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As the Goddess Taylor Swift once said “I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22, everything will be alright if you… remember to take care of your skin!”
We may have added that last part but it’s true! Your 20s are an exciting time where you are able to discover yourself, your passions, and why your high school crush was actually a pretty mediocre person. Taking care of your skin may not be at the forefront of your mind but, by implementing a few simple steps you can be assured that your skin is happy and healthy!
Skincare in your 20s is all about harnessing your youthful glow and protecting yourself from those first signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. This involves staying away from harsh ingredients that could disrupt your skin and cause irritation, as well as investing in a good sunscreen. Specifically, one that contains retinoids, AHA, or BHA, all of which are mild, natural exfoliants that can smooth uneven texture and brighten your complexion. AHA is best-suited for those with normal to dry skin, while BHAs are good for those with naturally oily skin.
Adding in a night serum can be super easy way to add some of these ingredients into your skincare routine. To help you out, we’ve created a list of some of our favorites to help all you 20-somethings out!
12+ BEST NIGHT SERUMS FOR 20s
African Botanics Resurrection Cell Recovery Serum $160
First up on our list is this recovery serum from African Botanics that contains a powerful combination of retinol and liposomes. While the retinol works to slough off dead cells and refine your skin’s appearance, swiss garden cress liposomes inhibit uneven pigmentation by stopping your skin from producing excess melanin. This can leave your skin brighter and refreshed as a result. Additionally, African Botanics promises sustainably-sourced products that help to protect the ecosystems of South Africa, where their raw ingredients originate. Supporting brands like these can not only help your skin but also our planet!
ODACITE Night Time Repair Serum $120
Looking for a burst of hydration before heading off to sleep? Added moisture can be a must for some looking for nighttime products. Odacite’s night time repair serum is formulated with aloe, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil to soothe and refresh your skin, without irritating it. As a bonus, the lovely blend of lavender, evening primrose, and rosehip will have you feeling like your drifting off in an expansive field of flowers.
Maya Chia The Straight-A $125
Touting an A in efficacy, this serum has been clinically tested to ensure the delivery of anti-ageing magic! While vitamins C and E work to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, retinol, bakuchiol and moth bean extract work to smooth and brighten skin. This serum also includes essential oils to deliver a fresh floral fragrance! Although, if your skin is susceptible to irritation, products with fragrance may not be the best option for you.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment $70
Lactic acid is a powerhouse ingredient that works to increase cell turnover in the uppermost layer of your skin, called the epidermis. This helps to rejuvenate and decongest the skin to give a firmer, toned appearance. Sunday Riley’s All-in-One Lactic Acid treatment harnesses the power of this nutrient, along with licorice and arnica which help to soothe the skin and reduce redness. Apply this serum each night and, accordion to Sunday Riley, see results in three minutes!
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum $74.16
You don’t need to have studied chemistry to enjoy this retinol facial serum from Peter Thomas Roth that contains time-released microencapsulated retinol. The name may sound daunting, but the ingredient is nothing to be afraid of. Microencapsulated retinol is a form of retinoid that is wrapped into a carrier system, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin to remove dead skin cells. The fact that is time-released means that it works slowly to provide effects over a longer time period. This allows the serum to deliver its anti-ageing powers all throughout the night so that you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day!
Alpyn Beauty Wild Nettle & Niacinamide Firming Serum $56
Winner of the Best Firming Serum from Shape Beauty 2021, this silky-smooth serum from Alpyn Beauty is not only award-winning, but also vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainably sourced. This makes it a perfect choice for those looking for eco-friendly skincare that can also pack a powerful punch. Apply this serum twice daily for hydrated and toned skin.
REN Clean Skincare Keep Young & Beautiful Firming and Smoothing Serum $77
Formulated with 20-somethings in mind, the Keep Young & Beautiful Firming and Smoothing Serum aims to fight the first signs of ageing to ensure youthful and glowing skin lasting long past young adulthood. With a combination of Hexapeptide 11 from Yeast Fermentation and rosehip oil to plump skin and increase firmness and seabuckthorn berry oil to smooth out blemishes, this serum can protect you from pesky wrinkles and fine lines that can start to appear.
Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Serum $89.00
Science-backed and clinically tested, the retinol youth renewal serum from Murad has proof that their formula works with 93% of users reporting a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after two weeks of use. Created with retinol and hyaluronic acid, this serum can deliver a more youthful, hydrated appearance to your skin. As an added bonus, this product is totally cruelty-free!
Marie Veronique Gentle Retinol Night Serum $110
A 3-time winner of best retinol serum awards, the gentle retinol night serum from Marie Veronique helps to reduce signs of ageing with their blend of vitamins. Vitamin C, E and retinol, a derivative of vitamin A work to smooth and plump skin, as well as control the occurrence of breakouts! This serum delivers powerful effects using a gentler formula for those with sensitive skin.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Serum $350.00
A blend of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid distinguishes this serum from the rest. While the lighter form concentrates in the connective tissue of the skin to provide long-lasting moisture, the heavier form can create a hydration layer on the surface of the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe. If you have dry or sensitive skin, this serum is best suited for you.
Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform® $88
A cult-favourite retinol treatment, the retinol reform serum from Shani Darden combines the firming effects of retinol with the rejuvenating powers of lactic acid. This lightweight formula can leave your skin feeling smoother and looking brighter. Additionally, the inclusion of apple fruit extract can create an antioxidant barrier on top of your skin to avoid the harmful effects of pollutants and visible sun damage. This can be particularly important when taking into consideration the increased sensitivity to the sun that accompanies retinol use.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum $134.00
Combining a plethora of helpful acids, this little pink bottle can bring new life to tired and stressed skin overnight! Glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids work to decongest your skin and remove excess oil while you sleep to create a fresher, more vibrant complexion. As an added bonus, this treatment’s ability to clear away all of the sebum clogging up your skin allows greater absorption of other products you may use as well.
Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum $62
This treatment is all about the lactic acid. Using a potent, vegan 10% concentration to exfoliate and resurface skin to reveal a softer, glowing complexion. The lactic acid resurfacing night serum from Biossance promises dramatic results just a week after daily use thanks to their powerful, and non-irritating formula.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Getting a headstart on your skin health in your 20s is never a bad idea. Implementing a night serum is a great first step because it’s so simple and can be super effective. Looking for powerful ingredients like retinol in your skincare to help protect against signs of ageing can help secure healthy, glowing, and youthful skin for your future.
