Our Best Skin Care Products to Use in Your 20s

If you’re in your 20s, now’s the perfect time to adopt a regular skin care routine. Nope, it’s never too early to start paying attention to your skin. After all, how you care for your complexion now can have an impact on how it looks in the future. Want to help maintain your youthful-looking glow for years to come? Try incorporating the following five skin care products, including a face scrub and face mask, into your beauty regimen.

TWENTY-SOMETHING PRODUCT #1. FACIAL CLEANSER

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends women in their 20s use a facial cleanser twice per day. Cleansing can help rid your skin of dirt, excess oils, and makeup residue, so there's no arguing this isn't an important step. There are so many different types of facial cleansers out there, so look for one that’s formulated for your skin type and specific needs.

The L'Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser, L'Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser, and L'Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Cleanser are all formulated to remove everyday impurities from the surface of your skin without over-drying. They each also seamlessly transform from a clay to a mousse consistency when you add water, making for a great cleansing experience. Squeeze a small amount of your chosen facial cleanser into your hands and add water to see it transform. Gently massage the facial cleanser onto your face, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Editor’s tip: Headed to the gym? Make sure to bring a transportable, no-rinse facial cleanser, like micellar water, with you so that you can cleanse post-workout. Try the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types.

TWENTY-SOMETHING PRODUCT #2. FACE SCRUB

One of the best steps you can take in your 20s is to incorporate exfoliation into your skin care routine. Exfoliation can help rid the surface of your skin of dulling buildup, leaving you with a more radiant-looking complexion. An easy way to exfoliate is to use a face scrub, like the L'Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Purify & Unclog Kiwi Scrub, L'Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Smooth & Glow Grapeseed Scrub, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Resurface & Energize Kona Coffee Scrub, or L'Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Nourish & Soften Cocoa Scrub. Twice a week, apply your face scrub of choice to dry skin, then wet your hands and massage the face scrub over your skin before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water.

TWENTY-SOMETHING PRODUCT #3. FACE MASK

When you’re in your 20s, your skin can certainly benefit from using a face mask two or three times a week. Seriously, you probably aren’t pampering your skin enough! So, whether you have dull skin, oily skin, stressed skin, or some other skin care concern, find a mask that suits your skin’s needs and you’ll be on your way towards more beautiful-looking skin.

Have your pick from our collection of face masks, which includes the L'Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Face Mask, L'Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Face Mask, L'Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refining Face Mask, L'Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clear & Comfort Face Mask, and L'Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Clarify & Smooth Face Mask. Two to three times a week, apply an even layer of a face mask to clean, dry skin, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry. You can also try multi-masking—applying different face masks to different areas of your face (at the same time) to address multiple complexion concerns.

TWENTY-SOMETHING PRODUCT #4. MOISTURIZER

Moisturizing should play an important role in your skin care routine in your 20s. When it comes to finding the best moisturizer to use in your 20s, opt for one that’s formulated for your skin type—and apply it to damp skin after cleansing to help lock in hydration. If you have oily skin, a lightweight moisturizer may be all you need, while if you have dry skin, you may find yourself needing to use a heavier formula. Consider the L'Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin, L'Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin, or L'Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin, each of which is formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera water to help provide long-lasting hydration.

TWENTY-SOMETHING PRODUCT #5. MOISTURIZER WITH SPF

Think you only need to slather on sunscreen when you’re spending the day at the beach? Uh-uh! Regardless of your age, you should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen (meaning one that protects against UVA and UVB rays) every day—rain or shine. When you spend prolonged periods of time in the sun sans protection, it can lead to damage—which can lead to visible signs of aging, like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, down the road. According to the AAD, using broad-spectrum sunscreen in your 20s can be thought of as a preventative measure you can take. 

Although you may be pressed for time, that’s no excuse to skip out on this crucial skin care step. Instead, reach for a moisturizer formulated with SPF, like the L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30. Apply it as directed—and make sure to take additional sun protection measures as well, including limiting your amount of time in the sun, seeking shade when you’re outside, and covering up exposed areas in long sleeves, pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

For more age-related skin care advice, here’s The Best Skin Care Routine for Your 20s.