No matter what TikTok tells you kids, undoubtedly the most important part of any beauty routine is skincare. Whether you're prioritising sunscreen, choosing the right cleanser, or investing in a quality moisturiser, achieving healthy, glowing skin requires a consistent, thoughtful approach and the right products to match.
As we creep into our late 20s our specific skincare needs may start to change from person to person. Some of us will start to see visible lines depending on how expressive we are, while for some the SPF, cleanser, and moisturiser ritual will see them through until their 30s. While you may still be navigating the skincare world and what works for your skin when you’re in your 20s, what you will soon learn is that the secret to getting glowy, radiant skin lies in curating a skincare routine that works for your needs.
Because your collagen is still being supplied at a rate of knots (appreciate it while it lasts), your primary skin focus in your 20s should be about maintaining and gently enhancing your skin’s natural health. This means you don’t need complex, multi-step routines just yet. Start by perfecting the basics and then build on your skincare practices over time once you learn the unique and specific needs of your skin. Now is the time to incorporate products such that assist hydration, exfoliating and skin barrier support. Keep an eye out for ingredients like hyulornic acid, niacinamide, ceramides and retinol. While they all may sound intimidating at first, with the right guidance and products, you’ll wrap your head around what they are and what they do in no time.
Building your skincare routine
As your skin starts to mature in your 20s, it's a crucial time to start to introduce your skin to the basic products and ingredients your skin will need to thrive later in life. The main areas of focus should be on hydration, gentle exfoliation, and protection from environmental damage (think SPF!) These healthy skin practices set the foundation for glowing skin in your 20s and beyond, and they set the stage for how your skin will age later in life, although genes definitely play a role too! Here’s a breakdown on some of the key ingredients and products that will help you build a skincare routine like a pro, even if you’re just a beginner.
Cleansers
Cleansers tend to be overlooked as one of the less glamorous steps in the skincare regime but don’t fall into this trap. A good skincare routine begins with cleansing, it’s the first step towards achieving healthy skin but it's just as important as the last. A cleanser should be gentle enough for daily use but effective in removing impurities, excess oil, and makeup. Look for a cleanser that suits your skin type, whether it’s dry, oily, or combination. Try to include a cleanser that helps you achieve your overall goals, for example, if you have acne look for a product with salicylic acid, if your skin is dull, opt for a vitamin C cleanser. Here are a few of our top pics for our 20-something friends.
Murad Clarifying Cleanser
One of Murad’s standout products for oily or acne-prone skin, the Clarifying Cleanser combines salicylic acid with calming ingredients to clear away impurities, reduce acne breakouts, and promote a clearer complexion. It’s a great choice for your 20s, particularly if you’re still dealing with occasional breakouts or excess oil.
Murad Essential-C Cleanser
So if your skin is a bit dull, opt for something with Vitamin C in it to reinject some of the glow, the Essential-C Cleanser is your best friend.
Exfoliation
Depending on your skin and how much it can handle, you should be alternating between cleansing and exfoliating during the week. The right exfoliator is crucial for any skincare regime, but, remember to use it in moderation. Intense over-exfoliating may irritate your skin, especially in the colder months. Instead, try opting for a light chemical exfoliant that will help to brighten and improve your skin's barrier function.
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
For those looking to add a bit of exfoliation to their routine, the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is a standout option. This dual-action exfoliator uses a combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to remove dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, brighter complexion. Gentle enough for regular use, it helps improve texture while unclogging pores and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Hydration
No matter your age, proper hydration is essential for all skin types. Even if you have oily skin, it’s important to find a moisturiser that hydrates without clogging pores. For dry skin, look for a rich, emollient moisturiser to lock in moisture and restore the skin barrier. Incorporating a few serums with a good moisturiser is the key to success as far as hydrating the skin is concerned.
It’s important to be aware of your own skin and what it needs to transition through this stage of life, but here are a few hydrating heroes that tend to be beneficial for most skin types.
Murad Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture
For ultimate hydration, Murad’s Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture provides intense moisture that lasts all day. It’s formulated with a blend of botanicals and hyaluronic acid, ensuring that your skin remains plump, smooth, and nourished. Perfect for those in their 20s who want to give their skin a moisture boost.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
The Retinol Youth Renewal Serum delivers on its promises. Combining three retinol technologies as well as hyaluronic acid to reduce the sign of premature ageing and increase cell turnover. This will work to reduce the appearance of active breakouts, while also preventing further breakouts and lessen your chances of getting long-term post-acne pigmentation and scarring. The hyaluronic acid will also work to keep the skin barrier happy and healthy.
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Serum
When it comes to fighting off pigmentation, fine lines, or uneven skin tone, vitamin C should be the go-to recommendation. As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C plays a key role in the skin’s regeneration process, making it the perfect option for brightening and evening out your complexion. It’s also a great defence against external stressors like pollution, which is why it’s ideal to apply in the morning for that extra layer of protection that will keep your skin youthful for longer.
For a potent dose, Murad Vita-C Glycolic Serum is a fan favourite for a reason. Offering an antioxidant-rich formula that not only reduces the visible signs of aging but also helps to brighten and even out skin tone, leaving you with a radiant, glowing complexion.
Revitalixir Recovery Serum
Stress can happen at any age, and Murad’s Revitalixir Recovery Serum is the answer to all your stressed-skins prayers. This sphere-infused serum is designed for both the face and eyes, targeting stress lines, reducing puffiness, and minimising dark circles while revitalising the skin instantly and over time. Niacinamide refines skin texture, and wild indigo helps calm stress signals while visibly diminishing dark under-eye circles. Caffeine works to refresh skin tone and reduce under-eye puffiness. This is a gentle yet effective serum that makes it perfect for young skin.
Targeted treatments
Most of us, except those blessed by the skin Gods, will experience some run-ins with acne in our teens and 20s. Puberty, stress and hormones are unfortunately not very kind to our complexion, and while for some people breakouts will be an inevitable part of this phase of life, there are some things you can do to mitigate or avoid them all together.
If you’re still struggling with acne or the occasional pimple, don’t forget to include a spot treatment in your skincare routine. These treatments target blemishes directly and speed up the healing process.
Murad Acne Control Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
This spot treatment is formulated with 2% salicylic acid to target and reduce acne breakouts on contact. It’s fast-acting and helps clear pimples without irritating the surrounding skin. Perfect for on-the-go use, it’s a great product to have in your skincare arsenal when you feel a breakout coming on.
Sun protection
Again, no matter your age or where you live, you need to be using sun protection every day. This means investing in a good sunscreen is a non-negotiable if you want to keep your skin in good condition now, and later in life.
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial, even if you’re just starting to introduce more skincare steps. Murad’s City Skin Age Defense SPF 50 is a great choice, as it not only provides broad-spectrum protection but also contains antioxidants to protect against pollution and blue light.
The foundation for your future skin
Your 20s are the perfect time to establish a solid skincare routine. Investing in the right products now will not only keep your skin looking youthful but will help preserve its health for years to come. From cleansers and serums to eye treatments and SPF, focusing on hydration, gentle exfoliation, and protection will ensure your skin remains radiant and glowing, even when the collagen supply inevitably begins to slow down (horror!)
With Murad’s range of effective skincare solutions, you’ll be able to tackle your skin’s unique needs with confidence. After all, good skincare is an investment in your future, and the sooner you start, the better.