From your mid twenties, your skin starts to produce less collagen (the protein that helps with your skin’s elasticity) (The Independent/iStock)
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Investing in anti-ageing skincare might not seem like a priority in your twenties, but as your skin goes through significant changes in between then and 30, it’s important to do the prep work before it comes around.
From your mid twenties, your skin starts to produce less collagen (the protein that helps with your skin’s elasticity), and when you hit 30, signs of ageing and sun damage start to manifest.
Your skin also produces less sebum as you get older, so you may experience drier skin as you age.
Luckily, there’s a whole labyrinth of skincare ingredients to target specific concerns, so you can tailor your beauty regimen to suit your age and needs.
From brands that specialise in organic products to anti-pollution, it’s difficult to know where to start, but we’ve covered the essentials in our round-up.
We’ve covered all of your key bases here, with the basic staples like moisturiser, toner and cleanser, but we’ve also included some speciality products to give your skin an extra boost.
Some have specific benefits, like preventing blemishes, while others are wonderful for simply brightening your complexion. The below list consists of hero products from emerging brands and cult classics from established ones.
You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.
Aesop purifying facial exfoliant paste
It’s tough to choose just one product from Aesop. The Australian skincare brand is renowned for its gorgeously scented products and Instagram-worthy packaging. Everything smells like it’s just been stolen from a spa, and this exfoliator is no different. The creamy paste has been formulated with quartz and lactic acid to slough away dead skin cells while leaving skin soft. Lactic acid is part of the AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) group and not only works to exfoliate but also tackles acne and signs of ageing, including wrinkles. We loved the way this left our skin feeling afterwards: super smooth and thoroughly cleansed.. Use it once or twice a week for a quick exfoliation job, or leave it on for a few minutes while you soak in the bath and enjoy its divine rosemary leaf scent.
Founded by the queen of celebrity make-up, this brand is also renowned for its skincare line. We love this clay mask for its rich texture and the glow it leaves after application. It contains almond oil and frangipani flower extract, both of which leave the skin feeling deeply moisturiser, and kaolin clay is renowned for its nourishing properties. Perfect for firming the skin and adding radiance, we love to use this after a long week at work or when hungover for a restorative pick-me-up. You don’t need a huge amount to cover your face either, so the mask should last you several applications. If you use this three times a week, you should notice a difference in your overall complexion after about two weeks.
Don’t let this teeny tiny bottle deceive you. Liz Earle is renowned for its natural, balancing skin products, and this recent addition is no different. There are a range of botanical drops in the collection, but we love the balancing drops because they immediately seem to reduce any redness and provide a firmer complexion. It also prevents blemishes and helps mattify shiny skin. We suggest using it just before your moisturiser in the morning, but allow it to dry fully first. We really noticed the difference with using this product for several weeks and find we get much fewer blemishes now. It’s particularly useful to combat sporadic flare-ups on the skin too.
We’re obsessed with the way these pads make our skin feel. Peels might sound intense and scary, but these are very gentle and are a great way of exfoliating, clearing, and toning your pores all at once. Each peel contains lactic acid and papaya fruit extract, both of which combine to give a real brightening effect, and white willow bark to ease irritation and strengthen the skin’s antibacterial properties. Lactic acid is particularly brilliant for evening the skin tone and tackling breakouts, so if you’re in the market for a gentle exfoliating product, try these. If you have sensitive skin, start by using this once a week and build up to 2-3 times a week. Those who are non-sensitive and are experienced in exfoliation can use them three times a week from the get-go.
This no-frills cleanser is light and simple. It gently foams when you mix it with warm water and wash it over your face and instantly leaves your skin feeling fresher and brighter than before. It also smells lovely, thanks to the moringa and Alpine herbs that it’s formulated with, adding to that wonderful fresh sensation after use. Other plant extracts including gentian and sage work to rebalance the natural oils in your skin while adding radiance. You don’t need more than one small squirt to cleanse your face, meaning this bottle will last you quite a while, so it’s worth the slightly higher price tag.
There are so many wonderful products here, but our all-time favourite has to be Aesop’s exfoliating paste. Not just because of how cleansed it makes your skin feel after using it, but because of the sumptuous scent it leaves too. It’s the perfect combination of a serious scrub that sloughs away dead skin cells without feeling irritating or harsh. It’s a real treat to use.
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