“You can start using anti-aging products as early as age 25”: routines approved by our experts to keep your skin looking young before age 40 with anti-aging skincare
Anti-aging skincare is no longer just for women in their 50s looking to erase the signs of aging. In 2026, dermatologists, nutritionists, exercise specialists, and cosmetic doctors all agree on one thing: the best strategies for preserving the skin and body begin in one’s twenties, well before the first visible signs appear.
Exercise Between the Ages of 20 and 40: Laying the Groundwork for the Long Term with Anti-Aging Skincare
At this stage of life, your metabolism is at its peak. According to Céline Roy, a Pilates instructor and creator of the MCR method, the body is resilient, recovers quickly, and is very forgiving—whether it’s a poor diet or a lack of sleep.
She therefore recommends trying out as many different sports as possible to find the ones you enjoy the most. The goal is to strike a balance between cardio exercises to strengthen the heart, strength training to prevent future health problems, flexibility, and breathing exercises.
To recover, Céline Roy recommends taking some time off—without your phone—to let your body and mind unwind. It’s also the perfect time to learn how to breathe and stimulate your vagus nerve, which regulates the nervous system. This habit sets the stage for the decades to come.
Diet: A Powerful Tool Against Aging
Émilie Steinbach, a Ph.D. in integrative biology and a neuroscientist, points out that this is the time when we can limit risk factors. Often, it’s a matter of common sense: avoiding ultra-processed foods, cutting back on sugar and salt, and sticking to the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables.
In addition, before taking any supplements, she recommends following these proportions on your plate: half vegetables, one-quarter high-quality protein, and one-quarter legumes or unrefined grains.
Furthermore, vitamin D3 supplementation , combined with vitamin K2, may offer significant benefits. A team of American researchers led by Dr. Haidong Zhu evaluated whether taking vitamin D3 daily for four years could slow the shortening of leukocyte telomeres. In fact, this 2, 000 IU/day dose significantly slowed telomere shortening—a marker of aging—and would theoretically be equivalent to slowing the biological clock by about three years compared to normal aging.
“You can start using anti-aging products as early as age 25, which is when collagen production begins to decline.” — Dr. Marion Bourgaux, consulting dermatologist for Avène
Skin Between the Ages of 20 and 40: The Right Active Ingredients at the Right Time for Anti-Aging Skincare
Dr. Marion Bourgaux, a dermatologist and consultant for Avène, lists daily sun protection as her top recommendation. Limiting the effects of UV rays from an early age remains one of the most effective ways to prevent skin aging.
Starting at age 20, she recommends retinoids—such as retinol or tretinoin—for their acne-fighting properties, their ability to delay the first signs of aging, smooth skin texture, and stimulate collagen production. They should be applied gradually in the evening: first once a week, then every day, without forgetting to use SPF during the day.
For sensitive skin, she recommends azelaic acid, an anti-inflammatory compound that helps combat mild rosacea and post-acne marks. In addition, hyaluronic acid helps the skin retain moisture, plump it up, and maintain its density and suppleness. These are the cornerstones of an anti-aging skincare routine tailored to young skin.
- Apply sunscreen every morning, no matter the season.
- Gradually start using a retinoid in the evening starting in your twenties.
- Fill half your plate with vegetables, a quarter with protein, and a quarter with legumes or unrefined grains.
- Engage in a variety of physical activities: cardio, strength training, flexibility, and breathing exercises.
- Take breaks from your phone to stimulate the vagus nerve.
Sensitive Skin and Hormonal Fluctuations: Special Cases
Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, can alter skin pigmentation and contribute to the development of melasma. This point is emphasized by Dr. Alexandre Koutsomanis, a physician and plastic surgeon.
To address this, he is considering mesotherapy, which involves injecting active ingredients—such as hyaluronic acid, amino acids, and vitamins—into the middle layer of the dermis to stimulate collagen production and prevent skin aging. Pigment spots and acne scars can also be treated with lasers, LED light, or chemical peels.
Cosmetic Medicine in Your Twenties: A Preventive Approach
Dr. Alexandre Koutsomanis emphasizes a point that is often misunderstood: cosmetic medicine is less a matter of age than of medical indications. As early as one’s twenties, it is possible to begin treating the first signs of aging as a preventive measure: expression lines on the forehead, frown lines, and crow’s feet.
A popular treatment is “Baby Botox”: tiny doses of Botox are injected to address the cause of the wrinkle. This causes the muscles to contract less forcefully and, over time, reduces the formation and depth of wrinkles—provided the treatment is repeated once or twice a year.
These preventive anti-aging treatments are part of a comprehensive approach. When combined with a solid skincare routine and healthy eating and exercise habits, they form a coherent strategy for long-term skin health. The most effective anti-aging treatments are therefore those that combine daily routines with medical guidance tailored to each individual’s needs.
