Wilful self-denial is telling yourself this: I’m young and wrinkle-free, so I shouldn’t be concerned with buying anti-aging products.
Well, that old chestnut about prevention being better than cure and all that? It’s true in this instance. You may not be able to see the physical evidence just yet, but your skin starts to age in your 20s. By the time you notice sagging and bagging, it’ll be too little, too late.
Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Mask, $159
And hey, anti-aging skincare can be really fun. See exhibit A: Peter Thomas Roth’s 24K Gold Mask, which looks good and feels even better. And yes, there’s genuine 24K gold in the formula, which promises to lift, firm and impart a regal radiance.
And all this is making you reconsider your mid-20s skincare regime, surprise! Have I got more news for you: Exfoliating should be the very first step of your daily beauty regime, and not a special “treat”. Why’s that? Elementary, my dear: Exfoliation takes off the first layer of gunk, allowing better penetration of your deep cleanser and a follow-up mask.
Foreo LUNA, $299
Foreo’s LUNA ought to do the trick. This futuristic anti-aging gadget deploys what the Swedish brand dubs T-sonic tech, which works via pulsating motions to deliver deep cleansing yet ultra gentle results.
Caudalie Instant Detox Mask, $53
For an instant boost, top up with the pore-purifying Caudalie Instant Detox Mask, which is chock-full of clarifying pink clay, grape marc, coffee grounds and papaya extract. Slap it on, wait 10 minutes, splash off for #selfie-ready skin.
But what if you’re in that familiar no-woman’s territory battling both blemishes and fine lines? I know of OLs who dab toothpaste onto their zits and call it a day.
Worst beauty hack ever! Never pop a zit (unless you’re a thousand percent sure it’s good to go), and never apply toothpaste on a spot. The latter’s akin to pouring stinging oil on a fire: The toothpaste will only serve to jack up the redness, pain and inflammation.
Kate Somerville EradiKate Mask, $85
What to use in lieu of toothpaste? Try Kate Somerville’s excellent EradiKate Mask, a cool self-activating treatment that works itself into a fine froth on dry skin – no elbow grease required on your part. The fun frothing action sops up grime and grease while driving antibacterial colloidal sulfur and a brew of botanical and honey extracts deep into your pores.
Finally, if you figure gulping down gallons of water everyday should take care of your skin better than any moisturiser could ever hope to do, you’re dead wrong.
Sure, hydration is super important, but the fluid you take in doesn’t necessarily make its way to your skin. Also important to consider: You’re losing surface water all the time, especially if you’re stewing in an air-conditioned cubicle all day.
Sephora Collection Serum Mask, $36
Quench your parched skin with Sephora Collection’s Serum Mask, which floods your skin with moisture and works like an intensive serum to bump up skin elasticity and iron out fine lines and wrinkles – all under 10 minutes.
So no, no more excuses for sloppy skincare habits. Good luck getting the most beauty mileage out of your late 20s; it’s the best of times, really. Chin up, cleanser out!