Don’t Wait to See Your First Wrinkle: When to Start Using Actives in Your Skincare Routine
Many people don’t think about “anti-aging” or “age-supporting” skincare until they start to see a fine line or two—but the truth is, effective skincare is all about prevention! The best time to start using active ingredients isn’t when wrinkles show up. It’s before. Prevention is key!
In your early 20s, your skin begins to change. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and collagen—the building blocks of smooth, firm, and hydrated skin—start to gradually decline. That means if you’re waiting until your 30s or 40s to introduce active ingredients, you’ve already missed valuable time to slow the process. In this post, we’re diving into why prevention is the most powerful form of skincare and how to start early with the right ingredients.
Why You Should Start Using Actives in Your 20s
You might think your skin is at its best in your 20s—and that’s often true on the surface. But biologically, things are already shifting.
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Ceramides, the lipids that help protect the skin barrier and retain moisture, begin to decline in your mid-20s.
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Hyaluronic acid, responsible for hydration and that “plump” skin feel, starts to decrease gradually each year.
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Collagen production slows down by about 1% every year after your early 20s.
These changes may not be visible yet, but they’re happening beneath the surface. That’s why prevention is key. Think of it like brushing your teeth—you don’t wait for cavities to start flossing. The same is true for wrinkle prevention.
The Power of Active Ingredients
Active ingredients are the heroes of your skincare routine. They’re scientifically proven to make changes in your skin, from smoothing fine lines to increasing hydration and elasticity. Here are a few of the best actives to look for—and why you should start them early!
1. Hyaluronic Acid
One of the best moisturizing ingredients out there, hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000x its weight in water. It draws moisture into the skin and helps give you that plump, smooth look we often associate with youthful skin.
Why start now? Your natural levels of HA (Hyaluronic Acid) decline in your 20s, making early supplementation important to retain hydration and prevent the formation of dry, etched-in lines.
2. Ceramides
Ceramides are fats that naturally occur in your skin barrier. They help keep the skin’s moisture in and environmental irritants out. Without enough ceramides, your skin becomes more vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and premature aging.
Using ceramides early strengthens your skin barrier and can prevent many issues before they start—including under eye wrinkles and forehead wrinkles.
3. Bakuchiol or Retinol Alternatives
If you’re not ready to jump into prescription-strength retinoids, bakuchiol is a powerful plant-based alternative that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without the irritation.
Perfect for 20-something skin, bakuchiol helps support cell turnover and collagen production. Bonus: it’s gentle enough to use around the eyes to help prevent under eye wrinkles.
4. Antioxidants (like CoQ10 or Sea Buckthorn)
Environmental damage (think pollution, sun, and even blue light) is one of the biggest causes of premature aging. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and keep your skin looking firm, healthy, and even-toned.
Adding antioxidants to your routine early means your skin stays protected and supported well into your 30s, 40s, and beyond.
When Do Forehead Wrinkles Start?
One of the first areas people notice aging is the forehead. Fine lines from expressions or dehydration can become more prominent over time. But here’s the truth: forehead wrinkles don’t suddenly show up overnight—they develop slowly from repeated movement and declining elasticity.
The best way to get rid of forehead wrinkles? Don’t wait for them to appear. Start now with hydrating, firming ingredients that keep skin supple and strong. Prevention is always easier (and cheaper) than reversal.
What About Under Eye Wrinkles?
The skin around our eyes is the thinnest and most delicate on your face, which makes it one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Because there are fewer oil glands here, it tends to get drier faster—and dryness equals wrinkles.
That’s why even in your 20s, a product designed for the eyes—one with deeply hydrating, antioxidant-rich ingredients—is a smart addition. It keeps the under-eye area plump and supported, preventing the “crepey” look before it starts.
Looking for the best product for eye wrinkles? Choose something lightweight, non-comedogenic, and packed with skin-supporting actives like bakuchiol, rosehip seed oil, and antioxidants.
How to Build a Preventative Skincare Routine
You don’t need a 12-step routine. In fact, a few high-quality, consistent steps with the right actives can do more than any trendy product ever will.
Here’s a simple, effective plan for someone in their 20s or early 30s:
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Cleanser: A gentle cleanser to remove buildup without stripping the skin barrier. (Foaming Face Wash)
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Hydrating Serum: Look for one with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin. (Wrinkle Defense & Barrier Defense Serum)
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Antioxidant Serum or Oil: Bakuchiol, sea buckthorn, or coenzyme Q10 are great options. (Age Defense & Eye Defense Serum)
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Moisturizer: Choose a cream rich in ceramides and natural plant oils to seal in hydration. (Face Cream & Barrier Defense Serum)
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Sunscreen: Every single day—rain or shine!
Optional: Add an eye serum or oil if you’re concerned about under-eye wrinkles, and exfoliate 1–2x per week to help with cell turnover! (Eye Defense Serum & Bamboo Face Polish)
Choosing the Best Products for Wrinkle Prevention
If you’re wondering how to get started, look for products that are clean, effective, and contain the ingredients we mentioned above. At Simple Body, our Age Defense Serum and Eye Defense Serum are both formulated with powerful actives that support youthful skin without irritation or toxins.
The best wrinkle cream is one you’ll actually use consistently. And the best moisturizing lip balm, cleanser, or serum should hydrate, protect, and nourish your skin barrier every day—not just treat a symptom when it shows up.
Why Wait? Your Skin Deserves the Best Now!
Many people look back and wish they’d started sooner. But you don’t have to be one of them. Building a proactive skincare routine with actives now means fewer wrinkles, more confidence, and healthier skin for decades to come.
Start with simple, high-quality products that focus on hydration, protection, and gentle renewal. Whether you’re 25 or 45, the best time to invest in your skin is today.
Final Thoughts
So when should you start using actives? As early as your 20s. You don’t need to wait for the first sign of aging to take action. With ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and bakuchiol, you can give your skin the tools it needs to stay firm, hydrated, and wrinkle-free longer.
Whether you’re trying to avoid forehead wrinkles, looking for the best product for eye wrinkles, or simply want the best wrinkle cream for everyday use, prevention starts with consistency.
Your future self and skin will thank you!
