For most of us, the period of life known as your 20s can be one of the wildest, most exploratory periods we’ll ever experience. Being thrown into a world of near-infinite possibility is exciting, but don’t let that excitement take a toll on your skin.
It’s all too common for teenagers and people in their 20s to make the skin a sub-priority, but that can be a big mistake. By taking care of your skin early on, you can promote better skin health, reduce scarring, and minimize sun damage for decades to come.
If you’re in your 20s but aren’t sure how to keep your skin healthy and happy, the latest Vive Med Spa blog will give you the tips you need to care for your skin!
1) Wear Sunscreen
One of the best tips we can offer to 20-somethings is to not be shy about applying sunscreen. Sunscreen is a fabulous tool for reducing the harm from UV light on the skin.
Too much sun can lead to a whole host of negative issues. Just a few of such effects are:
- Eye Damage
- Discoloration and brown spots,
- Wrinkles/Aging/Rough Texture
- Sunburn
- Skin cancer
For most people, the most common issues that arise from sun exposure are hyperpigmentation (brown spots), wrinkles, and aging, mostly stemming from collagen and elastin damage. Simply taking a minute or two to apply sunscreen can make a difference for decades to come. We suggest the Vivier SPF 30 Lotion which hydrates and protects; ZO SkinHealth Sunscreens, which come in a variety of application options including lotion, powder, sheer, and tinted.
and SKINMEDICA® Sunscreens which protect and provide anti-aging benefits with antioxidants.
More Sun Tips:
- Use at least SPF 30 or higher on your face, neck, and body (don’t forget your ears and chest!)
- Re-apply sun protection regularly every couple if you are outdoors for a prolonged time such as hiking, going to the beach, biking, or playing outdoor sports.
- Wear a hat with at least a 2-3 inch brim all the way around; this provides better protection than a baseball hat
- Wear sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection in the lenses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around the eyes
- Wear a sporty sun shirt to protect your arms and trunk from sun exposure.
- Avoid going out in the sun between 10 am and 2 pm when the strength of the sun is at its peak
2) Stay Hydrated
This is probably the easiest tip on our entire list, but it’s one that we still see so many people miss out on. For skin to be healthy, it needs water. Water is the lifeblood of your body (besides the actual blood in your body, of course).
Without hydration, your skin can end up looking flaky, tight, and dry. If yours seems tough and dry lately, simply drinking a little more water may be all you need to rehydrate and revitalize your skin!
We need to drink a minimum of eight to ten 8 oz glasses of water a day. The amount should increase up to as high as fifteen cups (between 2.5 – 4.0 litres) with:
- Exercise: Increase your water intake with all activities that make you sweat to cover the extra fluid loss, and it’s important to drink water before, during, and after a workout.
- Climate: Hot or humid weather can make you sweat and requires additional fluid intake.
- Health and Wellness: If you are unwell with a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, you may need to rehydrate with oral hydration solutions as per recommendations from your doctor. Bladder infections usually require an increase in your fluid intake.
- Pregnancy and Breast-feeding: Both require additional fluids to stay hydrated; at least 2-3 litres of fluids per day.
3) Frequently Clean Brushes and Electronics
If you are currently in your 20s, there’s a good chance that you live with a lot of electronics. People are more glued to their phones and laptops than ever before, but people don’t clean these gadgets as often as they are used. The same goes for things like makeup brushes; we simply don’t clean the surfaces we touch enough.
While the coronavirus pandemic has put a much-needed spotlight on our messy surfaces, the germs from commonly-touched surfaces can do a number on your skin. To combat this, simply remind yourself to clean and disinfect your most commonly used objects, including your phone, computer keyboard, car keys, earbuds, and makeup brushes, especially those that touch your face.
How to clean your makeup brushes:
- Clean your makeup brushes at least once a week
- Wet the bristles with lukewarm water
- Place 1-2 drops of cleanser into the palm of your hand
- Gently massage the bristles into your soapy palm for at least 1 minute
- Rinse the bristles thoroughly with clean running water
- Squeeze out excess water with a clean towel or clean paper towel
- Re-shape the brush head to the original shape
- Lay on a clean flat surface, or over the edge of a counter with a clean paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture.
4) Be Mindful of Diet, Exercise & Sleep
Just like with our tip about water, diet, exercise, and sleep should not be overlooked. In your 20s, you may find yourself settling for fast food options after work or college classes. Perhaps you decide to spend the night in, instead of getting some fresh air on a brisk walk. This is all fine in moderation, but your skin loves:
- A healthy diet that includes lots of fresh vegetables, fruit, and low-fat proteins
- Regular exercise and fresh air, which should be at least 30 minutes a day.
- At least 7-8 hours of restful sleep every night. There is such a thing as getting your beauty sleep!
Taking the time to find a balance between sleep, diet, and exercise and your skin can set you up for great skin health for decades to come.
5) Don’t Pick At Your Acne!
We get it, that blemish on your face is super annoying. Your gut reaction may be to pop it, but don’t be surprised when you see three more blemishes in that area. Not only does popping acne make more acne more likely, but it can also lead to scarring. Now that we are all wearing masks regularly due to the COVID19 protocols, you may be experiencing more breakouts – read our blog on how to take care of your skin while wearing a mask.
Instead of popping your blemishes, we recommend you see one of our doctors who specialize in acne management. Vive® also carries a full line of medical-grade acne management skincare products to help you keep acne under control. Visit our VIVE® SHOP for Vivier and ZO SkinHealth skincare solutions to manage acne with the help of Vive Med Spa®!
6) Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate
Exfoliation is a simple, easy way to get rid of dead skin cells, unclog pores, and give your skin a chance to glow and thrive. Exfoliation can simply be the use of microfiber products, products that provide exfoliation with cleansing such as the ZO SkinHealth Exfoliating Polish or Vivier Vitamin C Scrub. The application of chemical exfoliants in a cream or lotion that includes alpha-hydroxy acids such as with ZO SkinHealth or Vivier products (Link) is another excellent way to help improve cellular turnover, exfoliate and keep pores clear.
If you aren’t sure which type of exfoliation is best for you, our skincare experts at Vive®can help you develop a personalized skincare routine.
7) Explore Other Skincare Products
If you’re having issues with your skin despite having a healthy lifestyle, you may want to try out some skincare products that might help. Cleansers, Retinols, brightening creams, and alpha-hydroxy acids are key products to keep your skin glowing and healthy. In an earlier blog, we discussed some of the most important products in the skincare industry, as well as how they function with your skin. If you’re interested in learning more about our products, take a look at our earlier blog here.
Contact Vive Med Spa® For More Skin Care Tips!
Interested in helping your skin survive your 20s and long afterward? Vive Med Spa ® has the products and services that you need to keep your skin fabulous. Give us a call today to set up an appointment!
