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There’s something about looking back at old photos where you thought your skin looked its absolute best and realizing… you were kind of taking it for granted. That’s me now, sitting here in my 30s and thinking, “If only I’d been a little kinder to my skin back then.” Hindsight is funny like that. But instead of wishing I could turn back time, I decided to share the five habits I wish I’d started earlier—because they’ve made a huge difference now. And no, this isn’t me being preachy. This is just me, your skincare-obsessed friend, telling you what’s worked for me. Let’s get into it.

1. Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable

Okay, I’ll admit it: I used to think sunscreen was just for beach days. The irony is that I spent so much time obsessing over the perfect tan, completely ignoring the damage it was doing underneath. I wish someone had told me back then that sunscreen isn’t just about avoiding sunburn—it’s about protecting your skin from long-term damage like dark spots, fine lines, and even more serious issues like skin cancer. Now, I don’t leave the house without SPF 30 or higher, even on overcast days. And for the record, my skin is thanking me. If I could go back, I’d tell my 20-something self, “Girl, love your glow, but protect it too.”

2. Retinol Is Your Skin’s Best Friend

When I first heard about retinol, it sounded like one of those things only “fancy” skincare people used. I didn’t think it was for me. Fast forward a few years, and I now realize how transformative it can be. Retinol is like a personal trainer for your skin—it encourages cell turnover, smooths out texture, and helps with fine lines. If I’d started using it earlier (even just once or twice a week), I think I’d have fewer of those “why does my skin look tired?” days now. The key, I learned, is to start slow and pair it with lots of hydration. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

3. Consistency Over Perfection

This one was a hard lesson for me. I used to think skincare was about having a shelf full of fancy products and switching things up constantly because, you know, that Instagram ad made it sound life-changing. Spoiler: it’s not. What I’ve learned is that committing to a simple routine—and sticking to it—makes all the difference. Cleanse, moisturize, protect. That’s it. Sure, I’ll add in a serum or mask from time to time, but consistency has been the real game-changer. I wish I’d known that it’s not about perfection; it’s about showing up for your skin every day, even if it’s just the basics.

4. Hydration Is More Than Just a Water Bottle

I used to roll my eyes every time someone said, “Drink more water, it’s good for your skin.” Like, yes, hydration is important, but let’s talk about topical hydration too. In my 20s, I was all about lightweight moisturizers because I was afraid of looking greasy. Now, I’ve embraced the power of hydration, inside and out. A good moisturizer, hydrating serums, and even a humidifier in the winter have made a world of difference. My skin looks plumper, healthier, and less irritated. And yes, I do drink a lot of water now too—just not as a magical cure-all, but as part of the bigger picture.

5. Sleep Is Skincare

Let’s be real: I took sleep for granted in my 20s. Late nights out, early mornings, and the “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” mentality didn’t exactly do my skin any favors. What I didn’t realize is that sleep really is when your skin does its best work. It’s when it repairs, regenerates, and bounces back from whatever you’ve put it through during the day. These days, I prioritize winding down at night so I can actually get those seven to eight hours. And let me tell you, it shows. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to get a little more rest and maybe skip that third episode of whatever I was binge-watching.

So, there you have it—five habits I wish I’d started earlier. No, I can’t undo the sun damage or the all-nighters, but I can keep showing up for my skin now. And if you’re reading this and you’re in your 20s (or honestly, any age), take it from me: it’s never too early or too late to start taking care of your skin. Because the truth is, you don’t need perfect skin—you just need healthy, happy skin that makes you feel good. And that’s the real glow-up, isn’t it?

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