5 Skincare Mistakes to Avoid in Your 20s

April 20, 2023

At Smooth Skin HQ, aka Sundae Body, we believe that taking care of your skin is essential, no matter your age, star sign (or whether you’re team Selena or team Hailey.)

However, it’s a hard fact that your 20s are a critical time to start establishing good skincare habits that will set you up for a lifetime of healthy, radiant skin. To help you on your way, we've put together a list of five common skincare mistakes that you should avoid in your 20s, so you have more time to focus on the fun stuff. Like Tiktok tutorials, Uni exams (SOS) and whether or not to swipe left or right.

Mistake #1: Skipping Sunscreen

Sorry not sorry, just like sipping on h20, sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of your daily skincare routine. Why? Well, sun protection is essential for every age, but it's especially important in your 20s. The sun's harmful UV rays can cause premature ageing, dark spots, and even skin cancer, so it's crucial to wear sunscreen every day. We recommend you choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and apply it generously to your face and neck. Don't forget to reapply every two hours if you're spending time outdoors, and especially if water sports are involved.

Mistake #2: Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliation is a crucial step in maintaining healthy, glowing skin. But too much of a good thing can be harmful—over-exfoliating can cause micro-tears in your skin, leaving it vulnerable to irritation, inflammation, and breakouts. That's why we recommend using our Green Tea Shower Foam a few times a week, especially after sports and sunscreen. It's packed with natural exfoliants that gently buff away dead skin cells without causing damage. Remember, less is more when it comes to exfoliation. Find products that work hard, so you don’t have to.

👉 More info: Do I Really Need To Exfoliate My Skin? Here's What Happens When You Don't

Mistake #3: Sleeping in Your Makeup

We've all been there – after a long, fun day of hanging with your nearest and dearest, the last thing you want to do is spend time with your face in the mirror removing your makeup. But trust us, sleeping in your makeup is a seriously unkind move for your skin, it can clog your pores, lead to breakouts, and even cause premature ageing. Always make sure to cleanse yourself before bed and follow up with a gentle moisturiser to ensure that your skin is clean, fresh and hydrated – particularly if prosecco was on the menu that day.

Mistake #4: Using Too Many Products

With a bottomless buffet of skincare products available on the market, it's easy to get caught up in the hype and use too many at once. But bombarding your skin with a large slew of potions can actually do more harm than good. It can lead to irritation, inflammation, and even breakouts. That's why we advocate for sticking to a simple, effective skincare routine that includes only the essentials your skin type and lifestyle needs. Remember—and we know we sound like your mum—quality over quantity!

👉 More quick reads: Itchy After Showering? Here's Why…

Mistake #5: Neglecting Your Neck and Chest

Did you know: your neck and chest are often overlooked in your skincare routine, but they're just as susceptible to sun damage, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing as your face is. So, pretty please ensure you extend your skincare routine to your neck and chest and apply sunscreen and moisturiser to these areas daily.

Taking care of your skin in your 20s can set you up for a lifetime of healthy, radiant skin. Remember to protect your skin from the sun, limit your exfoliation, remove your makeup every night, stick to a simple skincare routine, and extend your skincare routine to your neck and chest. By avoiding these common skincare mistakes and using our gentle Sundae Body shower foams, you can achieve the beautiful, healthy skin you deserve.

Happy Sundae x

Some whipped shower foams to get you started 👇

Pomegranate Fizz Foaming Body Wash | Coconut Cream Foaming Body Wash | Honey Honey Foaming Body Wash

🤑 Save up to 20% when you Build Your Own Bundle

Written By: Lizzie Waley (Sundae Co-Founder & Body Care Enthusiast) | LinkedIn

Fact Checked: Charnnie Frimpong (Sundae Content Marketing Manager) | Linkedin

Our Sources

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/skin-care-in-your-20s

https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-take-care-of-your-skin-in-your-20s-4686886

https://www.grazia.co.in/beauty/the-ultimate-skincare-guide-for-your-20s-30s-40s_-9311.html