Anti-aging products in your 20s? What a dermatologist says
Millennials and Jean Z are using anti-aging products in the form of moisturizer and serum operated by social media marketing. Doctors warned that premature use could damage skin health.

In short
- Skincare has moved to anti-aging among young users from the original CTM routine
- Social media affects the widespread use of anti-aging products
- Dermatologists warned against unheard use due to skin damage
Skincare industry has seen a big innings from a 3-step cleansing routine to prioritize anti-aging products.
Earlier, products reserved for old age groups such as retinol (derivative of vitamin A) are now found in the beauty drawers of Millennials and General Z.
But what is this trend running? Is it an educated option based on skincare science or a by -product of changing beauty standards and skincare attitude? Although these products promise long -term benefits, they require careful use and guidance to be really effective and safe.
Cultural, social media effects
The passion of society with “young” and “glitter” skin has created an environment where active skincare is observed.
With Instagram, the healthcare routine has turned into a material-manufacturing ritual, a habit is displayed to the public rather than individual maintenance.
Social media efficators promoted and spread endless viral transformation highlights and product suggestions video as well as “anti-aging” tricks.

21-year-old Maria said, “I started using anti-aging products like retinol at the age of 19, although I do not use them very often. I was mostly influenced by social media and people around me, who were starting to focus on skincare,” 21-year-old Maria said that anti-aging products could delay their wrinkles.
The idea of ”preventive care” has become popular online, not only with dermatologists, but also among the creators of lifestyle.
Wrinkles, fine lines and before they appear before they appear, are now seen as self-care responsible by many people.
Beauty brands cleverly promoted anti-aging products as important youth investment, even appealed to individuals who show no signs of aging.
Words such as “prevention,” “repair,” and “anti -pollution” consider these products indispensable to urban youth.
Dr. Amit Bhasin, a dermatologist and founder of the Privalax Skin and Wellness Clinic, explains, “This trend is inspired by marketing pressure, where beautiful packaging, viral advertisements, or celebrity-endorsed brands (often without any research or skin support) celebrate people to start treatment that cannot be safe for them.”
When he asks a patient why he has bought a certain product, the answer comes fast: ‘Because I loved packaging’ or ‘I saw someone using it.’
“Such impulsive purchases, based on aesthetic appeal, is worrying,” they say.
The founder of Isya aesthetics, Dr. Kiran Sethi, agrees: “People fall for marketing, which is why marketing exists. It works. That is why doctors need to throw through the news.”
When should you start an anti-aging skincare routine?
While many young adults turn to anti-aging products, thinking that they will improve their skin texture, not everyone is aware of how their skin actually works at that age.
The skin is already naturally rich in collagen in the 20s, the primary building block of the skin, and rapid cell turnover, which is why dermatologists often recommend a minimal, protective routine rather than jumping into active formulas.
“You are still pure positive in collagen by the age of 25 and then the decrease is about 1% in a year. But visual aging usually occurs in your 30s. I think we can consider anti-aging products after the age of 30,” Dr. Setty tells.
The 27 -year -old Arushi started using retinol a few months ago after being transferred from London to India. She focused on the early signs of comedonal acne and neck lines and wanted to work quickly.
“To cure these issues, I did some online research, then consulted my mother’s dermatologist and bought a famous kernel cream, not recommended by the doctor,” she says.
He is two to three times a week, only at night, and so far so far smooth experience.
“Thankfully I have not felt any negative effects yet. To be honest, I have not seen any changes in my neckline, but I have seen a big difference in my acne. My acne has reduced considerably because I have started using retinol,” she says.
On the other hand, not everyone had a professional input before starting. For example, Maria admitted, “I had not already consulted a dermatologist, so I did not fully know about potential side effects or how it is used properly.”

The 28 -year -old Seleha also reflected on her previous use. “I discussed people online and saw how retinols help in aging and get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, so that most of my insecurity returned.”
But over time, his attitude changed. “Honestly, I have never been in line with it, and it is completely overheep. Lingy is natural, because we have been impressed to see women in a certain way from society and social media which is not ideal.”
Caution is necessary
Many dermatologists now say that overloading on activists at an early age can do more damage.
“I see the results every day in my clinic, chemical irritation, severe pigmentation, thinness of the skin, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), as they do self-healing with activities like retinol, without understanding how to use,” Dr. Bhasin warned.
Dr. Sethi says that many young people pack power and combine a significant number of actives with rollers and guashas, and sensitive, rousesia-prone and irritable skin resulted in obstruction damage.
“This overdoeing will be contrary to the goal of great skin. The signs of extreme use include red, swollen, dry, acne-prone and sensitive skin,” she says.
less is more
Dermatologists repeatedly emphasize that in the 20s, less than your 20s.
The construction of a strong foundation with cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen is more effective than using powerful activities without supervision.
Introduce retinol later, when it was really needed, the doctor says.
For young people, focus on the skincare routine simplified with protective sunblock and antioxidative care to prevent environmental damage.
Other ways to attack a balance are to maintain a healthy lifestyle such as having a balanced diet, regular sleep and managing stress.
While anti-aging products can be beneficial, their use should be considered and individual needs.
(Article by Arima Singh)


