How to get better skin as a 22-years-old? (photo)

Question

I'm trying to improve my skin at 22, and my biggest concerns are redness and large pores (or whatever they actually are). I’ve got slightly oily skin, and I’ve been dealing with this for about 3 or 4 years. I feel like I’ve tried just about everything, but I see no long-term improvement. Here’s my routine: AM: 1. Rinsing with lukewarm water. 2. (I used to use The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, but I paused it for now to keep things simple.) 3. CeraVe moisturizer for oily skin (it has hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide). 4. SPF 50+ sunscreen on my face and neck. PM: 1. Wash with CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser. 2. Apply Azelaic Acid 15% (prescribed by my dermatologist for redness and occasional pimples). 3. Use the same CeraVe moisturizer as in the morning. I also tried Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant with salicylic acid for a few weeks at night, but it kind of made my redness worse again and doesn't really improve the pores at all. I actually tried pore strips on the nose the other day, and when I took them off after about 15 minutes, there was literally nothing on them (no whiteheads, blackheads, or anything else). Now I’m kinda confused about what’s actually going on with my face. So I’m not sure what else I can do to get clear skin. Any ideas would be great.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Marvin F. Shienbaum, MD · Answer

It's great that you're thinking about your skin health at 22! Establishing a good skincare routine now can set you up for healthy skin in the future. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to get better skin:

1. Establish a Consistent Skincare Routine:

Cleanse: Wash your face gently twice a day (morning and night) to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Choose a cleanser suitable for your skin type (oily, dry, combination, sensitive).   
Exfoliate: Exfoliate 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and brighten your complexion. Use a gentle physical exfoliant (like a scrub with smooth, small particles) or a chemical exfoliant (like AHAs or BHAs).
Treat: Address specific skin concerns with serums. Common concerns at this age include acne, hyperpigmentation, and early signs of aging. Look for serums containing ingredients like:
Vitamin C: For brightening and antioxidant protection.   
Hyaluronic Acid: For hydration.
Niacinamide: To help with redness, pore appearance, and overall skin tone.   
Salicylic Acid (BHA): To unclog pores and treat acne.   
  
Moisturize: Even oily skin needs a moisturizer to keep the skin barrier healthy and prevent dehydration. Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula.   
Protect (SPF): This is the most crucial step for preventing premature aging, sun damage, and skin cancer. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days.   
2. Understand Your Skin Type and Concerns:

Identify your skin type: Observe how your skin behaves throughout the day. Is it oily all over, dry and flaky, a combination of both, or generally balanced?
Address your primary concerns: Are you dealing with acne, occasional breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads, redness, dryness, or are you looking to prevent future issues? Tailor your products and routine to these concerns.
3. Lifestyle Factors:

Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.   
Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants can contribute to healthy skin. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive dairy, which can sometimes trigger breakouts in some individuals.   
Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. During sleep, your skin repairs and regenerates.   
Stress Management: High stress levels can exacerbate skin problems like acne and eczema. Practice stress-reducing activities like exercise, yoga, or meditation.   
Avoid Smoking: Smoking significantly contributes to premature aging and wrinkles.   
4. Gentle Practices:

Avoid Over-Washing: Cleansing too frequently can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.   
Use Lukewarm Water: Hot water can also dry out your skin.   
Pat Dry: Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.
Be Mindful of Makeup: Choose non-comedogenic makeup and always remove it thoroughly before bed. Clean your makeup brushes regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.
5. When to Seek Professional Help:

If you have persistent or severe skin concerns like cystic acne, eczema, rosacea, or any condition that doesn't improve with over-the-counter products, consult a dermatologist. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend prescription treatments or in-office procedures.
Key Things to Remember for Your Age:

Prevention is key: Focus on establishing healthy habits and protecting your skin from sun damage.   
Keep it simple: You don't need an elaborate routine with many steps. Focus on the basics and address specific concerns as needed.
Listen to your skin: Pay attention to how your skin reacts to different products and adjust your routine accordingly.
Be patient: It takes time to see results from a new skincare routine. Be consistent and give products at least a few weeks to work.
By following these tips, you can work towards achieving healthier, clearer, and more radiant skin at 22 and for years to come.

Sources and related content

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin - Winnetka & Chicago. This is a great question. At 22, focusing on skin health and addressing concerns like redness and large pores is a smart approach to maintaining a youthful, glowing complexion. One of the most effective treatments for both of these issues is the CO2 resurfacing laser. This laser works by using fractional technology, which delivers precise beams of light that penetrate the skin’s surface to remove damaged layers and stimulate the production of new, healthy skin. For redness, which is often caused by skin inflammation or visible blood vessels, the CO2 laser helps to reduce irritation and promote an even skin tone. The treatment can also significantly improve skin texture and shrink enlarged pores by boosting collagen and elastin production, which helps the skin tighten and firm over time. Although CO2 resurfacing can require some downtime, the results are typically long-lasting, providing smoother, clearer, and more evenly toned skin. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's difficult trying to guess on your own what the issues are with the skin and how to find the right balance.  The best advice is to begin by visiting an experienced aesthetician in your area.  A full skin analysis can be performed and a cutomized skin care routine can be established using medical grade skin care products.  Treatments to address specific concerns can be discussed as well as maintenance treatments once you get your skin balanced and healthy.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

To improve your skin's appearance and address concerns like redness and large pores, it's essential to have a well-rounded skincare routine tailored to your specific needs. Based on your current routine and concerns, here are some suggestions:

Cleansing: Continue using the CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser in the evening, as it is formulated to help with acne-prone skin. In the morning, consider using a gentle, non-foaming cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of natural oils. This can help maintain your skin's barrier function.

Niacinamide: Since you paused using The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, consider reintroducing it slowly. Niacinamide can help reduce redness and improve skin texture, making it beneficial for both large pores and oily skin. Start by using it every other day to see how your skin reacts.

Exfoliation: It seems that the Paula’s Choice BHA Exfoliant may have been too strong for your skin, causing increased redness. Instead, consider a gentler approach, such as using a product with a lower concentration of salicylic acid or trying a gentle chemical exfoliant like lactic acid, which is milder and can help with pore appearance.

Moisturizing: Your current moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide is a good choice for maintaining hydration and supporting your skin barrier. Continue using it both morning and night.

Sun Protection: Continue using SPF 50+ sunscreen daily, as sun protection is crucial for preventing further skin damage and redness.

Azelaic Acid: Keep using the azelaic acid prescribed by your dermatologist, as it can help with redness and reduce inflammation.

Additional Tips:

Diet and Hydration: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water and maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, which can support skin health.
Avoid Pore Strips: Since they didn't yield results, it's best to avoid them as they can sometimes irritate the skin.
Consult Your Dermatologist: If you’re still experiencing issues, consider scheduling a follow-up with your dermatologist to discuss your concerns and explore other treatment options, such as prescription medications or professional treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy.
Remember, consistency is key in skincare, and it may take time to see significant improvements.

How to get better skin as a 22-years-old? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Skin improvement

Answer: Skin improvement

Answer: Effective Skincare Strategies for Reducing Redness and Pore Size at Age 22

Answer: Effective Skincare Strategies for Reducing Redness and Pore Size at Age 22

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How to get better skin as a 22-years-old? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Skin improvement

Answer: Skin improvement

Answer: Effective Skincare Strategies for Reducing Redness and Pore Size at Age 22

Answer: Effective Skincare Strategies for Reducing Redness and Pore Size at Age 22

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Everything you need to know about Skin Rejuvenation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.