In Defense of Being 20 Years Old and Using Antiaging Products

Updated on 9/5/2015 at 9:00 AM

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As a teenager, I spent nights curled up on the sofa with a cup of green tea, leafing through glossy magazines. My mom ordered everything from People to Seventeen and Glamour because she knew how much I loved them (hey, I'm a journalism junkie at heart). First, I'd flip to the love and relationships section, followed by the beauty section. These publications often suggest that you should begin using antiaging products in your early 20s in a preventative way. While fresh skin shouldn't be subjected to harsh exfoliating or extreme antiwrinkle products, a lighter antiaging regimen can have long-term benefits. And I took note.

My mom reinforced the magazine mandate by making sure I knew the importance of good skin care. She regrets all her younger days in the tanning booth, so she buys high-end SPF products to protect herself from further damage. Plus, she invests in serums and firming creams to reverse the damage. As a result, she looks good — she's almost 48!

The combination of the beauty advice I read and my mom's leading example compelled me to start using antiaging products when I turned 20 last Fall. I hope I'm on the right track toward radiant skin for a longer time frame. Obviously, we can never fully stave off the external effects of aging — it's just a part of life, and worrying excessively about lines and creases simply causes stress and strips away happiness. However, in my mind, there's nothing wrong with taking a few extra steps to attend to your appearance . . . after all, you only get one face!

Properly caring for my skin makes me happy. I'm not perfect, and there's more I could do (I'm so bad about drinking enough water throughout the day!), but I think I'm off to a pretty solid start. To shed light on my research, I decided to share seven skin care products I recommend to anyone — whether you're 20 or 60. And remember, even if you're not old enough to drink yet, it's (probably) still OK to include an eye cream in your nightly routine.

GNC Vitamin C Moisturizing Cream

Vitamin C is great for its brightening capabilities. Quite simply, it helps your skin produce collagen, an abundant protein in the body that supports skin structure. I like the GNC Vitamin C Moisturizing Cream ($9) because it goes on lightly.

GNC Vitamin C Moisturizing Cream

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OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum

If you want to step up your Vitamin C game a little, try OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum ($22), which combines the vitamin ingredient with hyaluronic acid. And while the benefits of hyaluronic acid can be debated, I'm a big fan of this serum. At night, I put a few drops on my forehead, under my eyes, and near my mouth. I allow it to dry, and then I pat on regular moisturizing cream. In the morning, my skin feels silky smooth!

OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum

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$22

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

Everyone knows the secret to radiant skin is exfoliation. And what better way to get in the spirit of Fall than with the Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask ($58)? This formula is made up of pumpkin enzymes, alpha hydroxy acid, and aluminum oxide, which all work together to rejuvenate your skin. It smells yummy and reduces the appearance of fine lines!

Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask

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$58

Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Cream

You should pay close attention to your under-eye region, because that's where you'll start aging first. Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Cream ($18) contains royal jelly (a nourishing substance that contains eight essential amino acids), plus vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, and E. This cream battles tired eyes, so you'll look like your most-awake and ready-to-go self!

Burt's Bees Radiance Eye Cream

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$18

Aria Starr Pure Organic Argan Oil

If you hate feeling greasy, argan oil might not be for you. I, personally, don't mind it — I slather this stuff on my face and neck a couple nights a week. By the time I wake up, it has already soaked in, and I shower in the morning anyways! Aria Starr Pure Organic Argan Oil ($40) makes my skin feel so supple. Bonus: you can use it on your hair to slick down stray flyaways.

Aria Starr Pure Organic Argan Oil

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$40

Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream

I've only used Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream ($17) a few times so far, but I'm into it! This cream absorbs incredibly quickly, and it's infused with lavender essential oil, rare plant extracts, and adenosine (which promotes healthy cellular activity).

Garnier Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream

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$17

Avah Skin Vitamin B3 Serum

Avah Skin Vitamin B3 Serum ($50) is chock-full of fantastic ingredients — vitamin B3, avocado oil, neem oil, rosemary, and hyaluronic acid all contribute to a smoother, more vibrant appearance.

Avah Skin Vitamin B3 Serum

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$50