Building a skincare routine……..You know how people talk about “having a skincare routine” like it’s this neat, perfect thing with color-coordinated bottles and a tiny fridge? Yeah. My life’s not like that.
I’ve spent most of my 20s, 30s, and now creeping into my 40s doing what I call skincare improv. Some days I’m an A+ student with my serums lined up like soldiers. Other days? I’m wiping off mascara with a paper towel because I forgot to buy cotton pads.
And yet — through trial, error, and a lot of late-night Googling — I’ve figured out what actually matters when it comes to building a skincare routine at different ages.
This is that story. And no, it’s not going to be perfectly polished. It’s me, rambling about what works, what doesn’t, and that time in 8th grade I wore two different sneakers to school because Mondays are chaos.
Why Building a Skincare Routine Feels Like Dating
Real talk: creating a skincare routine is kinda like dating. In your 20s, it’s all about experimentation. “Maybe I like this cleanser? Maybe I don’t.” You try new things, sometimes regret them (hello, weird acid peel from the drugstore), and figure out your type.
By your 30s, you’re like, “Okay, I’ve been burned before. Let’s get serious. No more fooling around with products that don’t call back.”
And by your 40s, it’s less about impressing anyone and more about maintenance and self-respect. “I deserve good stuff. Period.”
Skincare in Your 20s: Experiment, But Don’t Go Wild
When I was 22, I bought this neon-pink scrub that claimed to “erase blemishes instantly.” Spoiler: it didn’t. My skin looked like I’d been in a sandstorm.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me back then:
- Focus on basics. Cleanser. Moisturizer. SPF. That’s it.
- Avoid harsh scrubs. Your skin barrier is your friend, not an enemy to attack.
- Start light on actives. Vitamin C in the morning, maybe niacinamide if your skin’s cool with it.
If you’re building a skincare routine in your 20s, think of it as a foundation. Don’t spend your rent money on a luxury serum. Just get consistent.
My 20s Mistake: Over-Exfoliating
Back then, every YouTube video said, “Exfoliate for glowing skin!” So I did. Like, every day. Sometimes twice. My face staged a full rebellion. Breakouts, redness, the works.
Lesson learned: less is more. Exfoliate maybe once or twice a week, max. Your skin will thank you.
Skincare in Your 30s: Get Serious About Ingredients
By the time I hit 33, I was like, “Okay, maybe it’s time to stop washing my face with body wash.” (Yes, I did that. Yes, it was bad.)
This is the decade where most of us start noticing stuff. Fine lines. Dullness. A weird patch of dryness that wasn’t there before. Hormonal shifts, stress, late nights — they all show up on your face eventually.
Here’s what worked for me:
- Still keep the basics, but level up. A gentle cleanser, a moisturizer that actually hydrates, SPF always.
- Introduce retinol (or retinal). Slowly. This stuff is powerful. Go low and slow.
- Antioxidants matter. Vitamin C is a keeper.
- Hydration. Hyaluronic acid serums can be your best friend.
Building a skincare routine in your 30s is like upgrading your apartment. You don’t need a penthouse, but maybe a better mattress and a decent coffee maker.
My 30s Mistake: Chasing Trends
Every time TikTok screamed “new miracle product,” I’d buy it. Skin cycling, slugging, glass skin… my bathroom looked like Sephora threw up in it.
Turns out consistency beats trends. Pick a few good products, use them regularly. That’s the real glow-up.
Skincare in Your 40s: Maintenance and Self-Respect
Now that I’m pushing into my 40s, my skincare vibe is: “Quality over quantity.”
I don’t care if the bottle is pretty or care if it works. I also care about not spending 45 minutes every night slathering on 12 steps.
Here’s what’s been my ride-or-die lately:
- Rich moisturizers. Think barrier support, ceramides, peptides.
- Consistent retinoids. If your skin tolerates it, stick with it. It’s the most proven anti-aging ingredient out there.
- SPF. Always. Even in winter.
- Gentle exfoliation. Once a week, max.
- Neck and hands. Seriously. Don’t neglect them.
Building a skincare routine in your 40s feels like prepping for a marathon. It’s about endurance.
My 40s Mistake: Thinking It’s Too Late
For a while, I thought, “Well, damage done. Too late to start.” Total myth. Your skin can improve at any age with good care. Don’t give up on it.
Skincare Is More About Consistency Than Perfection
This is the part I always tell my friends: don’t stress about doing it “perfectly.” I’ve been at parties where people corner me like, “What’s your secret?” and I’m like, “I don’t sleep enough, I eat too many bagels, and I use SPF.”
Consistency over perfection. That’s the golden rule.
Pop Culture Skincare Moments That Cracked Me Up
Remember in 13 Going on 30 when Jennifer Garner’s character is slathering on lotion while dancing? That’s the energy I aspire to. Or those viral videos of guys using the same 3-in-1 body wash for everything? (Sir, please. That’s not skincare.)
Sometimes I’ll send my friends memes of Kermit applying face cream like, “Mood.” Because if you’re not laughing while doing your routine, what’s the point?
Where to Look for Good Advice
If you’re into nerdy ingredient breakdowns, Lab Muffin Beauty Science is my go-to. Science but funny. And if you like real-people reviews, some of the Reddit skincare forums (search “SkincareAddiction”) are messy but oddly helpful.
My Messy But Honest Takeaway
Building a skincare routine for your 20s, 30s, and 40s isn’t about collecting products like Pokémon cards. It’s about knowing what your skin needs at each stage — and not beating yourself up when you forget a step.
Morning or night, high-end or drugstore, five steps or two — just find something that works for you and stick to it.
And if you ever catch me in the bodega at 10 p.m. buying cotton pads in my pajama pants, just know: my retinol game is strong, even if my life looks like a sitcom.
