8 Skincare Rules to Develop in Your 20s
Be the friend that still gets carded.
Be the friend that still gets carded.
These molecules fight free radicals — harmful particles created in the cells and found in the air. Antioxidants are found in fruits, veggies, and products rich in vitamins A, C and E: "They tighten and tone, while increasing radiance and decreasing puffiness, enlarged pores, discoloration, and fine lines," says Dr. Perricone. A lightweight serum with plant-based nutrients can help repair sun damage and keep skin youthful.
These molecules fight free radicals — harmful particles created in the cells and found in the air. Antioxidants are found in fruits, veggies, and products rich in vitamins A, C and E: "They tighten and tone, while increasing radiance and decreasing puffiness, enlarged pores, discoloration, and fine lines," says Dr. Perricone. A lightweight serum with plant-based nutrients can help repair sun damage and keep skin youthful.
Everyone knows that drinking six to eight glasses of water is the quickest way to hydrate from the inside out. But actually going through with it is another question. If you can't down any more of the boring clear stuff, try infusing fruit like cucumbers (yes, it's actually a fruit!) and berries for a refreshing taste, or reach for green tea, which has a ton of antioxidants that pull double-duty and help detoxify your skin.
Everyone knows that drinking six to eight glasses of water is the quickest way to hydrate from the inside out. But actually going through with it is another question. If you can't down any more of the boring clear stuff, try infusing fruit like cucumbers (yes, it's actually a fruit!) and berries for a refreshing taste, or reach for green tea, which has a ton of antioxidants that pull double-duty and help detoxify your skin.
There are tons of reasons to lace up your sneaks and work out: The endorphins generated lift your mood, your clothes fit better — you get it. Now add a great complexion to that list. "Studies show [that] exercise benefits the skin in the same way it improves bone and muscle quality," says Dr. Perricone."Not sure where to start? Aim to work out three times a week for 45 minutes at a medium intensity. Translation: Move fast enough so it's difficult to speak normally.
There are tons of reasons to lace up your sneaks and work out: The endorphins generated lift your mood, your clothes fit better — you get it. Now add a great complexion to that list. "Studies show [that] exercise benefits the skin in the same way it improves bone and muscle quality," says Dr. Perricone."Not sure where to start? Aim to work out three times a week for 45 minutes at a medium intensity. Translation: Move fast enough so it's difficult to speak normally.
Tanning is a one-way ticket to Wrinkleville (or worse, skin cancer). But even the UV exposure you get on a quick walk to the corner deli can lead to long-term damage. "UV radiation is the main environmental factor that causes skin aging," says Dr. Perricone. Excess exposure to UV rays can cause loss of elasticity, wrinkles, rough texture, broken capillaries, and brown spots, he says. Use a daily sunscreen with antioxidants and an SPF of 30 or higher.
Tanning is a one-way ticket to Wrinkleville (or worse, skin cancer). But even the UV exposure you get on a quick walk to the corner deli can lead to long-term damage. "UV radiation is the main environmental factor that causes skin aging," says Dr. Perricone. Excess exposure to UV rays can cause loss of elasticity, wrinkles, rough texture, broken capillaries, and brown spots, he says. Use a daily sunscreen with antioxidants and an SPF of 30 or higher.
One of the easiest ways to kick off a preventative skin-care regimen is washing your face regularly. "By eliminating surface debris, dead skin cells, and makeup, skin [looks] younger and [glows]," says Dr. Perricone. He recommends gentle, non-drying cleansers. "But avoid harsh scrubs — they cause inflammation, which accelerates aging," he cautions.
One of the easiest ways to kick off a preventative skin-care regimen is washing your face regularly. "By eliminating surface debris, dead skin cells, and makeup, skin [looks] younger and [glows]," says Dr. Perricone. He recommends gentle, non-drying cleansers. "But avoid harsh scrubs — they cause inflammation, which accelerates aging," he cautions.
Your 20s tend to be all about "work hard, play hard." Unfortunately, all those late nights can show up on your face, making your complexion look dull and tired. In addition to a balanced lifestyle and a regular skin-care routine, Dr. Perricone suggests incorporating a gentle exfoliant with antioxidants to promote a fresh, healthy glow.
Your 20s tend to be all about "work hard, play hard." Unfortunately, all those late nights can show up on your face, making your complexion look dull and tired. In addition to a balanced lifestyle and a regular skin-care routine, Dr. Perricone suggests incorporating a gentle exfoliant with antioxidants to promote a fresh, healthy glow.
Remember that time your skin looked great after a weekend of eating fried foods and drinking too much? Yeah, neither do we. "Poor eating habits will show [on] your face," says Dr. Perricone. Indulge in healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil. They're packed with vitamins and antioxidants to protect cells from damage, and help delay the aging process.
Remember that time your skin looked great after a weekend of eating fried foods and drinking too much? Yeah, neither do we. "Poor eating habits will show [on] your face," says Dr. Perricone. Indulge in healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil. They're packed with vitamins and antioxidants to protect cells from damage, and help delay the aging process.
"No matter which topical antioxidants you choose, remember consistency is key," says Dr. Perricone. No skin-care product can do its job if it's just sitting in your bathroom cabinet, so find products you love and use them regularly — as in every morning and night. Yes, even after a few glasses of wine.
"No matter which topical antioxidants you choose, remember consistency is key," says Dr. Perricone. No skin-care product can do its job if it's just sitting in your bathroom cabinet, so find products you love and use them regularly — as in every morning and night. Yes, even after a few glasses of wine.
