
Photo by Hong Nguyen on Unsplash
Aging gracefully doesn’t start at 40 — it starts now. If you’re in your 20s or 30s and noticing tired-looking skin, dullness, or early signs of fine lines, your everyday habits might be sabotaging your glow. Some of the most common beauty routines we think are harmless can actually speed up the aging process.
Let’s walk through the worst offenders — and share beauty rituals, holistic swaps, and product recommendations that nourish your skin from the inside out.
This post may contain affiliate links and professional skincare commentary. For full details, please read my disclaimer.
Sleeping With Your Makeup On
We’ve all done it — collapsing into bed after a long day, still wearing a full face of glam. But this one habit is one of the worst for skin in your 20s and 30s.
Why it ages you:
Sleeping in makeup clogs your pores, increases oxidative stress, traps pollutants and free radicals against your skin. This accelerates collagen breakdown and dulls your natural glow. Of course, you should always wash your face before bed-but when you do wear makeup, try choosing products that are non-comedogenic and skincare infused. They’re less likely to clog pores and can help prevent breakouts while supporting your skin’s health.
Makeup Suggestion:
Skin Perfecting Set
BB Primer with Niacinamide & Squalane
Pore-refining make-up base, for a fresh glow
Illuminating BB Primer with fine gloss particles for a fresh glow. Refined pores & a smoother skin texture for an even complexion in the first step of your makeup routine – without clogging the pores.
- image belongs to Rosental Organics
- image belongs to Rosental Organics
- image belongs to Rosental Organics
Skin needs
Active ingredients
Squalane: Squalane is a multitasking marvel that helps maintain your skin’s firmness and elasticity by counteracting UVA-induced inhibition of collagen production in dermal fibroblasts. It also encourages wound healing by stimulating fibroblast migration, which accelerates repair in UVA-damaged skin — making it essential for both daily wear and post-sun care. As a potent antioxidant, squalane enhances Nrf2 expression, neutralizing reactive oxygen species and shielding skin from oxidative stress. It also minimizes inflammation by suppressing key markers like NF-κB and COX-2, which is especially beneficial for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Beyond these protective benefits, squalane stabilizes vital signaling pathways, preserving ERK1/2 and IGF-1 receptor activity, while its non-comedogenic structure allows for deep skin penetration without clogging pores, making it compatible with all skin types.
Niacinamide: Niacinamide works beautifully to enhance your skin’s natural resilience. By increasing intracellular NADPH, it stimulates fibroblast proliferation and boosts collagen and elastin synthesis, helping maintain firmness and counteract early signs of aging. It strengthens the skin barrier by enhancing ceramide, free fatty acid, and cholesterol production, reducing transepidermal water loss, and fortifying the stratum corneum. Niacinamide also brightens and evens skin tone by inhibiting melanosome transfer, diminishes inflammation by suppressing cytokine release, and regulates sebum production, making it perfect for minimizing pores and managing acne. Moreover, it protects against UV-induced DNA damage, supports DNA repair through PARP-1 regulation, and promotes keratinocyte stem cell proliferation, contributing to a youthful, smooth texture.
Castor Oil: Castor oil deeply nourishes and hydrates, thanks to its rich content of ricinoleic acid, which forms an occlusive layer to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss. Its anti-inflammatory properties calm irritated or sunburned skin, while its antimicrobial activity helps combat acne-causing bacteria. Castor oil also accelerates wound healing by promoting tissue regeneration, improves overall skin texture, and supports a healthy barrier. Additionally, it can reduce puffiness and dark circles with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and its high antioxidant content, including vitamin E, helps neutralize free radicals, delaying visible signs of aging.
- Squalane
- Niacinamide
- Ricinoleic Acid “Castor oil”
BB Serum with Ginseng & Squalane
Instant Glow: Skincare and make-up in one!
An even, radiant complexion and hydrating care for a long-lasting, natural finish. The BB serum reduces wrinkles, hydrates and gives an immediate brightening effect. The new formula with a light, fluid texture is available in three shades and adapts perfectly to any skin tone.
- image belongs to Rosental Organics
- image belongs to Rosental Organics
- image belongs to Rosental Organics
Skin needs
Active ingredients
Squalane: This lightweight powerhouse mirrors the benefits in the primer, counteracting UVA-related collagen inhibition, promoting wound repair, and neutralizing free radicals. Squalane reduces inflammation, stabilizes key skin signaling pathways, and penetrates efficiently without clogging pores, leaving skin firm, smooth, and hydrated.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is more than soothing; it actively accelerates wound healing by stimulating fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, while polysaccharides like acemannan and glucomannan promote tissue regeneration. Its bioactive compounds reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and enhance skin hydration by improving water retention. Aloe also increases permeability for better absorption of other active ingredients, exhibits antimicrobial properties, and neutralizes oxidative stress. It strengthens the skin, boosts anti-aging effects, and has a calming influence on burns and dermatitis, making it a versatile and nurturing addition to any routine.
Indian Ginseng: Indian ginseng, or ashwagandha, combats “inflammaging” by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, helping calm chronic skin inflammation. It stimulates collagen production to improve elasticity and reduce wrinkles, protects against UV damage, and enhances antioxidant defenses by neutralizing free radicals. Ginseng strengthens the skin barrier, supports cellular regeneration, and activates longevity-related genes, helping reverse molecular signs of aging.
- Squalane
- aloe vera
- Indian ginseng
BB Eye Balm with Moroccan Lava Clay
Fresh and radiant eye contours
The revitalizing and rich active ingredient fusion brightens the eye area, reduces dark circles and creates a radiant glow.
- image belongs to Rosental Organics
- image belongs to Rosental Organics
- image belongs to Rosental Organics
Skin needs
Active ingredients
Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is your hydration hero, binding up to 1,000 times its weight in water to maintain plumpness and elasticity. It smooths skin texture, accelerates wound healing, and reduces visible signs of aging by restoring firmness and minimizing fine lines. HA also strengthens the skin barrier, enhances antioxidant defenses, and improves the absorption and effectiveness of other active ingredients.
Moroccan Lava Clay: Moroccan lava clay absorbs excess oil, sweat, and impurities, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. Its fine particles gently exfoliate to smooth texture without irritation, while its mineral richness strengthens the skin barrier, regulates sebum, and soothes inflammation and redness. It enhances product texture and stability and is non-comedogenic, leaving skin balanced, radiant, and refreshed.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, protects against UV-induced damage, and strengthens the skin barrier. It supports tissue repair, improves texture and elasticity, reduces inflammation, and works synergistically with other antioxidants to boost photoprotection. Delivered naturally through sebum pathways, it penetrates deeply, making it particularly effective for oily skin types.
- Hyaluronic acid
- Moroccan lava clay
- Vitamin E
If you would like to purchase any products from Rosental Organics, you can use my link here for 20% off or use my promo code BAELEAF for 25% off your order at check out.
Tanning and Overexposure to the Sun
Sunlight may feel good, but UV exposure is the number one cause of premature aging-and no skin tone is immune. Whether you burn easily or rarely see redness, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can still break down collagen, damage your skin barrier and lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture over time. Tanning-whether from the sun or tanning beds-may give a temporary glow, but it speeds up skin aging and increases your risk of cancer. Melanin does offer some natural protection, but it’s not enough to block all the long-term damage. Daily sunscreen, shade, and antioxidant-rich skincare are your best allies for keeping your skin youthful, radiant, and protected at any age or shade. Try a shimmering body oil instead.
The essence of golden hour – captured in every drop.
- Image belongs to LA Salt Co
- Image belongs to LA Salt Co
- Image belongs to LA Salt Co
Golden Hour Shimmering Body Oil melts into skin, imparting a radiant, sun-kissed glow with a soft golden shimmer. This antioxidant-rich formula hydrates and brightens, leaving skin dewy, luminous, and silky to the touch. Lightly scented with a delicate blend of essential oils, it enhances your natural glow with a warm, radiant finish – perfect for day, night, and every golden moment in between.
Notes: Warm & Sweet Gourmands
Benefits:
- Deeply hydrates and nourishes skin
- Enhances natural radiance with a golden shimmer
- Leaves skin dewy, luminous, and silky smooth
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy
- Antioxidant-rich to support healthy, glowing skin
- Delicately scented with essential oils for a subtle, captivating aroma
- Perfect for day or night, beach days or special occasions
- Suitable for all skin types
Active Ingredients
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Proprietary Blend of Essential Oils, Mica
How to Use
Generously massage onto dry or damp skin. We recommend applying immediately after showering to lock in moisture.
Eco-Friendly
We only have one planet, and at LA SALT CO we’re doing our part to care for it. We never test on animals, and we use reusable, recyclable glass packaging whenever possible. Our boxes are 100% recyclable and we protect each shipment with 100% recycled packing paper and biodegradable packing peanuts.
If you would like to purchase this shimmering body oil from LA Salt Co, you can use my link here or use my promo code BAELEAF for 10% off your order.
Ancient Owl Naturals Golden Hour Shimmer Body Oil
Bask in the warmth of a desert sunset.
Golden Hour is a lightweight, botanical-infused tinted shimmer oil that leaves your skin glowing with a soft, sun-kissed radiance — no matter the season.
- Handcrafted with nutrient-rich desert oils like prickly pear, jojoba, and cloudberry, this luminous blend deeply hydrates, protects against free radicals, and enhances skin’s natural elasticity.
- Infused with Red Jasper crystals for vitality, grounding, and empowerment, each bottle carries the energy of the earth’s strength and beauty.
- Shake well before each use and apply to clean, dry skin. Allow to dry fully to avoid color transfer — then step into your golden light.
- Organic ingredients
- Lightweight hydration + natural bronzed shimmer
- 60ml glass pump bottle
Shake well before each use. Allow to dry fully to avoid color transfer.
Organic Ingredients
These are just some of the ingredients.
Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil: Organic prickly pear seed oil is one of the most luxurious oils in skincare, brimming with antioxidants and essential fatty acids that deeply nourish and restore. Exceptionally rich in vitamin E — even more than argan oil — it protects the skin from oxidative stress while encouraging a supple, radiant complexion. Its lightweight texture sinks in effortlessly, helping to soothe irritation, calm redness, and maintain hydration without heaviness.
Organic Golden Jojoba Oil: Organic golden jojoba oil is a balancing powerhouse that mimics the skin’s own sebum, allowing it to harmonize oil production while locking in moisture. Non-comedogenic and deeply conditioning, it helps soften the skin’s texture and create a smooth, velvety finish. Naturally rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, jojoba shields against environmental stress while calming sensitivity, making it suitable for all skin types.
Organic Cloudberry Oil: Organic cloudberry oil is a rare northern treasure, celebrated for its brightening and revitalizing benefits. Packed with vitamins C and E, it strengthens the skin against free radical damage while boosting radiance. Its omega fatty acid profile restores the skin barrier and keeps skin plump and hydrated. Cloudberry oil is especially prized for helping to even tone and support long-term skin vitality.
If you can believe it, it’s impossible to find a free image of a Cloudberry, so if you want to see the real berry, you’ll have to Google it.
- Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil
- Organic Golden Jojoba Oil
- Organic Cloudberry Oil
Organic Carrot Seed Oil: Organic carrot seed oil brings regenerative power to the skin. Rich in carotenoids and antioxidants, it enhances cell turnover and encourages a natural glow. It’s particularly loved for helping to rejuvenate dull or tired skin, improving elasticity, and supporting firmness over time. Its earthy strength makes it a grounding, nourishing oil for both protection and renewal.
Organic Vitamin E Oil: Organic vitamin E oil is a protective essential, known for its ability to defend against free radicals while supporting skin repair. As a natural antioxidant, it helps prevent premature aging while locking in hydration. Its soothing properties make it perfect for reducing irritation and keeping skin soft, smooth, and resilient.
Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil: Organic pomegranate seed oil is a deeply restorative oil that nurtures skin with its rare omega-5 fatty acid, punicic acid. This compound provides powerful anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits, helping to calm stressed skin while promoting elasticity. Rich in antioxidants, it supports long-term skin renewal, leaving the complexion firm, radiant, and nourished.
- Organic Carrot Seed Oil
- Organic Vitamin E Oil
- Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil
If you would like to purchase anything from Ancient Owl Naturals you can click my link here or use my promo code LAUREL10 for 10% off your order at checkout.
Over-exfoliating
Over-exfoliating might feel like a fast track to glowing skin, but too much can do more harm than good. When you strip away the skin’s natural barrier with frequent scrubs or strong acids, it can lead to irritation, redness, sensitivity, and even breakouts. Instead of revealing radiance, you end up with a compromised barrier that struggles to retain moisture and defend against environmental stress. True glow comes from balance-gentle exfoliation just 1-3 times a week (depending on your skin type) is enough to keep skin smooth without pushing it into panic mode.
Apoterra Hibiscus Exfoliating Mud
This mud works as both a scrub and a mask, effectively resurfacing and unclogging pores to reveal a radiant complexion. Natural AHAs and enzymes gently exfoliate, while raw honey nourishes and hydrates the skin. Rosehip and camu camu, rich in Vitamin C, support collagen production for brighter, firmer skin.
This mask is also certified microbiome-friendly by Kind to Biome. Unlike most exfoliants and peels, which can disrupt the skin’s natural balance with their acidity, this mask is certified to maintain microbiome health, making it suitable for all skin types.
- image belongs to Apoterra
- image belongs to Apoterra
- image belongs to Apoterra
Active Ingredients
Hibiscus Flower: Known as the “Botox plant,” hibiscus is prized for its natural ability to support firmness and elasticity. Its natural acids gently exfoliate away dead skin, revealing a smoother and more radiant complexion, while its antioxidants help shield the skin from environmental stressors.
Rose Hips: Rose hips are packed with vitamin C and essential fatty acids, both of which brighten and nourish the skin. They encourage cell regeneration and help reduce the appearance of fine lines, leaving the complexion glowing and revitalized.
Açai: Açai berries are rich in antioxidants that combat free radicals and protect against premature aging. Their nutrients feed the skin deeply, helping restore vibrancy, softness, and strength.
- Hibiscus Flower
- Rosehips
- Acai
Pumpkin: Pumpkin is full of natural enzymes and vitamins A and C, making it an exfoliating powerhouse. It dissolves impurities, smooths rough texture, and brightens dull skin, while also supporting a firmer, more youthful appearance.
Raw Honey: Raw honey soothes and hydrates the skin with its natural humectant properties, drawing in moisture while calming irritation. Its antibacterial qualities also help to balance and clarify the complexion.
Camu Camu: Camu camu is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, making it a brightening and protective ingredient. It supports collagen production, strengthens skin’s defenses, and restores a luminous, healthy glow.
- Pumpkin
- Raw Honey
- Camu Camu
If you would like to try this mask from Apoterra you can click my link here for 15% off your order or use my promo code LAUREL15 for 15% off your order at checkout.
Smoking and Vaping
Smoking and vaping don’t just harm your lungs-they also sabotage your skin. Both habits constrict blood vessels and reduce oxygen flow, starving your skin of the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and radiant. Over time, this leads to dullness, uneven skin tone, loss of elasticity, and deeper wrinkles-especially around the mouth and eyes.
Smoking is also one of the worst offenders when it comes to collagen breakdown. Collagen is what keeps your skin smooth and youthful, and when it degrades, fine lines and sagging follow. Even worse? If you’re struggling with breakouts, smoking can make it much harder to clear your skin. It increases inflammation, slows healing, and clogs pores- all which interfere with acne treatments and prevent your skin from recovering properly.
And while vaping might seem like a “cleaner” option, it’s far from harmless. Many cape liquids contain diacetyl, a chemical linked to popcorn lung-a serious condition that damages the lungs and makes it harder to breathe deeply and support skin oxygenation from within.
If you’re serious about glowing skin, kicking the habit is one of the most powerful beauty rituals you can commit to-no serum or facial can outmatch the magic of clean lungs, oxygen-rich blood, and a fully functioning skin barrier.
Drinking Too Much Caffeine
Pique Nandaka Adaptogenic Coffee Alternative
- image belongs to Pique
- image belongs to Pique
- image belongs to Pique
Ceremonial Peruvian cacao activates metabolism
- Functional mushrooms enhance mood and promote cellular renewal
- Fermented Pu’er Teas provide calm sustained energy
- Artisanal pour-over craft coffee flavor with dark red fruit notes
- Formulated with proprietary F-SIS™ and EMA™ Technology
- Organic. Vegan. Non-GMO. No added sugar, preservatives or artificial ingredients
- 28 servings in each carton
How to Drink
Consume 1-2 sachets daily. Mix one sachet with 10-12 oz of hot water. Add product first, then water after. Froth with the Pique Frother or stir to mix. Ideal hot water temperature is 180-200°F.
The finest ingredients in the world
Nandaka is crafted from the absolute highest quality ceremonial cacao, wild-mimicking functional mushrooms, fermented Pu’er tea from 250-year-old tea trees, and Ayurvedic warming spices. A new standard of excellence is defined.
If you would like Pique, you can use my link here to save 20% on your subscription!
Too Much Sugar = Skin Sabotage
Eating or drinking too much sugar triggers a process called glycation, where excess sugar binds to collagen and elastin fibers, making them stiff, brittle, and more prone to breaking. This leads to premature wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of that dewy youthful glow. Sugar also spikes inflammation, which can worsen acne, rosacea, and other skin conditions. While a sweet treat now and then is fine, consistently high sugar intake shows up on your face-literally.
Olipop
Olipop is a healthier, gut-friendly alternative to regular soda, offering the same sweet, fizzy satisfaction without the sugar crash or artificial ingredients. Unlike traditional sodas that are loaded with 30-40g of sugar and offer zero sugar per can and is packed with prebiotics, plant fiber, and botanicals that support digestive health.
It’s designed to taste like classic favorites-think Coca Cola, Sprite and Dr. Pepper-while actually nourishing your body instead of depleting it. If you’re craving soda but want to make a smarter choice for your gut, skin, and overall wellness, Olipop is a bubbly upgrade worth sipping.
- image belongs to olipop
- image belongs to olipop
- image belongs to olipop
If you would like to order Olipop, you can click my link here for 15% off and use the promo code SODALOVE.
Your 30s Will Thank You
Your 20s and 30s set the foundation for how your skin will age, and while it’s easy to fall into certain beauty habits, some can quietly speed up the aging process before you even notice. Going to bed with makeup on might seems harmless after a long day, but it blocks your skin’s natural overnight renewal. Tanning and skipping daily SPF slowly chip away at your collagen reserves, while over-exfoliating-often in the name of glowing skin-can leave your barrier raw and vulnerable.
And though caffeine, sugar, and the occasional vape might feel like stress relief, they dehydrate the skin, dull your glow, and inflame the very structures that keep your face youthful. But aging well isn’t about being perfect-it’s about being intentional. Prioritize rest, gentle skincare, sun protection, and daily rituals that nourish you from the inside out. Glowing skin isn’t just about what you put on your face-it’s a reflection of the habits you keep.
Such a helpful reality check! It’s amazing how small habits, like skipping sunscreen or being too rough when we cleanse, can snowball over the years. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly and offering doable fixes. My future skin is grateful!
You’re welcome! I’m glad I could help.