5 Anti-Aging Tips to Start Now If You’re in Your 20s and 30s

Apr 25, 2025, 22:57 IST

Pragati Awasthi

With over 900,000 videos on TikTok tagged with #antiaging, it’s clear that looking youthful is important to Gen Z. While ageing is inevitable, there has been a recent trend in young children asking for expensive skincare products, prompting questions of whether society is too focused on anti-ageing.

Yelena Budovskaya, a skincare expert, shares five tips designed specifically for maintaining good, youthful skin for those in their 20s and 30s.  

Wear sunscreen daily and know how it works

Sunscreen is a must-have in your beauty routine, no matter the season. Using sunscreen daily will prevent what is called photoaging ageing by protecting your collagen and elastin which help keep your skin soft.  

Cut down on processed sugar and maintain a healthy diet

While sweet treats may be tempting, Yelena warns that high sugar intake accelerates aging through a process called glycation. In this process, molecules attach to proteins, damaging collagen and elastin, preventing the skin’s ability to repair itself and making it age faster. Not all sugars are equal, if you want a sweet treat, it is better to opt for fruit over processed sugars more often

Don’t follow every skincare trend

Consistency is key when it comes to skincare - stick to a routine that works for you. Avoid the temptation to jump on every new trend, as many fads lack scientific evidence.

Be gentle with your skin and avoid harsh chemicals

Your skin’s natural barrier is delicate, and overuse of harsh ingredients like alcohol-based products or abrasive exfoliants can damage it and dry it out. Be mindful of the effect of non-skincare chemicals you'll encounter throughout the day, like in the workplace.

Prioritise hydration and quality sleep

Sleep and hydration are non-negotiable for youthful skin. While you sleep, your skin has time to repair and regenerate. Lack of sleep can increase stress, which raises cortisol levels that break down collagen and elastin, both of which keep your skin looking fresh. Stress can also damage DNA, according to the National Institutes of Health, shortening cell lifespan and speeding up ageing.