The Skincare Mistakes We ALL Made in Our 20s (And How to Fix Them)

Ah, our 20s. A time of freedom, exploration, and… questionable skincare choices. Whether you were slathering on tanning oil instead of SPF or scrubbing your face raw with apricot exfoliants, we’ve all been there. The good news? It’s never too late to course-correct—and UPKEEP is here to help you do it.

Mistake #1: Thinking SPF Was Just for the Beach

If we had a dollar for every time someone said, “But I wasn’t even in the sun that much,” we’d be living on a yacht. Sun damage can happen just from daily exposure—walking the dog, driving to work, even sitting near a window. Those cute little freckles? Often signs of sun damage.

Fix It: Start wearing SPF every single day, rain or shine. And if the damage is already done, consider IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) to help even out tone and restore your glow.

Mistake #2: Over-Exfoliating (And Thinking It Was Helping)

Remember when scrubbing your skin until it tingled felt like a good thing? Same. But over-exfoliating strips your skin barrier, leading to inflammation, breakouts, and premature aging.

Fix It: Switch to chemical exfoliants like glycolic or lactic acid in moderation, and come see us for a professional Hydrafacial to gently but deeply cleanse and exfoliate without the trauma.

Mistake #3: Using Makeup Wipes as a Skincare Routine

We all had that one night (or many) where a quick swipe with a makeup wipe counted as “washing your face.” The residue left behind? Not the vibe.

Fix It: Double cleanse with an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle foaming or gel cleanser. And if your skin needs a reset, ask about our signature facials to detox and rebalance your skin barrier.

Mistake #4: Skipping the Neck, Chest, and Hands

Our faces got all the love, but our necks, chests, and hands? Forgotten. These areas show signs of aging just as fast—if not faster.

Fix It: Extend your skincare (and SPF!) to these areas daily. Treatments like microneedling or laser can also help even out tone and texture on the chest and hands.

Mistake #5: Not Treating Skin Like the Long Game

In your 20s, skincare often feels like a reaction (breakouts, oiliness, etc.), not prevention. But those years are prime time to start investing in your skin’s future.

Fix It: Preventative Botox, medical-grade skincare, and regular treatments can help preserve your collagen and keep your skin looking youthful for years to come.

Ready to Undo the Damage?

Whether you’re trying to reverse the past or just want to do better moving forward, UPKEEP is your partner in long-term skin health. Book a consult with one of our providers and let’s create a plan that gets you glowing—without the regrets.