When Do We Start Aging and Why Does Skincare Even Matter?
When Do We Start Aging and Why Does Skincare Even Matter?
You know that moment when you suddenly notice a fine line on your forehead and wonder, "Wait... was that always there?" Welcome to aging. But the real kicker? It doesn’t start when you see it. It starts way before that.
Aging: It Sneaks Up on You
People think aging begins at 40 or something, but nope—your skin actually starts losing collagen in your mid-20s. That’s right. The same time you’re still figuring out how taxes work, your skin is already plotting against you. Collagen production slows, cell turnover isn’t as fast, and before you know it, your skin’s like, "Hey, I’m getting tired."
Sunscreen: The One Thing We All Ignore (But Shouldn’t)
If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: wear sunscreen. Seriously. The sun is the biggest villain in your skincare story. UV rays break down collagen, cause hyperpigmentation, and make wrinkles pop up earlier than they should. You might think, "Oh, but I barely go outside!" but even the light from your window counts. Don’t fight me on this—just slather on SPF 30+ every morning.
The Skincare Overwhelm
Okay, let’s be real. Skincare can feel like a never-ending black hole of serums, acids, creams, and trends (hello, snail mucin). But if you strip it all down, you really just need a few essentials: a good cleanser, a moisturizer, an antioxidant (like Vitamin C), and sunscreen. That’s it. Everything else? Bonus points.
Why Do Some People Age Slower Than Others?
Ever seen someone in their 50s who looks like they’re 30? Genetics play a part, sure, but lifestyle is huge. Hydration, sleep, a balanced diet—these things actually make a difference. Also, stress is a major factor. Chronic stress increases cortisol, which speeds up aging. So, you know, maybe don’t let that email from your boss ruin your skin.
The Skincare Mistakes We All Make
Over-exfoliating – Just because a scrub feels satisfying doesn’t mean you should use it every day. Overdoing it damages your skin barrier, making it dry and irritated.
Ignoring your neck – Your face might be glowing, but if your neck looks neglected, it’s a dead giveaway of aging.
Not removing makeup properly – Sleeping in makeup clogs pores and speeds up skin aging. Just don’t do it.
Thinking expensive = better – A $200 cream won’t save your skin if you’re not consistent with the basics.
Influencers Who Actually Know Their Stuff
If you want real skincare advice (not TikTok fads), check out people like Caroline Hirons—she’s brutally honest and knows what works. Or Dr. Shereene Idriss, a dermatologist who makes science fun. And if you love Korean skincare, Liah Yoo is a great resource.
The Bottom Line (Or Lack of One)
Aging is inevitable, but how you treat your skin now makes a huge difference later. It’s not about looking 20 forever—it’s about keeping your skin healthy and strong for as long as possible. If you’re just starting out, keep it simple. And seriously... wear sunscreen.