How to create a simple skincare routine after 25

Whether you have a breakout or you’re seeing wrinkles, you might decide it’s time for a skincare routine. But a long, multi-step routine isn’t necessary for healthy skin and might even cause skin irritation. Here’s how to build a minimalist skincare routine if you’re 25+.

Why you need a skincare routine

Your skin is only a few millimeters thick, but it’s your heaviest and largest organ.¹ It protects you from germs and toxic substances, makes hormones like vitamin D, controls your body temperature, and stores water and fat, among many other things.² Good hygiene and skin management keep your skin healthy and prevent early aging, breakouts, and some conditions. 

Delays skin aging 

Your skin naturally changes as you age. It gets thinner and loses its strength and elasticity, leading to wrinkles and a weathered look. Most of these changes are related to your genes, but your habits and health can make you age earlier than expected.³ A good skincare routine after 25 can delay premature aging.⁴ 

Protects your skin from damage 

Your skin is the first barrier against the environment, and it’s exposed to stressors every day that can cause damage. These stressors lead to inflammation and make your skin more vulnerable to injury, aging, slow healing, and skin conditions.⁵ 

The sun is by far the greatest cause of skin damage and early aging, but air pollution, cosmetics, and poor nutrition can all cause damage, too. Using the right products for your skin and keeping a consistent skincare routine is important to protect your skin.⁶ 

Keeps moisture in your skin

Dry skin happens when your skin loses water and becomes itchy and flaky. It’s uncomfortable, but it can also lead to infections. Dry skin can crack and bleed, allowing bacteria to enter and cause an infection. Scratching can also cause injuries where bacteria can enter. A skincare routine keeps moisture in your skin, making it smooth, healthy, and protected.⁷

Benefits of a minimalist skincare routine

Sometimes it’s tempting to add extra skincare products to your routine, but it’s not always best for your skin. A minimalist skincare routine saves on costs and time, protects your skin, and keeps your skin healthy. Products don’t need to be expensive to work well, and you don’t need to use more to have better skin.⁸  

The most important benefit of a minimalist skincare routine is giving your skin a break. Using many products can cause skin irritation, leading to more inflammation and making your skin look older. A ‘less is more’ skincare routine is effective and keeps your skin healthy.⁹

How to create a simple skincare routine after 25

The best skincare routine is simple: wash your face, treat your skin where necessary, moisturize, and protect.¹⁰ Your day and night routine will be slightly different, but your products should suit your skin type and complexion. 

Know your skin type

Your skincare routine should be customized to your skin. Using the wrong products might irritate your skin or worsen dryness or oiliness.¹¹ 

Before you buy products, consider your skin type¹²:

• Oily: shiny and greasy 
• Sensitive: burns or stings when you use products
• Dry: flaky and rough
• Combination: a mix of types in different areas

If you aren’t sure what type of skin you have, you can ask your dermatologist or talk to an esthetician. They can examine your skin and tell you the best kind of products to use.  

Create a base routine 

Your go-to minimalist skincare routine is three steps: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. These three steps are enough to keep your skin healthy. 

Gentle cleanser

Choose a gentle cleanser and wash your face in the morning before applying other products, before bed, and after sweating. You want to clean oil, dirt, and debris from your skin to keep your pores clear and prevent breakouts but without stripping your skin and leaving it too dry.¹³

Moisturizer 

Once you’ve cleansed your face, apply a moisturizer. It’s best to apply it when your skin is damp to lock in moisture and help maintain your skin barrier.¹⁴ A moisturizer with ceramides is a good option. Your skin naturally contains ceramides, which are waxy fat molecules that provide structure to your skin barrier.¹⁵ 

Sunscreen

Next, apply a broad-spectrum and water-resistant sunscreen with at least 30 SPF to any exposed skin. This will help prevent wrinkles, age spots, early aging, and skin cancer.¹⁶ Obviously, you don’t need sunscreen before bed.

Finally, target skin issues

The base routine is really all you need for healthy skin. Still, you can add an extra serum or treatment to target specific skincare issues like breakouts or aging. Apply this step after your cleanser and before your moisturizer.

Retinol for night

You can add a retinol product to a skincare routine for 30+ people, though you can also start retinol in your 20s. It’s a vitamin A-based cream or serum that helps build collagen and makes your skin look younger.¹⁷ 

Use the lowest concentration you can find and apply a pea-sized amount to your face and neck at least once or twice a week. Retinol makes your skin sensitive to sunlight, so use it at night and wear sunscreen during the day.¹⁸ 

Spot treatment, if necessary

Use a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment if you have a breakout or a blemish. Apply a small amount to the area, let it dry, and then apply a moisturizer plus sunscreen during the day.¹⁹

Bottom Line

A minimalist routine tailored to your skin type is all you need for healthy, glowing skin. If your skin changes or you’re worried about your skin, talk to your doctor.

Skincare can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. My Skincare Routine simplifies the science so you can make better skin decisions. 

SOURCES:

1. InformedHealth.org: “ How does skin work?”
2. InformedHealth.org: “ How does skin work?”
3. MedlinePlus: “ Aging changes in skin.”
4. American Academy of Dermatology Association: “ 11 Ways to Reduce Premature Skin Aging.”
5. Frontiers in Pharmacology: “ Environmental Stressors on Skin Aging. Mechanistic Insights.”
6. Frontiers in Pharmacology: “ Environmental Stressors on Skin Aging. Mechanistic Insights.”
7. Mayo Clinic: “ Dry skin.”
8. American Academy of Dermatology Association: “ Skin Care on a Budget.”
9. American Academy of Dermatology Association: “ Skin Care on a Budget.”
10. American Academy of Dermatology Association: “ Skin Care on a Budget.”
11. Cleveland Clinic: “ What Products Do I Actually Need for a Simple, Everyday Skin care Routine?”
12. American Academy of Dermatology Association: “ Skin Care on a Budget.”
13. American Academy of Dermatology Association: “ Skin Care on a Budget.”
14. American Academy of Dermatology Association: “ Skin Care on a Budget.”
15. National Eczema Association: “ Controlling Eczema by Moisturizing.”
16. American Academy of Dermatology Association: “ Skin Care on a Budget.”
17. Cleveland Clinic: “ What Products Do I Actually Need for a Simple, Everyday Skin care Routine?”
18. American Academy of Dermatology Association: “ Retinoid or Retinol?”
19. National Health Service: “ Acne — Treatment.”