7 Vital Skin Care Criteria to Preserve Your 20s Glow

The day I realized, that “crow’s feet” isn’t just a mythological creature and there is no reason to be happy about “smile lines.”

Oct 09, 2024

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably caught yourself gazing into the mirror, wondering if there’s a way to capture that youthful glow of your 20s and keep it for a lifetime.

Something like time in a bottle, but with your skin.

I’ll never forget that feeling when my first wrinkle appeared. The slight crinkle around my mouth that wasn’t there the day before. I found myself gazing at it, tugging at the skin around my ears trying to turn back time.

My first wrinkles were “smile lines” whose name did not make me feel the least bit better about their appearance.

I remember standing in front of the full-length mirror in my stepdaughter’s room in disbelief.

In those moments, I couldn’t help but hear my mother’s voice echoing, “I need a facelift.”

My mother is a woman who looks pretty good for her age, but I remember in my teens hearing her talk about the need for a facelift. So my mom would have been in her late 30’s, with the skewed idea that she already needed a facelift. Imagine what our daughters are thinking with the rise of social media perfection. (sigh)

She still makes comments about getting a face lift.

This is a photo of my Mom and I taken June of this year. She just turned 69 on October 3rd. She never got that facelift.

These are 7 essential skin-care criteria I learned as an aesthetician and apply daily in my routine. They aren’t about chasing after the impossible dream of halting time.

But they are about crafting a roadmap to age like fine wine while keeping your 20s glow intact.

First Criteria: Wear Sunscreen Daily

Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

Want to know a secret? Sunscreens that boast 100 spf or more are no more effective than a 30 spf.

Why? SPFs 30 and 50 both block 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays. So keep in mind, a higher SPF is not necessarily better, just more expensive.

Second Criteria: Moisturize Morning & Night

Apply a hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture and keep your skin plump and youthful.

Moisturizing is especially important for oily and acne-prone skin. We often want to dry out those inflamed zits, but don’t forget to moisturize after. The skin will be craving hydration and if you don’t treat it to a light gel moisturizer, it will go on a wild oil-producing spree. We’re talking sebum overproduction and a ‘shine like a disco ball’ level of overcompensation here. Yikes!

Third Criteria: Exfoliate Regularly

Gently exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells and promote a radiant complexion.

Here are 2 reasons to exfoliate regularly.

Boost Circulation. Gentle exfoliation can enhance blood circulation, giving your skin a healthy glow.
Stimulate Collagen. It can stimulate collagen production, leading to firmer, smoother skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines.

Fourth Criteria: Cleanse Gently

Use a mild cleanser to remove makeup and impurities without stripping your skin’s natural oils.

One of my favorites is Bobby Brown Cleansing Oil. I’m new to the cleansing oils and they have been a game changer for my acne-prone, after 40 skin. Cleansing oils typically do not strip the skin of its natural oils, helping to maintain the skin’s moisture balance.

Pro tip: Cleansing oils are effective at breaking down and dissolving makeup, including waterproof products, without harshly rubbing the skin. Listen up, folks — when it comes to anti-aging, there’s a golden rule: Keep your hands off those delicate areas around your eyes and mouth!

I’m not telling you to switch to a cleansing oil, only to cleanse gently.

It’s essential to select products that align with your skin’s requirements for the best results. And as we know and embrace, everyone is different. ❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 🤎 🖤

Fifth Criteria: Don’t Forget Your Neck and Hands

Extend your skincare routine to your neck and hands to prevent signs of aging in these areas.

We all remember Joan Rivers, the raspy loudmouth obsessed with plastic surgery. In her later years, she liked to cover her neck. Imagine why...

Neglecting these areas can result in a mismatch between your rejuvenated face and aging neck and hands.

Sixth Criteria: Apply Eye Cream

Eye creams are specially formulated for the delicate skin around your eyes. They address specific concerns like puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles that are common in this area.

I was in my 30’s when I got the eye cream memo. That is too late! Eye creams are important and skin care companies know we will pay top dollar for them. Just make sure your eye cream is concentrated. And keep in mind they are kept best in a dark glass bottle like this one: supercharged gel-creme.

Esthetician trick: Use your ring finger to softly apply serums to delicate areas like around the eyes.

Seventh Criteria: Sleep Well & On A Cloud

Prioritize quality sleep, (yes, I said quality sleep) to allow your skin to repair and regenerate overnight.

Beauty sleep is real.

Snoozing is your skin’s repair time.

Now, think about your 6–8 hour daily date with your pillowcase — that’s a lot of ‘face time’ with cotton or another rough fabric! Consider pampering your skin with a satin pillowcase.

I’ve been using satin for a few years now, and have even noticed fewer tangles in my hair when I wake up.

Keep in Mind What You’ve Learned

Okay, so there you have it. My day-to-day tricks.

We’re not just talking about creams and lotions here; we’re talking about reclaiming your confidence, celebrating the storylines etched on your skin, and unapologetically declaring that age is just a number.

So, my fellow beauty warrior, you are now armed with knowledge that time can’t dull. It all starts by embracing where you are and giving your skin the love and care it deserves right now.