Now, I'm not old, but looking back at my early 20s skincare habits, let's
just say I wasn't exactly doing my skin any favors. I started my
skincare journey at 20, which is still pretty young, but you know what they
say: "When you're young, you know nothing." Turns out, there's a
sprinkle of truth in that.
I spent those years skipping sunscreen, attacking my face with harsh
products, and (gasp!) sleeping with makeup on. If I could go back in
time, I'd probably shake myself, hand over some sunscreen, and maybe give a
small lecture about clogged pores.
But then again, what's life without a little regret? They teach us
something, right? So, here are some of my skincare regrets that I wish I'd
known about in my early 20s.
Sun damage is real, people!
If I could pick one product I should've started earlier, it's sunscreen. And
yet, in my early skincare journey, SPF wasn't even on my radar. I still
cringe at my
first viral skincare post
because I didn't even mention sunscreen. Sorry to anyone who took advice
from that post – don't follow 21-year-old me.
Back then, I figured SPF wasn't necessary because, well, I wasn't a
sunbather. I'm indoors 90% of the time. Plus, apart from my oily skin,
I didn't have many issues, so SPF didn't feel like a must. And if it was
cloudy? I thought I could skip it altogether.
Boy, was I wrong. My uneven skin tone and little patches of
hyperpigmentation are basically receipts for those years of skipping
sunscreen. Even sitting near a sunny window with a sheer curtain can sneak
UV rays onto your skin. Trust me, I've learned the hard way. Now, I'm in a
committed relationship with
my sunscreen, and
let's just say it's the healthiest relationship I've ever had.
Finding the right moisturizer is a game-changer
For years, I was on this endless quest to find the right moisturizer
for my skin. I tried so many, hoping one would work like magic. Back in
the day, I thought aloe vera gel was the answer to all my skin
woes. I'd slather it on multiple times a day, convinced it was my
skin's lifeline. Looking back, it didn't help much. I'm not sure if my skin
even needed all that aloe love or if I was just caught up in the hype.
Thankfully, my skin never revolted (bless!), and I'll admit, I was proud of
myself for realizing that moisturizers are a must-have for EVERYONE. That
belief still stands strong. I just wish I'd been using something more
nourishing and effective back then.
These days, my
Laneige Water Sleeping Mask EX
has taken center stage, and my skin couldn't be happier. Aloe vera gel was
cute, but Laneige? She's the one. For now.
Less truly is more
In my early 20s, I genuinely believed the more skincare products I used, the
better my skin would be. Remember when the 10-step skincare routine was
all the rage? Yeah, me too. I fell for it hard. I thought piling on
products was the secret to perfect skin. Spoiler alert: It wasn't. My poor
face endured layers of unnecessary products and alcohol-based toners that
left it irritated and begging for mercy.
Fast forward a few years, I finally let go of the clutter and embraced
minimalist skincare. Cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and SPF – that's it. Less is more, friends. Not only does it save my skin, but
it's kinder to my wallet too. Plus, I love knowing I'm not wasting a
thing!
Good skin = good makeup
I still cringe at the memory of trying to blend foundation on dry, unprepped
skin. Back then, my makeup often looked patchy and cakey even though my skin
was oily. The truth is,
makeup
always looks its best when it starts on a smooth, hydrated canvas. It took
me way too long to realize that good skin prep is the secret to flawless
makeup.
But here's the thing – it's easy to go overboard. Skin prep isn't about piling on products;
it's about being intentional. Just stick to the basics and keep it simple. I
actually learned this tip from a famous Korean makeup artist, and it
completely changed how I approach my routine.
Cleansing oils are life
Once upon a time, makeup wipes and micellar water were my holy
grails. I genuinely believed they were enough to leave my skin clean
and happy. Not-so-fun fact: they weren't. Instead of truly cleansing,
they just pushed makeup and grime around my face, leaving my skin irritated
and prone to breakouts.
If only I'd discovered cleansing oils sooner! They're so much gentler and
infinitely better at melting away makeup, dirt, and oil without stripping
the skin. I swear by the
Round Lab Dokdo Cleansing Oil. It's my forever favorite in a sea of great options.
Facials are worth it
Facials used to feel like such an unnecessary splurge. I couldn't help but
side-eye the idea of getting them. They felt unrealistic, expensive, and
honestly, like something I'd never stick to. But as I've gotten
older, I've learned the value of investing in myself. You wouldn't skip
maintenance for your car, so why skimp on your own self?
From budget-friendly facials to more luxurious ones, I've realized it's
worth spending a little extra for a good experience. Facials really have
become a treat that I now fully embrace. It's not about going every
month but finding the balance that works for you. Trust me, your skin will
thank you.
*Some links used in this post are affiliated links, which allows me to
earn a commission when you buy the product using my link. I'm not being
paid to mention any brand in this post. Thank you for supporting the
content that makes my blog possible.
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