Your collagen production. “In your early 20s, your skin looks bright, bouncy, and plump due to the favorable levels of the naturally occurring protein in the body,” says Jaliman.
"Starting in your mid to late 20s, you start to lose collagen in your skin," she said. "This can lead to less plumpness or fullness of the skin over time. [Your 20s] is a great time to start making global changes that will help your body and skin stay healthy."
Experts have found that skin aging typically starts around age 25. In our mid 20s, our bodies gradually start to stop producing as much collagen as before which causes our skin to lose elasticity. While you can't turn back the clock, early prevention is key.
Increased concentrations of AGEs in the skin prevents efficient collagen repair which results in premature skin ageing. AGE not only affects your collagen, but also the elastin fibres resulting in a reduction of skin elasticity. This can be manifested as wrinkles, sagging, and dark circles around the eyes.
When it comes to taking care of our skin, dermatologists say that 25 is the right time to start using anti-ageing products or at least have a proper skincare regiment. This of course leaves many 20-somethings thinking 'I am too young for anti-ageing products'.
As we mature, some physical skin changes occur naturally: Collagen production slows down – so skin loses its firmness. Elastin production decreases – and skin becomes less elastic. Fat cells start to disappear – and skin starts to sag.
The biggest changes typically occur when people are in their 40s and 50s, but they can begin as early as the mid-30s and continue into old age. Even when your muscles are in top working order, they contribute to facial aging with repetitive motions that etch lines in your skin.
Usually, the size of the fat pads diminishes with age. Some people might develop a leaner, more shapely face by their teens, but others might still have prominent, chipmunk cheeks into their 30s, 40s or even older.
Start using a retinoid daily in your twenties.
Prescription topical retinoids such as Retin-A, Tazorac, or Differin or over-the-counter Retinol help reduce discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles and enhance cell function in deeper layers. They also reverse some past sun damage.
The truth is, it is quite common to see acne persist into adulthood. Although acne is commonly thought of as a problem of adolescence, it can occur in people of all ages. Adult acne has many similarities to adolescent acne with regard to both causes and treatments.
Why do I still have acne in my late 20s? At its root, adult acne is caused by the same things that cause teen acne: excess skin oil and bacteria. Any changes in hormones, including those brought on by pregnancy and menstruation, can trigger excess oil. Women who smoke also seem to be more prone to acne.
In our 20s, our menstrual cycle regulates. This triggers a rise and fall in hormones and those who menstruate experience a surge of estrogen and progesterone. Combined with a lifestyle of heavy makeup, starchy diets, stress, and alcohol, a rise in hormones can lead to breakouts.
Under nutrition, an emaciated face and losing weight, are factors which make one look older than the chronological age. Dryness makes skin lose elasticity and look wrinkled, adding years to one's age. Sometimes very obese people also look older. Early wrinkles or sagging skin can also be due to exposure to hot water.
They're the result of facial muscles continually tugging on, and eventually creasing, the skin. Other folds may get deeper because of the way fat decreases and moves around. Finer wrinkles are due to sun damage, smoking, and natural degeneration of elements of the skin that keep it thick and supple.
Drinking enough water each day replenishes your skin's tissue and cells, allowing for younger and healthier looking skin. Another key to maintaining a youthful appearance is to simply get some rest! When you sleep, your body continuously releases hormones that promote cell turnover and renewal.
Wrinkles can start popping up as soon as in your twenties. “When you're 20, you'll start seeing horizontal forehead lines. These appear on the mid- to upper forehead, and are caused by habitually raising the eyebrows," says Dr. Howe.
Forehead wrinkles at 20
If you have forehead wrinkles in your 20s, they are certainly not because of natural skin aging. These might form at a young age because of sun damage or skin-damaging routines like smoking. To prevent further wrinkles (or the deepening of fine lines) it's best to use daily SPF 50.
The truth is that even if you're in your twenties, you're not too young for retinol. Age just doesn't matter. Because it's not only for anti-aging, but it also works for acne. Retinol, and prescription retinoids, are commonly used for getting rid of breakouts—especially in teenagers.