Is it too early to start anti-aging in your 20s?
“You should use retinol from your 20s” vs. “Just wearing sunscreen properly is enough.” These opinions often clash. In the end, it’s more a question of what to prioritize first.
Commonly recommended order
- Sunscreen every day
- Adequate moisturizing
- Vitamin C or niacinamide if needed
- If interested, start with a low-concentration retinoid 1–2 times a week
Poll
How far do you go with anti-aging in your 20s?
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It’s not too early, but in your 20s, consistently using sun protection should come before “adding anti-aging products.” The basics of preventing photoaging are applying enough of a product with SPF 30 or higher and PA+++ or higher, and reapplying when you’ll be outdoors for a long time. Keeping your skin barrier comfortable with moisturizer is another solid foundation.
Retinol isn’t an ingredient everyone has to start using. If you’re interested, I recommend starting with a low-concentration product once or twice a week, using a small amount at night, and pairing it with moisturizer while monitoring for irritation. There’s no need to layer multiple active ingredients or quickly increase how often you use them from the start. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, check with a healthcare professional before using retinoids.
My priorities are sunscreen → moisturizer → retinol, depending on your needs and your skin’s tolerance. A routine you can stick to every day is more practical than an expensive “anti-aging” label.