In your early 20s, your skin looks bright, bouncy, and plump due to the high level of collagen (naturally occurring protein) production in the body. The collagen production rate starts to slow down with age, which can cause skin issues such as acne, fine lines and wrinkles.
You must understand the structure of skin to start caring for your skin at 23s.
Skin Structure
Your skin is made up of three layers – Epidermis, Dermis, and Hypodermis.
Epidermis – The skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis, protects your body from germs and bacteria, makes new skin cells, and contains melanin that gives a skin color.
Dermis – The dermis, middle layer of skin, is made up of collagen and elastin that gives strengthening and flexibility to the skin. The dermis contains hair follicles, sweat gland, and oil producing gland called sebaceous gland that secretes sebum (oily substance) onto your skin through skin pores. The dead skin cells and bacteria block your pores and make it hard for the sebum to get out, your skin looks oily and produces skin issues like pimples, acne and premature aging.
Hypodermis – The hypodermis is a layer of fat that lies under the dermis and contains subcutaneous tissue (tissue underneath the skin). It helps cushion muscles and bones against injuries or an accident. The hypodermis contains blood vessels and nerve branches that connect the hypodermis to the rest of the body.
Factor That Cause Skin Issues As You Age 23s
#1. During the Menstruation Cycle
Acne is a common skin issue for female faces during periods. This is due to the hormonal changes in your body during the menstrual phase.
The level of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone drops just before your period starts and then rises after your period. This hormonal change causes your sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum, an oily substance that lubricates your skin. The dead skin cells and bacteria clogged the skin pores which cause acne and pimples.
When the periods are over, acne tends to improve and also reduces the redness from acne. This is because the body starts producing estrogen again and promotes collagen production that makes skin healthy and smooth.
#2. Skin Issues Due To Weather Change
Weather change causes different skin issues like in the summer, the sun and heat can cause skin issues like sunburns, skin rashes, and skin cancer.
In the winter, the cold air and wind can cause dry skin, chapped lips, and cracked heels.
In the spring, the pollen can cause skin issues like skin allergy, redness, rashes, itchy, and skin breakouts.
In the autumn, the weather changes suddenly and leads to dryness, dull and sallow skin tone, and sun spots.
#3. Skin Issues Due To Eating Spicy & Oily Food
Spicy foods contain acidic lycopenes that can irritate your skin, throw off the pH balance of your skin, and trigger breakouts. Capsaicin in the pepper creates a burning sensation. For people with sensitive skin, eating spicy food can also cause skin irritation, rashes, and acne.
In a similar way, oily foods are high in unhealthy fats that can clog pores and lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and other types of acne.
#4. Constipation
In constipation, our body is overloaded with toxins, lack of fibers, and low production of enzymes (enzymes are chemicals that digest food) that can lead to problems like acne, eczema, and rosacea. In severe cases, constipation can even cause hives, skin breakouts, and skin rashes.
To keep your complexion clear and healthy, make sure you’re getting enough fiber in your diet and drinking plenty of water.
#5. Chemical Based Beauty Products
Chemical products are being used more and more for the treatment of skin issues, but these products cause more harm than good. Many chemical-based products contain harsh ingredients like parabens, phthalates, lead, and mineral oil, that can dry out and irritate the skin.
For example, parabens are a common ingredient in many beauty products, but it has been linked to cancer. There are many natural organic alternatives to chemical-based skin treatments that are just as effective and much safer for your skin.
#6. Skin Issues Due To Sun Exposure
Sun exposure can also cause skin problems, such as wrinkles, age spots, suntan, premature aging, and leathery skin. Sun exposure causes the melanocytes that are found in the basal layer of epidermis that produce the skin pigment called melanin. It increases the production of melanin which makes your skin darker and you get a suntan.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Exposure to UV radiation damages the DNA in cells, and the damaged cells develop into cancerous ones. Skin cancer begins in melanocytes called melanoma cancer.
#7. Stress
Stress causes changes to the proteins in your skin’s middle layer dermis that leads to premature aging including wrinkles, gray hair, and age spots.
Dermis have two proteins – Collagen that makes skin cells strong and Elastin that keeps your skin flexible, giving it a youthful look. When these proteins lose their ability to maintain firmness, your skin will start sagging and develop wrinkles.
Identify Your Skin Type
Before treating your skin issues, it’s important to know what your skin type.
Different Skin Types
1. Normal Skin
Normal skin is neither oily nor dry and is the most common skin type.
2. Oily Skin
Oily skin has a thick, greasy texture and an oil secreting gland called sebaceous gland. It is generally prone to acne breakouts and large pores, due to excess sebum.
3. Dry Skin
Dry skin has a tight, dull, thin texture with lack of oil gland, making it prone to wrinkles and cracking. Moisturizers are recommended for this type of skin because it can be dehydrated.
4. Combination Skin
Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others. The oily area is usually the T-zone that includes your forehead, nose, and chin.
5. Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is more prone to inflammation, breakouts, especially in the form of redness and irritation.
How To Determine Your Skin Type
1. Bare Faced Method
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Pat your skin dry with a towel. Leave it without applying any moisturizer for half an hour and then check your cheeks, nose, forehead, chin and neck.
Observations
- If your skin feels parched through smiles or facial expressions, you have dry skin.
- If its shine on your nose, cheeks & forehead = Oily skin
- Shine on your nose & forehead = Combination skin
- Redness, itching = Sensitive skin
2. Blotting Paper Method
Gently pat a blotting paper on your face. Hold the paper up to the light to measure the amount of oil on your face.
Observations
- If you have oily skin, the blotting paper will be covered with a large amount of oil.
- If you have dry skin, your blotting paper will be dry and have no oil on it.
- If the paper picks up oil from the T-zone then you have a combination skin.
Skincare Home Remedies (Tips) For Healthy & Glowing Skin
#1. Milk and Honey For Glowing Skin
The lactic acid in milk helps in preventing acne and moisturizes the skin well. Honey is an anti-inflammatory property that helps in healing scars.
How to use: For glowing skin, mix 1 tablespoon honey and 2 tablespoon of milk until you have a thick consistency. Apply the mixture over the face in a circular motion and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.
#2. Honey & Cinnamon Face Mask to Reduce Acne Prone Skin
Honey and cinnamon are two natural ingredients that can be used to make a face mask to reduce acne-prone skin.
Honey and cinnamon have a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, which makes it effective in treating acne. Honey also has hydrating properties, which help to keep the skin moisturized.
How to use: To make the face mask, combine 1 tablespoon of honey with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Apply the mask to your face, avoiding the eye area. Wait for 10 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
#3. Curd, Turmeric & Lemon to Remove Tan
Lemon is high in vitamin C, which helps to lighten your skin tone. Turmeric is rich in natural antioxidants, antiseptic and skin brightening agents.
How to use: To make a paste, take some chilled curd and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with a pinch of turmeric powder. Apply the mixture to your skin and leave it on for about 30 minutes. Then, wash it off with cool water.
#4. Corn flour, Milk & Turmeric Face Scrub For Glowing Skin
Corn flour contains antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E and boost collagen levels which helps to lighten the skin tone. It also acts as a scrub.
Milk increases blood circulation which in turn helps to improve skin tone, nourishes and moisturizes the skin.
Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce redness and inflammation. Turmeric also has anti-microbial properties, which helps to prevent skin infections.
How to use: You can also use this face scrub for glowing skin. Add 1 tablespoon of corn flour with raw milk and a pinch of turmeric. Mix it into a thick consistency and apply it on your face. let it dry and wash off with normal water. You can repeat this twice a week to get glowing skin.
#5. Rose Water Skin Toner For Soothe And Calm Skin
Rose water contains antioxidants, which can help protect your skin from damage. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that provide soothing and calm skin.
How to use: Regular use of rose water can help your skin oil free and minimize the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, pimples and uneven skin tone. You can also spray the rosewater on your face to remove the makeup before you go to bed.
#6. Use a Raw Potato or Cucumber Slice for Removing Dark Circles
The starch in potatoes and cucumbers helps to lighten the skin under your eyes while the antioxidants in them help to fight off free radicals that can cause inflammation and discoloration. Plus, they are both hydrating, which can help minimize the appearance of puffiness.
How to use: To use, simply cut a raw potato or cucumber into thin slices and place them on your eyes for 10-15 minutes. For best results, do this at least once a day for 2-3 weeks.
#7. More Water Intake for Healthy & Glowing Skin
Drinking more water not only hydrates and rejuvenates your skin from the inside-out, but it also helps to flush out toxins that can cause skin problems like dryness, wrinkles, and even acne. Water helps to plump up your skin cells, making you look younger and healthier.
Drinking 6-8 glasses of water everyday will improve your complexion, tighten your skin and make it a glow.
Skincare Routine in Your 23s To Prevent The Skin Issues
#1. Wash Your Face Twice A Day
Sweat and dust mites occur naturally in our face and can cause a variety of skin problems like pimples, acne, and irritation. To prevent these types of skin problems, you should properly wash your face twice a day with normal water.
Sometimes, you can apply a mild cleanser that is sulfate-free, fragrance-free and gently in a circular motion.
In the winter season, you can apply a moisturizer on your face by warming up in your palm and fingers for even application.
#2. Remove Your Makeup Before Sleep
Wearing makeup while sleeping can clog your skin pores and cause skin irritation, breakouts, dryness, and acne. Makeup left on the skin overnight can also attract bacteria and dirt, which can cause long-term damage to the skin.
To avoid these problems, it is important to remove all of your makeup before going to bed. You can use a simple facial cleanser, makeup remover, or face wipes. Be sure to use a gentle cleanser that is designed for your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to choose a fragrance-free cleanser.
#3. Use Sunscreen With SPF 30
Sunscreen helps in blocking harmful sun’s UVA and UVB rays that can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and sunburn. Sunscreen labeling SPFs (sunscreen protection factor) is a measure of how much time it takes for the UVB rays to penetrate the skin.
Higher SPF gives greater protection from UVB rays. You can use non comedogenic, oil-free sunscreen with SPF 30 every day to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
#4. Healthy Diet For Healthy Skin
One of the best ways to have healthy skin is to eat a healthy diet. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamins A, C, E and zinc, Paleo diets, Mediterranean diet. Avoiding unhealthy oily foods can keep your skin looking best.
Omega-3 fatty acids – Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oil and certain plant based options like walnuts, chia seeds, flax seed, canola oil, soybeans, and peanuts that preserve collagen in your skin and keep it firmer.
Vitamins A, C and E – Vitamin A, also called retinol, is essential for healthy skin. Vitamin A is found in leafy greens, tomatoes, and carrots.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant agent that fights wrinkles and also boosting the collagen production into the skin. Vitamin C includes citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, strawberries, and Kiwi.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals and cell damage. Vitamin E is found in almonds, sunflower seeds and avocados.
Mediterranean diet – The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and olive oil. This diet has been shown to improve overall health and reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. The Mediterranean diet is also beneficial for your skin; eating plenty of fruits and vegetables provides your body with essential vitamins and antioxidants that promote clear skin.
Paleo diet – The Paleo diet focuses on eating unprocessed foods that are similar to what our Paleolithic ancestors ate. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils like olive oil and coconut oil.
#5. Stay Hydrated
If your body is dehydrated, then your skin’s sebaceous gland produces more oil that causes pimples. To keep your body hydrated, you must drink at least six to eight glasses of water daily.
#6. Use a Moisturizer
Your skin needs extra care and protection during the winter. If your skin gets too dry, it will secrete sebum for balancing your dryness. An excess of sebum can cause pimples. So, moisturize your face regularly to keep it hydrated and protected.
#7. Face Yoga To Improve Your Appearance
Face yoga improves blood circulation by stretching and toning the facial muscles. Increased blood flow helps remove toxins and other waste products from the skin, which in turn reduces the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
Massaging the face also promotes skin cell renewal, reduces puffiness, relieves tension, and strengthens the muscles for a more youthful appearance.
Face Yoga To Treat Your Skin Problems
#1. Face Yoga Exercises
#2. Benefits of Face Yoga
- Control face muscles
- Promote proper nostril breathing
- Firm the neckline
- Firm jawline
- Reduce the appearance of dark circles
- Make your face less rounded
- Reduce double chin
- Tightens your skin
- Reduce wrinkles, fine lines and puffiness
- Improve confidence
Skincare Mistakes To Avoid
- Don’t apply lemon or citrus fruits directly on your face as the citric acid present in these fruits can make your skin dry and irritated. It can also cause redness and burning sensation.
- Do not forget to cover your body, especially your face and arms from UV rays.
- Avoid using chemical based products that contain paraben, phthalates and artificial fragrances. You can use natural organic products that have less effects on your skin than the chemical products.
- Check the expiry date before using the product.
Conclusion
In order to get rid of skin issues it is important to take care of our body. It is best to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Additionally, don’t forget to drink plenty of water and get enough sleep, both are essential for healthy skin.
If you have any query related to skincare, let me know in the comment section.
