I’m 25. Here’s My “Future-Proof” Skincare Routine That Costs Less Than My Coffee Habit.
My Four-Step Plan for My 40-Year-Old Face
My dermatologist told me that a preventative skincare routine in my twenties doesn’t have to be expensive. She gave me a simple, “future-proof” plan that costs less than my weekly coffee budget. Morning: a gentle cleanser, a vitamin C serum for antioxidant protection, and a basic moisturizer with SPF 30. That’s it. Night: cleanser, and a pea-sized amount of an over-the-counter retinol. She said this simple, four-product routine—protection in the morning, repair at night—will do more for my 40-year-old face than any $200 “miracle” cream I could buy.
The 5 Skincare Mistakes People in Their 20s Make That They’ll Regret at 40
I Was Committing Sins Against My Future Face
I asked a 45-year-old friend with amazing skin what mistakes I should avoid in my twenties. She listed five cardinal sins she was guilty of. 1) Not wearing sunscreen daily. 2) Sleeping with her makeup on. 3) Using harsh, stripping cleansers and physical scrubs that damaged her skin barrier. 4) Picking at her pimples, which led to permanent scarring. And 5) Completely neglecting the skin on her neck and chest. She said avoiding these five simple mistakes is the most powerful “anti-aging” secret there is.
How to Party in Your 20s Without Destroying Your Face
My Pre-Game and Post-Game Skincare Routine
I love going out with my friends, but I was noticing how much a late night of drinking and dancing was taking a toll on my skin. I developed a simple “party” skincare routine. Before I go out, I make sure my skin is super hydrated with a hyaluronic acid serum. And no matter how tired I am when I get home, I have a non-negotiable rule: I must wash my face. The next morning, my “recovery” routine is all about fighting inflammation: I drink a ton of water and use a calming, de-puffing face mask.
“Pre-juvenation”: The Case for Starting Retinol (Gently) at 25
I’m Building My Collagen Bank Before I Start Making Withdrawals
I started using a low-strength, over-the-counter retinol cream three nights a week when I was 25. My friends thought I was crazy, saying, “You don’t have any wrinkles!” I explained the concept of “pre-juvenation.” Retinol is the gold-standard ingredient for stimulating collagen production. I’m not trying to reverse wrinkles I don’t have; I’m trying to build up my “collagen bank” now, in my peak collagen-producing years. The goal is to keep my collagen levels high so that the “withdrawals” that start in my thirties are less dramatic. It’s a long-term investment.
The Financial Argument for Spending $15 on Sunscreen Now to Save $1500 on Lasers Later
An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure (and a Lot of Money)
My older sister is now paying a dermatologist $1,500 for a series of laser treatments to get rid of the sunspots and broken capillaries she got in her twenties from not wearing sunscreen. For the same price as one fancy coffee, I buy a $15 bottle of daily facial sunscreen that lasts me for two months. It’s a simple financial calculation. The small, consistent investment in prevention now will save me thousands of dollars in expensive, corrective treatments later. Sunscreen isn’t just a skincare product; it’s a financial planning tool.
I’m 28 and I Got “Preventative” Botox. Here’s Why I Don’t Regret It.
I Was Ironing Out the Wrinkles Before They Got Deeply Creased
I have a very expressive forehead, and I could already see faint horizontal lines starting to form. I decided to get “preventative” Botox. The dermatologist used a tiny amount, just enough to soften the muscle movement without freezing my face. It cost about $300. Her analogy made perfect sense: “Imagine you have a piece of paper. If you keep folding it in the same place over and over, you’ll get a deep, permanent crease. This is like putting a piece of tape on the paper to prevent it from folding so sharply.” I’m not erasing wrinkles; I’m preventing them from getting deeply “creased” in the first place.
The “Bank Your Collagen” Diet: Foods to Eat in Your 20s for Great Skin in Your 40s
I’m Eating for My Future Face
Our bodies’ production of collagen, the protein that keeps skin plump and firm, starts to decline in our late twenties. I’ve started eating a “bank your collagen” diet to support my skin from the inside out. This includes plenty of vitamin C-rich foods like bell peppers and citrus, which are essential for collagen synthesis. I also eat lean proteins like chicken and fish to provide the amino acid building blocks. And I consume bone broth, which is rich in collagen itself. I’m making dietary deposits into my “collagen bank” now for a healthier future withdrawal.
How Your Student Loans and Financial Stress Are Aging You (And How to Cope)
My Debt Was Giving Me Frown Lines
The stress of my student loan payments and my tight budget was literally aging me. I was constantly clenching my jaw, my sleep was terrible, and I had a permanent frown line from worrying. I realized my financial stress was becoming a physical health problem. While I couldn’t magically erase the debt, I started to aggressively manage the stress. I started a simple 5-minute daily meditation practice. I made a strict, realistic budget that gave me a sense of control. Reducing the stress was just as important as making the payments.
The Best Habits to Start in Your 20s for a Long, Healthy Life
The “Compound Interest” of Good Choices
A doctor told me to think of my health habits in my twenties like compound interest. The small, consistent choices I make now will have a massive payoff in my forties and fifties. The three most important habits he told me to start are: 1) Find a form of exercise you genuinely enjoy, so you’ll actually stick with it. 2) Learn to cook a few simple, healthy meals from scratch to avoid a lifetime of takeout. 3) Prioritize sleep like it’s your job. These aren’t sexy biohacks; they are the simple, foundational habits that create a lifetime of health.
I’m a Dermatologist. This is What I Tell My 20-Something Patients.
The Holy Trinity of Skincare for Young Skin
I asked my dermatologist what she tells all her 20-something patients. She said it’s simple. You need a “holy trinity” of skincare. First, a gentle cleanser. Most young people use cleansers that are way too harsh, which damages their skin barrier. Second, a daily moisturizer with a broad-spectrum SPF 30, at a minimum. This is the single most important anti-aging step. And third, an over-the-counter retinoid cream at night to start stimulating collagen. She said if you just do these three things consistently, you are ahead of 90% of people.
“Adult Acne” in Your 20s: Why It’s Happening and How to Finally Fix It
My Skin Was Worse at 25 Than It Was at 15
I thought I was done with acne after high school. But in my mid-twenties, I started getting painful, cystic acne along my jawline. My dermatologist explained that “adult acne” is often hormonal. The key to treating it wasn’t the harsh benzoyl peroxide products of my youth. The solution was a combination of a gentle skincare routine to protect my skin barrier, and a prescription for a topical retinoid like tretinoin. The retinoid not only treated the acne but also had the added benefit of kickstarting my anti-aging routine.
How to Build a “Capsule” Skincare Wardrobe in Your 20s
You Only Need 5 Core Products
The skincare world is overwhelming. I felt like I needed a 12-step routine. A beauty editor told me to think of it like a “capsule wardrobe.” You only need five core “pieces.” 1) A gentle cleanser. 2) A Vitamin C serum for the morning. 3) A moisturizer with SPF for the morning. 4) A retinoid for the night. 5) A simple moisturizer for the night. That’s it. That’s your “capsule” wardrobe. Anything else—like a face mask or an exfoliating acid—is just an “accessory” you use once or twice a week.
The Hangover Recovery Routine That Will Save Your Skin
How to Look Human After a Big Night Out
A late night of drinking leaves my skin looking like a puffy, dehydrated disaster. I’ve developed a hangover recovery routine for my face. First, I drink a huge glass of water with electrolytes to rehydrate from the inside out. Second, I use a de-puffing tool, like a jade roller that I keep in the freezer, to help with lymphatic drainage. And third, I use a super-hydrating sheet mask with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to bring my thirsty skin back to life.
Why Your Metabolism “Slows Down” in Your Late 20s (And How to Fight Back)
The Subtle Shift That Changes Everything
Around age 28, I noticed that I couldn’t eat the way I used to without gaining weight. It’s not a myth; our metabolism does start to “slow down” in our late twenties. This is primarily because we begin to naturally lose a small amount of muscle mass each year. Muscle is metabolically active tissue, so less muscle means a slower metabolism. The single best way to fight this is to start incorporating strength training into your routine. Building and maintaining muscle is the key to keeping your metabolic engine revving.
The “Quarter-Life Crisis” and Its Effect on Your Mental and Physical Health
My Anxiety About My Future Was Showing Up on My Face
My “quarter-life crisis” at 26 was real. I was anxious about my career path, my relationships, and my finances. That mental stress had a physical effect. I was breaking out, I wasn’t sleeping well, and I had dark circles under my eyes. I realized that the best “skincare” I could adopt was actually taking care of my mental health. I started meditating and talking to a therapist. As my internal anxiety started to calm down, my external “stress face” started to clear up.
How to Read a Skincare Label in Your 20s and Not Fall for Marketing Hype
The Ingredient List Is More Important Than the Fancy Jar
I used to be swayed by pretty packaging and fancy marketing claims. A cosmetic chemist taught me how to be a smarter skincare consumer. She said to ignore the front of the bottle and go straight to the ingredient list. The first five ingredients make up the bulk of the product. Look for proven, powerhouse ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid high up on the list. Don’t pay for a fancy jar that’s just full of water, silicone, and fragrance.
The Best Investment You Can Make in Your 20s (It’s Not Stocks)
Invest in the Asset That Will Last Your Entire Life: Yourself
My first boss, a very successful man in his fifties, gave me this advice: “The single best investment you can make in your twenties is not in the stock market; it’s in yourself.” He told me to spend money on things that would expand my skills and my mind. Take the course, learn the new language, read the books, go to therapy. The financial and personal returns on self-investment in your twenties will compound for the rest of your life in ways that are far more valuable than any stock portfolio.
I Ignored Everyone and Got Under-Eye Filler at 27. It Was the Best Decision.
My Genetic Dark Circles Were Making Me Look Perpetually Exhausted
I have deep, genetic hollows under my eyes. No amount of sleep or expensive eye cream could fix them. I looked perpetually tired. At 27, I went to a dermatologist and got a conservative amount of hyaluronic acid filler put in my tear troughs. It cost about $800. My parents thought I was crazy. But the result was a game-changer. I instantly looked rested and refreshed. It was the best money I’ve ever spent on my appearance, because it fixed a core structural issue that no cream ever could.
The Surprising Ways Your Birth Control Might Be Affecting Your Skin
The Pill That Cleared My Acne (And the One That Caused It)
In my early twenties, I went on a birth control pill that cleared up my skin beautifully. A few years later, I switched to a different type, and my skin exploded with cystic acne. I learned from my gynecologist that different birth control pills have different hormonal profiles. Some, which are higher in estrogen, can be great for acne. Others, which have a higher androgenic (testosterone-like) effect, can actually make acne worse. If you are struggling with adult acne, it’s crucial to have a conversation with your doctor about your birth control.
How to Create a Budget for “Self-Care” When You’re Broke
My $20 a Week “Sanity Fund”
When I was 24 and just starting out, my budget was incredibly tight. The idea of “self-care” seemed like a luxury I couldn’t afford. I decided to create a tiny, non-negotiable “sanity fund.” I budgeted just $20 a week for myself. Some weeks, that meant buying a fancy coffee and a magazine and sitting in a park. Other weeks, it meant buying a nice face mask and a bottle of wine for a night in. It wasn’t about the amount; it was about the principle of carving out a small, protected space in my budget for my own joy.
The 3 Supplements I Started Taking at 25 That Made a Huge Difference
My Internal Skincare Routine
After getting some bloodwork done, I started taking three supplements that have made a visible difference in my skin and energy. The first is Vitamin D. Most people, especially those who work indoors, are deficient, and it’s crucial for immune health. The second is a high-quality fish oil for omega-3s, which helps to lower inflammation from the inside out. The third is a simple iron supplement, as my levels were on the low end of normal, which was contributing to my fatigue. It’s an internal routine that supports all my external efforts.
How to Build a Foundation of Fitness in Your 20s That Will Last a Lifetime
Find Your “Keystone” Activity
The key to lifelong fitness is not to force yourself to do something you hate. It’s to find a “keystone” activity that you genuinely love. For my friend, it was rock climbing. For me, it was dancing. If you can find that one form of movement that feels like “play” instead of a “workout,” you are much more likely to stick with it for the long haul. Your twenties are the perfect time to experiment and “date” different forms of exercise until you find the one you want to commit to.
The “Sleep Debt” You’re Accumulating in Your 20s is Real
My “Work Hard, Play Hard” Lifestyle Was a Loan From My Future Health
In my early twenties, I thought I could survive on five hours of sleep a night. I was in a “work hard, play hard” phase and saw sleep as a waste of time. I was accumulating a massive “sleep debt.” By my late twenties, I was constantly getting sick, I had brain fog, and I felt exhausted all the time. I was paying the price for my past neglect. I’ve learned that sleep is not a luxury; it’s a non-negotiable biological necessity. You can’t cheat it forever.
I Learned to Cook in My 20s. It Saved My Health and My Wallet.
The Most Important “Adulting” Skill
In college, my diet consisted of pizza and takeout. When I got my first apartment, I decided I needed to learn how to cook. I started with simple things, like roasting a chicken and making a good salad dressing. This one skill has had the biggest impact on my health and my finances. I’m saving hundreds of dollars a month compared to my friends who still rely on food delivery apps for every meal. And I have complete control over the quality of the ingredients I’m putting in my body.
The Social Media Comparison Trap and How It’s Aging Your Mind
I Was Giving Myself “Comparison Wrinkles”
I was spending hours on Instagram, looking at influencers with perfect skin, perfect bodies, and perfect lives. It was giving me a form of “mental aging.” The constant comparison was making me feel cynical, anxious, and dissatisfied with my own perfectly good life. I started a new habit: for every 30 minutes I spend on social media, I have to spend 15 minutes reading a book or listening to an educational podcast. I had to consciously balance the “junk food” for my brain with something nutritious.
Why “Antioxidants” Are Your Skin’s Best Friend in Your 20s
The Shield That Protects Your Collagen
Every day, your skin is under attack from things like UV radiation and pollution. These things create “free radicals,” which are like tiny little wrecking balls that break down your collagen and age your skin. Antioxidants are your skin’s best friends because they act like a shield. They neutralize the free radicals before they can do their damage. Using a vitamin C serum—one of the most powerful antioxidants—every morning is like putting on a suit of armor for your skin. It’s a key defensive move for preserving your youthful skin.
The Most Important Health Test to Get Before You Turn 30
A Baseline That Will Serve You for Life
A functional medicine doctor gave me this advice: before you turn 30, get a comprehensive blood panel done to establish a baseline for your own personal “normal.” Don’t just get the standard cholesterol and glucose tests. Ask for a full thyroid panel, your vitamin D levels, and key inflammatory markers. Having this data from when you are young and healthy is incredibly valuable. It can help you and your doctor spot subtle changes and trends as you age, allowing for a much more proactive and personalized approach to your long-term health.
How to Navigate the Confusing World of “Clean Beauty” in Your 20s
“Clean” and “Natural” Are Just Marketing Terms
The world of “clean beauty” is a minefield. The terms “clean” and “natural” are not regulated, so they can mean anything a brand wants them to mean. A cosmetic chemist taught me to be a savvy consumer. Instead of falling for the marketing, focus on the science. Is the product packaged in a way that will keep the active ingredients stable (e.g., an opaque, airless pump)? Does the brand conduct clinical trials? Don’t be swayed by a pretty label; look for the evidence.
The Best “First” Active Ingredient to Introduce to Your Skincare Routine
Your Gateway to Great Skin
If you’re in your early twenties and want to get started with “active” skincare, the best place to start is with a gentle chemical exfoliant, like a toner with glycolic or lactic acid. Using it two or three times a week will help to get rid of dead skin cells, prevent breakouts, and give your skin a great glow. It’s a gentle, effective “gateway” active ingredient that will improve your skin’s texture and prepare it for more powerful ingredients, like vitamin C and retinol, that you can introduce later in your twenties.
I Started Saving for Retirement at 22. The Peace of Mind is the Real Anti-Aging Secret.
My Best Investment Was Buying Myself “Time”
The day I got my first full-time job at 22, I set up an automatic contribution of 10% of my paycheck into my 401(k). My friends thought I was crazy, saying I should enjoy my money now. But the feeling of knowing that I have a 40-year head start on my retirement savings has given me an incredible sense of peace and security. That peace of mind, that lack of financial anxiety, is the single most powerful anti-aging “secret” I know. It reduces my stress levels more than any vacation or yoga class ever could.
The One Thing I Wish I Had Done for My Health in My Early 20s
I Wish I Had Seen a Physical Therapist, Proactively
In my early twenties, I was working out hard but with poor form. I thought my nagging shoulder and knee pain were just normal. I wish I had spent a few hundred dollars to see a physical therapist for a proactive “movement screen.” They could have identified my muscle imbalances and taught me the correct form for key exercises, like squats and deadlifts. This would have saved me years of nagging injuries and would have set me up with a foundation of safe, effective movement for the rest of my life.
How to Protect Your Skin From a “Screen-Heavy” Job or Study Schedule
The “Desk-Side” Skincare Essentials
I have a job that requires me to stare at a computer screen for eight hours a day. I keep a few “desk-side” skincare essentials to combat the effects. First, a facial mist with antioxidants that I use a few times a day to hydrate my skin and fight off the free radicals from blue light. Second, a moisturizing eye drop to combat dry eyes. And third, a bottle of water to stay hydrated from the inside out. It’s a small routine that helps me feel and look fresher at the end of a long day of screen time.
The Minimalist’s Guide to Skincare in Your 20s: 3 Steps, That’s It.
Cleanse, Moisturize, Protect. The End.
You do not need a complicated, 10-step skincare routine in your twenties. In fact, it can often do more harm than good by irritating your skin. All you truly need is a simple, consistent, three-step routine. In the morning: cleanse, moisturize, and protect with an SPF of 30 or higher. In the evening: cleanse, treat (with a gentle retinol or exfoliant a few times a week), and moisturize. That’s it. Consistency with a simple routine will always beat an inconsistent, complicated one.
How to Learn to Love Your Face Before You Start “Fixing” It
I Was Trying to Solve a Problem I Didn’t Have
When I was 26, I became obsessed with the idea that I needed lip filler. I thought my lips were too thin. I went for a consultation. The dermatologist asked me, “What is it you don’t like about your lips?” As I tried to explain, I realized my desire was based on an Instagram trend, not on my own genuine dissatisfaction. I was trying to “fix” a problem I didn’t actually have. I decided to wait a year. The trend passed, and I completely forgot about it. I’m glad I learned to love my own face first.
The Best Morning Routine to Set Yourself Up for Success in Your 20s
How You Start Your Day Is How You Live Your Day
I’ve learned that the first hour of my day determines the quality of the next 15. My simple, non-negotiable morning routine is this: before I look at my phone, I drink a full glass of water. I spend five minutes doing some simple stretches to wake up my body. And I spend five minutes in quiet meditation or journaling to check in with my own mind. This simple, 10-minute routine, done before the chaos of the day begins, sets a calm, intentional, and healthy tone for my entire day.
How to Heal Your Relationship with Food After College
I Had to Unlearn Four Years of “Dining Hall” Habits
College gave me some terrible food habits. My diet was a rotation of late-night pizza, cheap beer, and whatever was being served in the dining hall. After I graduated, I had to consciously heal my relationship with food. I had to learn how to grocery shop for one. I had to learn how to cook simple, nutritious meals. And I had to learn to listen to my body’s hunger cues, instead of just eating out of boredom or stress. It was a process of unlearning four years of bad habits and building a new, healthier foundation.
The Dangers of Vaping and Tanning Beds for Your Long-Term Health
The “Healthy” Vices That Are Anything But
Two of the most dangerous trends I see among my peers are vaping and tanning beds. People think vaping is a “safe” alternative to smoking, but the nicotine still constricts your blood vessels, which accelerates skin aging, and we don’t yet know the long-term effects on our lungs. People think a “base tan” from a tanning bed will protect them, but it’s just a sign that your skin has been damaged by intense, concentrated UV radiation, dramatically increasing your risk for melanoma. These are two “healthy-looking” vices with serious long-term consequences.
I Stopped Binge Drinking on Weekends. My Face and Body Transformed.
The Inflammatory Cycle of “Work Hard, Play Hard”
My “work hard, play hard” lifestyle in my early twenties meant I was sober all week and then would binge drink on Friday and Saturday nights. This was creating a vicious cycle of inflammation. The alcohol would make my face puffy and red. It would disrupt my sleep, which spiked my stress hormones. And it would lead to late-night junk food binges. When I stopped the weekend binge drinking, the transformation was incredible. My skin cleared up, I lost weight, and my energy levels were stable all week long.
The Importance of Building Good Posture Habits Now
Your “Tech Neck” Will Become Permanent Dowager’s Hump
I spend most of my day hunched over a laptop or my phone. A physical therapist warned me that this “tech neck” posture, if not corrected in my twenties, can lead to serious problems later in life, including chronic pain and a permanent “dowager’s hump.” I’ve started being religious about my posture. I do simple chin tucks and shoulder blade squeezes at my desk. I’ve set up my computer at eye level. Building these good postural habits now is a crucial investment in a pain-free future.
How to Find a Therapist in Your 20s and Destigmatize Mental Health
Your Mental Health Is Just as Important as Your Physical Health
I thought therapy was only for people in major crisis. But in my mid-twenties, dealing with career anxiety, I decided to try it. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Finding a therapist was like finding a personal trainer for my mind. It gave me the tools to manage stress and to understand my own patterns. Websites like Psychology Today make it easy to find therapists who offer sliding scale fees for young professionals. Prioritizing your mental health in your twenties is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The Best “Entry-Level” Professional Treatment for 20-Somethings (Hydrafacial, Light Peel)
A “Deep Clean” for Your Skin
If you want to dip your toe into the world of professional skincare treatments in your twenties, a great place to start is with a Hydrafacial or a very light chemical peel. A Hydrafacial is like a “wet-vac” for your pores; it uses water to deeply cleanse and exfoliate, and then infuses your skin with hydrating serums. A light lactic or glycolic acid peel can help with acne, texture, and giving your skin an incredible glow. These are “entry-level” treatments that have no downtime and give you immediate, visible results.
How to Create a Sustainable Lifestyle, Not a Crash Diet
I Traded the 30-Day Challenge for a Lifetime of Habits
In my early twenties, I was always trying a new, extreme 30-day diet or workout challenge. I would lose weight and then gain it all back, plus more. I was stuck in a yo-yo cycle. I finally learned that the secret to long-term health is not a temporary, extreme challenge, but the creation of small, sustainable, daily habits. Instead of cutting out all carbs, I just started adding a vegetable to every meal. Instead of a crazy workout plan, I just committed to a 20-minute daily walk. It’s the small, boring, consistent habits that create lasting change.
Why Every 20-Something Should Learn to Meditate
A Workout for Your Most Important Muscle: Your Mind
I used to think meditation was a “woo-woo” thing for hippies. But then I tried it, using a simple app like Headspace or Calm. It was a game-changer for my anxious, over-stimulated, 20-something brain. Just ten minutes a day of focusing on my breath taught me how to not be so reactive to my own thoughts and feelings. It’s like a workout for your attention muscle. In a world of constant digital distraction, the ability to focus your mind is the single most valuable superpower you can cultivate.
The Surprising Ways Your Hearing Health in Your 20s Affects Brain Health Later
My Loud Concerts Were Damaging My Future Brain
I love going to concerts and listening to music on my headphones at full blast. An audiologist gave me a terrifying warning. Hearing loss is not just about your ears; it’s directly linked to a higher risk of dementia later in life. When your brain has to strain to hear, it diverts cognitive resources away from other functions, like memory. Protecting your hearing in your twenties—by wearing earplugs at concerts and turning down your headphones—is a crucial, and often overlooked, part of long-term brain health.
I Tracked My Spending for a Year. Seeing My “Ubereats” Bill Motivated Me to Cook.
The Data Didn’t Lie
I felt like I was always broke, but I didn’t know where my money was going. I used a budgeting app to track every single expense for one year. The results were a brutal wake-up call. I had spent over $4,000 on UberEats. Seeing that number in black and white was horrifying. It was the motivation I needed to finally learn how to cook. The data didn’t lie. That simple act of tracking my spending made me much more conscious of my habits and has saved me thousands of dollars.
The Best Way to Treat Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (Dark Spots After Pimples)
The Ghost of Pimples Past
Even after a pimple was gone, it would leave behind a dark, reddish-brown spot that would linger for months. This is called Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). A dermatologist taught me the three-step process to treat it. First, sunscreen is non-negotiable, as sun exposure makes the spots darker. Second, use a gentle exfoliant, like glycolic acid, to help speed up cell turnover. And third, use a “tyrosinase inhibitor”—an ingredient like vitamin C, azelaic acid, or niacinamide—which helps to block the production of excess pigment.
How to Build a Strong Social Support Network After College
It Takes Effort to Turn Acquaintances Into Friends
After college, my built-in social life disappeared. I had to learn how to build a social network from scratch. The key, I learned, is to be proactive and consistent. I joined a recreational sports league to meet people with a shared interest. But the crucial step was being the one to say, “Hey, a few of us are going to grab a drink after the game. Want to come?” It takes effort to move people from the “acquaintance” column to the “friend” column. You have to be the one to initiate.
The “Don’t F*ck Up Your Face” Guide to Your 20s
The Decade of Preservation
An older, wiser friend gave me the “Don’t F*ck Up Your Face” guide to my twenties. It’s simple. 1) Don’t smoke. It is the single worst thing you can do for your skin. 2) Don’t use tanning beds. Ever. 3) Don’t pick at your skin. You will cause permanent scars. 4) Don’t neglect your sleep. It’s when your skin repairs itself. And 5) Don’t ever, ever, ever skip your daily sunscreen. She said if I just avoid these five major mistakes, my 40-year-old face will thank me profusely.
I’m 29. Here’s My “Last Year of My 20s” Health and Wellness Bucket List.
A Year of Building My Best Self
As I approached my 30th birthday, I created a “health and wellness bucket list” for my last year in my twenties. It wasn’t about a crash diet. It was about building foundational habits. My list included: run my first 10k race, learn to cook five healthy, impressive meals, find a therapist I connect with, get a comprehensive health screening to establish a baseline, and finally master a consistent sleep schedule. I wanted to enter my thirties not with a hangover, but as the healthiest, strongest, and most self-aware version of myself.
A Letter to My 20-Year-Old Self: The Anti-Aging Advice I’d Give
Dear Younger Me, It’s Easier Than You Think
If I could give my 20-year-old self some anti-aging advice, it would be this: “It’s not about the expensive creams. It’s about the boring, consistent habits. Wear sunscreen every single day, even when it’s cloudy. Don’t smoke. Get more sleep than you think you need. Learn to manage your stress, because it will show up on your face. And please, for the love of God, stop using those harsh apricot scrubs. Your future skin barrier will thank you. The secret to aging well is to just be a little kinder to yourself, starting now.”