Skincare in Your 20s: What Matters Most (and What Doesn’t)
Your 20s are the perfect time to lay the foundation for long-term skin health — but with so much marketing noise, it can be hard to know what actually matters.
At Platinum Cosmetics, we see a lot of clients in their 20s who are either overwhelmed by complicated routines, or already dealing with the effects of harsh products and inconsistent habits.
So let’s keep it simple. Here’s how to care for your skin in your 20s — including what to focus on, what to avoid, and when to start treatments like laser or facials.
1. Your 20s Are for Prevention, Not Overcorrection
This is the decade to build healthy skin habits, not chase perfection. If you’re consistently using:
A gentle cleanser
A supportive moisturiser
Daily SPF
You’re already ahead of the game.
Add in a few well-chosen actives (like niacinamide or vitamin C), and you’ve got a preventative routine that supports glow, hydration, and clarity without risking your barrier.
2. Skip the Hype, Prioritise the Basics
A lot of skincare content targets 20-somethings with trendy peels, aggressive exfoliation, or unnecessary anti-ageing products. Most of the time, this leads to:
Irritation and breakouts
Over-exfoliation
Confused skin with no clear routine
Instead, focus on skin care products that match your skin type, not your feed. Less is more — and consistency matters more than the latest ingredient.
3. Professional Treatments in Your 20s? Yes — If They’re Right for You
You don’t need in-clinic treatments just because you’re in your 20s. But if you’re dealing with:
Breakouts that won’t settle
Post-acne pigmentation
Dehydration or dullness
Early signs of sun damage
Then yes — this is a great time to start targeted treatments.
We often recommend:
Gentle laser for tone and texture
Light skin rejuvenation treatments for pigment and prevention
Monthly facials to maintain clarity and support your barrier
And most importantly — we’ll never recommend what you don’t need.
4. The Biggest Skin Investment in Your 20s: Sunscreen
You’ve heard it before, but here’s why it matters:
80% of visible ageing comes from UV exposure
Sunscreen protects collagen, even tone, and elasticity
It also prevents pigmentation and redness from worsening
It’s the cheapest anti-ageing product you’ll ever buy
If you only do one thing for your future skin? Make it SPF.
Book a Skin Consultation in Your 20s (Or Gift One)
Whether you want to build your first proper routine or just make sure your current products are working, we’re here to help. Book a consultation at our Port Melbourne clinic and get personalised guidance from clinicians who understand how to care for skin at every age — without overdoing it.