Prevent Wrinkles Before They Appear: The Ultimate Guide for Your 20s & 30s

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Dendy Engelman, Board-certified Dermatologist. 

Skincare is all fun and games until you notice your first set of fine lines, and often much earlier than you’d expect. Many will experience signs of skin aging as soon as their 20s or 30s! In fact, 27-year-old TikTok star and skin-fluencer Hyram Yarbro told Vogue that he started his skincare routine and beauty empire as a result of deep forehead lines that he developed years ago. Which is what we’d call a silver lining in a not-so-ideal skin-uationship.

Even if you haven’t seen those dreaded forehead, mouth, or undereye wrinkles quite yet, starting your anti-aging skincare routine early is essential. You can repair and deter damage, form healthy habits for the future, and maintain your youthful complexion for years to come. What’s the secret on how to prevent wrinkles in 20s and 30s? A blend of transformative skincare products and lifestyle choices that set you up for your brightest future. 

Your 20s: Laying the Foundation for Youthful Skin

Imagine your 20s skin as being like a brand new house…built with a solid foundation and generally able to be preserved without much effort. Even if you skip the occasional cleaning (AKA, nighttime skincare ritual), you can still wake up feeling good about yourself. However, this catches up with you over time! Therefore, you must learn how to spot the first signs of aging and subsequently halt wrinkles in your 20s to achieve your dream complexion every decade. Not just in your early years.

What are the first signs of aging in the 20s?

According to MedicineNet, your skin’s key structural proteins may start decreasing as early as 25. And with less collagen, the proteins that serve as building blocks to support firmness, and elastin, which enables flexibility and bounce-back abilities, you risk facing aged skin that much sooner. Yikes. While factors like genetics and environmental stress play a factor, the good news is that your anti-aging skincare routine is mostly in your hands.

It’s not uncommon to see forehead wrinkles at 20, or perhaps a bit later. This is primarily caused by repeated facial expressions and muscle contractions, such as raising your eyebrows or scrunching your nose. As a result, a set of “11’s,” or vertical lines between your eyebrows, begin to form at a young age. We’re not saying that you should stop making these facial expressions, because what fun would that be? However, there are ways to combat the first signs of aging in your 20s that never force you to sacrifice joy. 

How to prevent wrinkles in my 20s?

Wear sunscreen

“Without sun protection, you’re constantly damaging your skin with everyday activities like walking around your neighborhood, taking a train, and going to and from an outdoor parking lot.” says dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Baxt, MD, FAAD.  “I see so many women in their 40s lamenting the damage they did to their skin in their 20s because they didn’t protect their skin from the sun.”

While the importance of sunscreen is hardly a secret, some 20-somethings don’t take this rule as seriously as they should. One must wear SPF 30+ on a daily basis — even for a simple 30-minute outing, during colder months, or if you don’t plan to leave your car for long. Regular use of sunscreen not only wards off skin issues, but also protects against more serious medical conditions.

Gentle skincare

How to prevent wrinkles in the 20s? It’s simple: gentle skincare. Since most in this age group still possess higher levels of collagen, the key is to be more precautionary than reparative. Opt for gentle products with nourishing ingredients suited to your skin type, and never forget to exfoliate! Not to brag, but our Hydrating Facial Cleanser and Multivitamin Face & Body Scrub are beloved by skincare beginners and experts for their mild approach and major results. 

One of the most important beauty products in your anti-aging skincare routine? Moisturizer, as there are very few skin woes that hydration can’t help. Choose one that’s fitted for your skin type, and packed with nourishing ingredients to treat your complexion with kindness. As these products fill your skin with much-needed moisture, it creates a “plumping” appearance that masks any existing fine lines and keeps new ones from forming. Pretty cool, right?

There’s also SiO Beauty’s Mid-Brow Lift patches, which are specially formulated to treat the “11’s” fine lines that often affect young adults. It’s a favorite for reducing the risk of forehead wrinkles in your 20s!

Follow a healthy lifestyle

As a 20-something, it’s natural to pull an all-nighter or indulge in the occasional junk-food fest. And who can blame you? You’re just living your best life. However, it’s important to keep these not-so-great habits to a minimum and nourish your body for your best complexion. This means getting a full eight hours of sleep each night, allowing your skin to rejuvenate and repair itself.  Additionally, a nutrient-rich diet filled with fruits and vegetables gives your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to remain fresh, hydrated, and wrinkle-free.

Of course, we can’t forget about exercise, which aims to increase your blood flow and circulation and delivers more oxygen into the skin. There’s even been discussion about how an active lifestyle can contribute to overall collage production, the foundation behind deterring fine lines in the first place.

Drink water 

Adequate hydration is essential for all bodily functions, including the nourishment of your skin. Drinking plenty of water will flush out toxins and impurities, internally moisturizing to ward off forehead wrinkles in your 20s, along with more complexion imperfections. 

Stay off your phone

And also your laptop, iPad, and TV screen. Would you believe us if we told you that these electronics were a leading cause of forehead wrinkles in your 20s? High energy visible light, also known as blue light, is emitted from these devices, which penetrates even more deeply than UV rays and leaves skin exposed to fine lines, discoloration, and more. Definitely makes binge-watching Netflix a bit less fun, right?

You hardly need a reason to cap your screen time and spend more afternoons outside (with sunscreen, of course), but healthy skin is a great one! Put your electronics away and aim to live more in the moment, and you may be rewarded in the form of a firm, fresh, and flawless complexion.

Your 30s: Taking Prevention to the Next Level

What are the signs of aging in the 30s?

Forehead wrinkles at 30 become less of a risk and more of a reality for many, while some may notice lines forming in other regions of the face. For the record, this is perfectly normal and natural! Many experts agree that genuine skin aging begins at 29, enhancing the potential for wrinkle development and making the 30s more pivotal for preserving collagen. 

“Research shows that we start to lose collagen by age 30 at a rate of roughly 1% per year. By our 40s, that rate of loss has a steeper increase’” says Houston-based registered nurse and injector Candace Bersani., “As we age, the rate of collagen breakdown starts to exceed production, thus contributing to visible signs of aging. Obviously, genetics and lifestyle play a very important role in that. As a result, the 30s are a crucial time in setting the groundwork for your anti-aging future.”

While your body produces less of this substance naturally each year, there are steps you can take to protect your youthful-looking skin and sense of confidence. Utilize a blend of targeted skincare ingredients, professional treatments, and stress management to make the 30s your most beautiful decade yet!

How to prevent wrinkles in my 30s?

Upgrade to anti-aging skincare ingredients

Your 30s call for a stronger lineup of skincare products; particularly creams, serums, and more made with anti-aging ingredients. Our favorite? Retinol, a Vitamin A derivative and holy grail for youthful skin…and the experts agree. “When used properly and consistently, retinol can reduce redness, inflammation and pore size, while simultaneously reducing the appearance of blemishes, hyperpigmentation and stubborn dark spots associated with problematic skin,” board-certified dermatologist Kim Nichols told Today. 

She also says that retinol is the top anti-aging skincare ingredient that she recommends to clients, and it’s easy to understand why. Despite its many other skin benefits, the primary function of retinol is to promote collagen production and smooth wrinkles, plus balance texture for an all-in-one anti-aging solution. Disclaimer: you must be careful not to overdo it, as Retinol is a powerful ingredient that one should use only in small doses. However, it only takes a minimal amount to make an incredible difference in your skin.

Other must-haves for your 30s skincare routine include Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that simultaneously smooths, brightens, repairs, and protects. Few other ingredients are as effective in treating and preventing fine lines as this one, and it’s destined to change your life! There’s also peptides, which are short chains of amino acids that serve as the building blocks of your favorite proteins, collagen included, and result in a smoother and firmer appearance. 

Invest in professional skin treatments

"There are so many benefits," celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas tells Byrdie about professional in-spa treatments, including chemical peels and facials. "Having a professional look over your skin and address both short-term and long-term concerns is the benefit. I always recommend clients have facials once a month year-round. Nothing you do at home can replace professional exfoliation, extraction, and attention." With an impressive client list including Mindy Kaling, Constance Wu, and Greta Gerwig, we should certainly trust Vargas. Especially in the 30s.

If there was ever a time to treat yourself to a spa day, this decade is definitely it. These professional treatments promote deeper exfoliation and collagen stimulation to help smooth wrinkles and more. And while your go-to spa technique depends on factors such as age, lifestyle, and skin type, there are a few that stand out for their beneficial mix of skincare and self-care. These include:

Chemical peel: Rejuvenates the skin by exfoliating the top layers, encouraging cell turnover for a brighter, more even complexion. When understanding how to prevent wrinkles in the 30s, this technique is a universal method for fighting off fine lines, sun damage, and more.

Facials: As Vargas says, regular facials deeply cleanse and exfoliate, promote blood circulation, and keep 30-something skin hydrated for a healthy glow. Choose from a wide variety of facial treatments available to address specific skin types and concerns, with help from your personal esthetician for the best results. 

Microdermabrasion: This is a non-invasive procedure that exfoliates and removes the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells. It can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture.

Laser Skin Resurfacing: Laser treatments are highly effective in reducing wrinkles, along with the appearance of scars and blemishes. As these technologies become more advanced, your dermatologist is able to practice extreme precision and target specific areas of concern — whether that means smoothing smile lines, crow’s feet or forehead wrinkles at 30 and beyond. 

Stress less

We know what you may be thinking. “Stress less in my 30s? The decade of juggling career growth, changing friendships, and maybe even parenthood? HA!” But here’s the thing…these feelings of internal worry are your skin’s mortal enemy. And you must adopt the practice of mindfulness to keep the fine lines (among other things) away in this pivotal time for your physical and mental health.

During the most stressful periods, your body triggers a surge in cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. This process is known to break down collagen and elastin, making your skin more susceptible to fine lines, acne breakouts, and sagging. Ugh. The only solution? Get a hold of your stress and retain your youthful radiance for that much longer. But how?

There are many effective strategies to reduce stress in your 30s. These include regular exercise, gratitude journaling, meditation techniques, regular massages, meeting up with friends, and so much more! These activities will help you look and feel your best as you stress less and glow (internally and externally) more. 

FAQs

How can I prevent wrinkles in my 20s?

Learning how to prevent wrinkles in your 20s is the first step in proactive skin care, and it’s simpler than you may believe. First, make a habit of wearing an SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, shielding yourself from harmful UV rays known to speed up the skin aging process. You should also focus heavily on hydration in your 20s skincare routine, both internally and externally. 

Drinking enough water is the key to keeping your skin supple, smooth, and glowy, along with opting for a nourishing moisturizer tailored to your skin type. This helps to fill in any existing cracks in your skin’s collagen, caused by factors like genetics or sun exposure, along with delaying new ones. These preemptive measures, paired with daily healthy lifestyle choices such as adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise, will aid in keeping early wrinkles away.

Should I start using anti-aging products in my 20s?

Absolutely, as most experts agree that a 20s anti-aging skincare routine is essential for everybody. It not only helps you develop healthy habits early on, but also aids in early repair of any existing skin damage and sets you up for a beautiful look in later years. 

Is it too late to start preventing wrinkles in my 30s?

Definitely not! Understanding how to prevent wrinkles in your 30s is invaluable. As your face begins to show more obvious signs of aging, one must take more advanced measures to treat fine lines, uneven texture, or loss of elasticity. This includes a stronger set of skincare products rich in anti-aging ingredients like retinol, Vitamin C, and peptides, along with well-deserved trips to the spa for the finest chemical treatments and facials. Finally, controlling your stress levels helps to avoid unnecessary triggers of cortisol, further intercepting the development of fine lines.

How can I reduce wrinkles on my forehead?

To smooth forehead wrinkles in your 20s and 30s, prioritize a skincare routine enriched with retinol and peptides. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, accelerates skin renewal and boosts collagen production, effectively reducing fine lines. Peptides, another key ingredient, support skin firmness and texture. Additionally, ensure daily use of broad-spectrum SPF to protect skin from sun damage, a major contributor to fine lines on the forehead. For optimal results, remember to stay hydrated and consider professional skin treatments such as micro-needling, facials, or even patches to smooth out deeper lines. 

Does makeup contribute to wrinkles?

No, makeup does not contribute to wrinkles. However, applying face powder or foundation improperly can make fine lines more prominent. Additionally, make sure to take a gentle approach while removing makeup to avoid rubbing or tugging at the skin, which may damage elasticity.

Embracing Prevention and Self-Care

At SiO Beauty, we believe that aging is a beautiful and natural process that one should embrace with confidence. Your 20s and 30s are a transitional time in which you navigate your career, friendships, and love life, and it’s perfectly okay if these pressures manifest themselves into a fine line or two! However, there’s no better way to commemorate this life journey than by taking great care of your skin. And prevention is always better than a cure when it comes to your complexion.

It’s not always easy to adopt a positive view of aging, but it’s 100% possible with avid support, skincare products, and self-esteem. As you recognize the beauty in every fine line, you’ll understand that each is a testament to your experiences and emotions. Life’s no fun without a few sunny beach days or eyebrow-raising jokes, even if they lower your skin elasticity a little. It’s a worthy trade-off, trust us! Especially since you now have plenty of anti-aging tips and techniques right at your fingertips. 

A holistic approach is incredibly powerful for not only healthier skin, but also a more balanced and beautiful life. Blending skincare and self-care goes a long way in nurturing your body inside and out; whether in the form of topical products, a good night’s sleep, or a relaxing facial. Embracing a holistic and healthy state of mind regarding wrinkles, whether present or not, will help you understand your body’s needs and give it the love it deserves. And we can’t wait to help you become more comfortable and confident in your own skin with an anti-aging routine.

Reduce Wrinkles and Boost Confidence

These techniques on how to prevent wrinkles in your 20s and 30s are about so much more than just looks…they’re also directly correlated to a healthier and happier life. Adopting habits such as regular hydration, daily sunscreen, less stress and more will benefit your well-being in every way. And it doesn’t hurt that you’ll achieve smooth, glowy, and youthful looking skin in the process. 

Whether you’re a 30-something skincare newbie looking to reclaim their complexion, 22-year-old aiming for more holistic methods, or anything in between, SiO Beauty has your back. And also your face! Our revolutionary products, combined with top wellness techniques, will set you up for long-term success in your skincare routine and beyond