4 skin care tips for those in their 20s

Your 20s are full of change and adventure as you begin to transition into adulthood. Perhaps you recently graduated from college, got your first job, or signed a lease on a new apartment. Just as our professional and social circles are shaped as we approach our third decade of life, our skin (and skincare routines) must also change. We turned to Board Certified Dermatologist and Skincare.com Consultant Dr. Dandy Engelman to better understand the underlying skin concerns of men and women in their 20s, and how to tailor our skin care routines accordingly. Here's what we learned.

Major skin problems in your 20s

According to Dr. Engelman, the top skin problems in your 20s are acne and enlarged pores. Can you link? These pesky skin imperfections can bleed for up to twenty years and - we don't want to tell you about it - even after. But don't worry, here's what Dr. Engelman suggests you do to deal with those fears.

TIP #1: CLEAN YOUR SKIN

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States and is becoming more and more common among women as they age. That’s right – acne isn’t just for teenagers! Fortunately, there are many skin care products specifically designed to treat adult acne. If you need a prescription formula, you can check with your dermatologist to find out what works best for your skin.

To avoid acne flare-ups and pimples in your 20s, Dr. Dendy suggests constantly cleansing your face. “Wash your skin daily to get rid of bacteria that can cause acne,” suggests Dr. Engelman. Washing your face morning and night is one of the easiest ways to rid your skin of impurities like makeup, excess sebum, and dirt that can clog pores and cause breakouts. "If you're struggling with acne," Dr. Engelman continues, "a salicylic acid cleanser can help fight flare-ups." We share some of our favorite cleansers formulated for acne-prone skin here!

TIP #2: ACCESS RETINOL

If you want to take your acne treatment one step further, Dr. Engelman suggests using a prescription retinoid. Retinol is a natural vitamin A derivative that can help with everything from superficial cellular renewal to reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Retinol can also be used to clear blemishes and is often prescribed for acne and nasal congestion.

Editor's Note: Retinol is powerful. If you're new to this ingredient, talk to your dermatologist to make sure your skin is a good candidate. Be sure to start with a lower concentration to increase skin tolerance. Since retinol can cause sensitivity to sunlight, we recommend applying it in the evening and pairing your applications with Broad Spectrum SPF 15 or higher during the day.

TIP #3: MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN

We've said it before and we'll say it again - hydrate! “Maintaining skin hydration with a moisturizer is key,” explains Dr. Engelman, “because dry skin can cause premature aging.” You read it right. Moisturizing cream not only moisturizes the skin, but also helps it look healthy and young! Pay special attention to the eye contour, as this is one of the first areas of the skin to show signs of aging. Dr. Engelman suggests applying eye cream every day to hydrate this delicate area.

TIP #4: PROTECT WITH A BROAD SPF

“Despite the fact that the skin is young, it is never too early to start taking care of it and prevent its damage,” says Dr. Engelman. "Sunscreen gives you an anti-aging edge and protects your skin so you don't have to worry about it later." By properly caring for your skin early on, you can help reduce future signs of aging and sun damage.

Now that you have expert advice, check out our roundup of the products you need in your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond!