Your Age Is Not a Skin Type—And Never Has Been
Your Age Is Not a Skin Type—And Never Has Been
I’ve said this from day one, and I’ll continue saying it - your age is not a skin type.
While each decade of life brings common skin concerns, your skin is uniquely yours. Every individual experiences a “biggest problem” in each decade that requires tailored attention. A one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t apply when it comes to skincare.
Looking back at my 20s, I made one major mistake - one that nursing school, thankfully, helped me correct: I lacked consistency. Believe it or not, I rarely wore sunscreen. I spent most of my days locked in a library from 7 AM to 7 PM, and I often skipped washing my face at night because I didn’t wear makeup. But no makeup didn’t mean no buildup. Dirt, oil, and environmental residue still accumulated. I had frequent whiteheads and relied on facials to manage them. In fact, the last facial I remember having was around age 20 or 21.
If I could give one piece of advice to anyone in their 20s, it’s this: establish a consistent skincare routine now. Your future self—and your skin—will thank you.
The Two Non-Negotiables in Your 20s:
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Always wash your face at night. Especially if you wear makeup—remove it thoroughly.
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Wear the sunscreen. Get used to it now, and it’ll be second nature later.
Top Skincare Concerns in Your 20s
1. Acne
While many think of acne as a teenage issue, hormonal fluctuations in your 20s can bring on (or continue) breakouts, especially in the late 20s. It's a reality for many, and it's completely normal.
2. Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
This is when those tempting-to-pop bumps leave behind dark spots or redness—also known as PIH or PIE (post-inflammatory erythema). These marks can linger, disrupting skin tone and clarity.
3. Oiliness vs. Dryness (and the Environment’s Role)
Hormonal changes make it tricky to define your skin type definitively. But one often-overlooked factor is your environment.
In your 20s, you might be moving—from home to college, to your first job, across the country, chasing dreams. Each climate impacts your skin differently. A dry skin type in Newport Beach feels entirely different than dry skin in Florida’s humidity.
Understanding how your environment influences your skin is vital. Once you do, you’ll know how to adjust - adding or removing hydrating products, for example -while keeping your core routine consistent and focused on your primary concern.
Call to make you complimentary skincare consultation with one of our Nurses here at Beauty with a Mission - Orange County's Premier Med Spa. 949.877.2720