Skincare is more than a trend

Skincare is a lifelong investment, and starting early at 8 has made a big difference in my skin's health today

Skincare is fun and helpful.

Last year, when "Sephora Kids" started popping up all over social media, I was all for it, being a skincare fan myself. Seeing tweens diving into self-care felt like a win—until I noticed their obsession with pricey brands like Drunk Elephant and Glow Recipe, thanks to the social media hype. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled they're into skincare, but it's crucial it comes from a place of self-love, not just following trends. Teaching them to prioritize self-care builds inner strength, going beyond expensive products and social media buzz.

When I was eight, I dove headfirst into skincare before social media became a dominant force. To me, it felt crucial—though not everyone saw it that way. But what mattered most was that I was doing it for myself.

Starting Sun Protection Early: The Lifelong Impact of Daily Sunscreen Use

At eight, I noticed white patches on my tan skin, starting on my arms and spreading to my face. It happened during my school's Annual Sports Day, under the blazing sun. Though young, frequent itching and blisters prompted my parents to seek a dermatologist's advice. Their recommendation? Sun avoidance and daily sunscreen became my new norms, and I follow them to this day. There are many benefits of early (basic) skincare habits.

As a tiny 8-year-old South Asian kid, those big white patches stood out like a sore thumb! That's when my sunscreen journey began, and at 41, I barely skipped sunscreen in the past decades. Although the exact cause remains a mystery, recent dermatologist visits suggest it might be a sun allergy or a skin condition called tinea versicolor.

According to the Mayo Clinic, tinea versicolor is "a common fungal infection of the skin," affecting pigmentation and resulting in lighter or darker spots or patches because our skin HAS fungus on it.

Once I listened to the doctor's advice, those pesky patches vanished. Nowadays, if I overdo it in the sun, they might make a cameo, but it's not as bad. You'll never catch me without my sunscreen—it's become my trusty sidekick.

So, was I too young for daily sunscreen?

"I tell my patients that when they are old enough to wash their own faces, they are old enough to wear sunscreen every day," said NYC Dermatologist & RoC Skincare Advisory Board Member, Dr. Joshua Zeichner. He always recommends that parents apply sunscreen to their children when they are exposed to the sun.

Dr. Zeichner said, "The effects of UV light are cumulative over a lifetime, and those who protect themselves from an earlier age are not exposed to the same extrinsic stressors that lead to premature aging, wrinkling, and dark spots." He mentioned that besides keeping us looking youthful, sunscreen also blocks those sneaky UVA rays that can lead to skin cancer. People who start using sunscreen early tend to develop better habits and age more gracefully. I swear by my sunscreen—it's probably why my skin's held up so well over the years.

Nurturing Skin Health from a Young Age: Establishing a Basic Skincare Routine

Around the age of ten, I tried my mom's face wash after seeing celebrities swear by it on TV. I mean, we shower to scrub off the day, right? So, washing my face morning and night with that magic potion felt like a no-brainer.

How young is too young to start a skincare routine?

According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, "I usually tell my patients to keep their skin routines pretty basic with a gentle cleanser, sunscreen, and a moisturizer if they need it until their mid-twenties."

I started crafting my skincare routine early on because, to me, skincare wasn't about vanity—it was about showing love to myself. Having a routine with a morning cleanse, moisturizer with sunscreen, and an evening cleanse with my mom or grandmother's Oil of Olay made me feel put together. It was similar to how I'd eat veggies and hit the gym as a gymnast in my tween years—just another proactive step in taking care of myself.

Empowering Skincare Choices: The Impact of Early Introduction to Retinol

I remember the first time I stumbled upon retinol—I was around 18. One of my college friends, a decade older than I, boasted flawless skin at 28, with no wrinkles. And let's be real, I was determined not to wrinkle up like a prune by 28 when I was 18! I used to think 28 was SO old. But hey, hindsight's 20/20, right?

So, she spills the beans about retinol, and the very next day, I'm off buying my first night cream with retinol. Better late than never, right? Back then, I was all about those glossy magazines like Glamour, Shape, and Self, soaking up every bit of health and beauty wisdom. I figured it'd pay off down the road, making life a tad easier when I'm all grown up.

Before I knew it, I snagged my first retinol serum. That little gem still joins me on my travels. And when I'm not jet-setting, you can bet I'm sticking with my tried-and-true prescription strength tretinoin.

"Over-the-counter versions like pure retinol are typically used in older individuals to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles because we know that skin cell turnover starts to decline after age 30," said Dr. Joshua Zeichner. He mentioned that starting early can bolster the skin's foundation, making it more resilient against wrinkles.

A study from 2023 revealed that continuous use of retinol can enhance the look of deep wrinkles by improving their depth and volume. So, if wrinkles have already appeared, it's not too late to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine.

While there are no significant downsides to starting retinol early, Dr. Zeichner advises against its use in tweens due to the potential for skin irritation. He views retinol as a reparative ingredient, but suggests focusing on preventative measures, such as daily sunscreen, for teens and tweens, as their skin typically functions optimally at this stage.

Embracing Proactive Skincare: Nurturing Skin Health for the Long Term

As I cruised through my mid-thirties, I became a big fan of Vitamin C and peptide serums, always open to looking for the next best thing. Knowing our skin regeneration slows down with age, I got proactive about keeping it in top shape. I truly believed that taking care of my skin early on would pay off in the long run. It's all about laying down solid groundwork for the future.

Keeping this upbeat attitude is key as I face the facts of aging skin. Sure, there are fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and a bit of sagging creeping in, but you know what? I'm not letting that get me down. I'm staying laser-focused on keeping my skin vibrant and healthy, no matter what comes my way.

I love treating myself to facials on those extra-special occasions, but you know what truly makes my day? Microneedling. I make sure to indulge in it once a year because, let me tell you, it has completely transformed the quality of my skin. It's like a magic wand that makes my skin look fuller, brighter, and way less tired. So far, it's the only cosmetic procedure I've tried, and I couldn't be happier with the results!

I'm all about keeping it real as I journey through my 40s. Sure, my skin might not glow like it used to, but you know what? That doesn't stop me from giving it my all. Skincare isn't just a routine for me—it's a way of showing myself some serious love. Caring for my skin brings me so much joy, knowing I'm doing my best.