of the most important products you should add to your skin care routine:
- Best Cleanser: Glycolic Facial Cleanser
- Best Exfoliator: Facial Scrub
- Best Moisturizers: Oil-Free Facial Lotion or All Purpose Facial Moisturizer
- Best Eye Cream: High Performance Continuous Moisture Eye Cream
- Best Sun Protection: Day Cream SPF 30
- Best Post Workout Protection: No Sweat Body Defense
Starting a consistent skin care routine in your 20s will keep your skin looking its best for years to come. Stick with high-quality products tailored to your skin’s needs, and you’ll be on the path to healthier, more youthful skin in no time.
Want to learn even more about men’s skin care routines for your 20s? If so, be sure to check out the great products and solutions available at Anthony today!
