How to keep your skin looking and feeling good

Skincare in your 20s should be relatively straightforward unless, of course, you suffer with a skin condition that requires specialist care. If you are lucky enough to make it out of the long corridor of your teenage years with clear, obedient skin, it is easy to get complacent. However, the unkindness we subject skin to in our youth can and often will come back to bite us in later life: premature loss of collagen and elasticity, not to mention the potentially dangerous side-effects of sun damage. Thankfully, if your skin is good in your 20s, you don’t have to work too hard to maintain and protect it. You’ll be glad you did.

Darphin Intral Shield SPF 50 (€38)

The majority of damage and premature aging is caused by UV damage, though if you smoke or eat high quantities of sugar, that will also visibly depreciate skin quality. Spend as much as you can afford on a good SPF and wear it every day. This one is non-comedogenic and suitable for even the most sensitive, rosacea-prone skin.

Estée Lauder Nutritious Micro-Algae Pore Purifying Cleansing Jelly (€26)

This range is a wonderful addition to Estée Lauder’s offering. Relatively affordable for a luxury brand, the products are specifically for women under 30. The gelatinous cleanser is a perfect cleanser for morning.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum (€24.99)

Though rather fragranced, this serum is a classic. Younger skin is dehydrated more often than dry and throwing on an affordable hydrating serum before moisturiser will visibly improve skin.

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Medik8 Blemish Control Pads (£27 from Medik8.com)

These excellent pads from British brand Medik8 are available direct from its website. They contain 2 per cent salicylic acid (the maximum available over the counter) to powerfully decongest, as well as allantoin to soothe and glycerine to nourish the skin.

MAC Blot Film (€16.50)

If you have recurring oiliness around the nose, chin and forehead, constantly reapplying powder isn’t feasible. It will eventually start to feel uncomfortable and makeup will look clogged. Any blotting papers will do, but these ones from Mac are hyper-absorbent and don’t disturb makeup.

Origins Flower Fusion Hydrating Sheet Mask in Rose (€6)

For an extra hydration boost when you need it, use a sheet mask. This one from Origins is beautifully fragranced, affordable and available to buy as a single mask.

La Roche Posay Serozinc (€11)

This zinc spray neutralises inflammation and is gentle enough to use on nappy rash. Ideal for breakouts or stressed, red skin, spritz on cleansed skin before applying a hydrating serum.

Trish McEvoy Instant Eye Lift (€45)

Eye creams aren’t necessary in your 20s unless you want to use them – a hydrating serum serves the same purpose. Rather than wasting money on “anti-dark circles” skincare (which doesn’t work), invest in an excellent corrector. This one is incomparable.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-Oil (€24.50)

If you add just one product to your skincare routine, let it be an oil. It will regulate sebum production and keep skin balanced. This one is luxury quality on a sensible budget.