All The Skincare Mistakes I Wish I Can Undo From My 20s
AKA Everything I’d want to tell my younger self today if I could go back!
Remember those wild, carefree days of our 20s, when a ‘skincare routine’ meant splashing water on our faces and hoping for the best? We thought we were invincible – invulnerable to fine lines, free from the tyranny of SPF, and immune to regrets about skipping moisturiser.
From questionable face scrubs to the myth that 'good genes' alone could ward off ageing, I was living my best skincare life...or so I thought. But, oh, how times (and my skin) have changed. Here’s a look at some misguided beauty missteps I made back then –and what I’d tell my younger self today if I could go back.
Skincare Mistakes I Made In My 20s
We can scrub it all away….
Exfoliating with physical exfoliators is made of large or rough particles (those walnut shells!!) that tend to open pores (which leads to other issues) and also harm the skin’s barrier. And not replenishing the skin immediately after with hydrating products to help balance the skin’s moisture.
Limit exfoliation to 1–2 times a week and focus on gentle exfoliants (like copper-crustedsilk cocoons) rather than harsh scrubs. Avoid combining exfoliating products with retinoids or other strong actives in the same routine.
I want sunny days
Goa beaches and sunny brunches …I wanted the sun on my face (but not the sunscreen)! Not applying enough sunscreen and not applying it frequently enough was probably my biggest skincare sin. Sunscreen was an afterthought (cringe!) ..and when I did apply it, I rarely bothered to confirm that it was at least SPF 30 with broad-spectrum protection.
I know better now and realize it’s important not just to apply sunscreen, but also to reapply every 2 hours when outdoors or in the water. I personally love Supergoop SPF because it's lightweight, broad spectrum and has no residue – just a smooth matt finish.
Get me that grocery…
Assuming that applying tomatoes/ eggs/ potatoes and tea – on my face is all the actives my skin needed and ‘glow’ was just a dab of malai (high-fat milk) away! Fresh veggies are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes, which can offer a temporary glow or soothing effect. For example, cucumber can help calm the skin, while a slice of tomato has mild exfoliating acids. But because the skin’s absorption rate is limited, the benefits are often superficial and short-lived.
Well-formulated skincare products (such as the Love, IndusAmrutini® collection) have much more concentrated, stabilised extracts of natural ingredients, and are often combined with actives like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid - to enhance efficacy and deliver stronger, long-lasting results
TLC doesn’t extend beyond the chin
Stopping all care at the chin – thinking it’s just the face that needs care and attention when, really - the neck, chest, and hands show signs of ageing too. In fact, the earliest signs of ageing often show up in these oft-neglected areas
It’s important to extend your skincare routine beyond the chin – with a serum, moisturizer, sunscreen and a massage. To take it a step further, I have started supplementing my care with ingestible (with brands like Moon Juice) —ranging from powders and capsules to gummies and liquid elixirs—that are designed to support the body's natural processes
What’s in a label?
Thinking that a pretty pink product that smells amazing must be lovely for the skin too and never bothering to study the labels
Avoid excessive fragrance and alcohol, which can irritate sensitive skin. As well as any allergens that may cause irritation or reactions - especially for sensitive skin. Instead, look for ingredients that address your specific concerns (like peptides for helping strengthen skin, or collagen to help reduce lines and wrinkles. Tools such as EWG’s Skin Deep analyzer can help decode the hazard level of ingredients so you can make much more informed decisions on what goes on your skin
Looking back, I might have overdone it with all the scrubs, skipped a few too many SPF days, and believed in some skincare myths that had my poor face wondering what it did to deserve all that. But hey, isn’t that what our 20s are for? If nothing else, these 'oops' moments taught me what my skinreallyneeded….
Make it Less, yet More. Minimal, yet Maximal – Use less, consume less, but make it count. I think diet, wardrobe, lifestyle, friends, and (beauty/ other) product consumption should not be so excessive that it’s a drain – and yet what you have (friends/ calories/ skincare products) should really pull their weight. Make informed choices on these counts and they will impact your well-being and beauty. So now it's all about treating my skin with the same kindness, care, and a touch of wisdom (I think) I’ve gained over the years – after all, our skin deserves to feel as fabulous as we are becoming!