What is The Best Age to Start Preventative Skincare and Treatments?
- KL
- Aug 14
- 5 min read
INDEX
TL;DR Summary: What’s the Best Age to Start Preventative Skincare and Treatments?
There’s no one “right” age, and no deadline either. Many people begin professional treatments like Jet Plasma or chemical peels in their 20s or 30s, but you can start sooner or later depending on your skin’s needs, lifestyle, and goals. The key is to focus on skin function and consistency, not fear-based trends or pressure to do what everyone else is doing.
Preventative skincare doesn’t mean you need a 12-step routine. It might just mean daily SPF, good cleansing habits, and working with a provider who understands how to care for your skin at every stage.
“Anti-aging”
At OLIS SKIN, we don’t believe aging needs to be fixed. The phrase “anti-aging” is often used to target women and femme-presenting people with unrealistic standards. Our goal is to support your skin in a way that feels good to you
When To Start Preventative Skincare and Treatments
It’s a question that comes up often, and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. While some people start with actives and facials in their twenties, others wait until they notice visible changes. Skin concerns don’t follow a strict timeline. Genetics, environment, sun exposure, and lifestyle all play a big role. This guide breaks down what to consider at different stages and how to approach skin health in a way that’s thoughtful, not fear-based. (Spoiler: sunscreen isn’t optional, no matter your age.
What Does Preventative Skincare Actually Mean?
Preventative skincare is exactly what it sounds like: steps you take now to help prevent certain concerns from showing up later. This could mean supporting collagen before fine lines deepen, maintaining hydration to protect your skin barrier, or using SPF daily to reduce the risk of pigmentation and sun damage. But the most important reason to start with SPF early isn’t cosmetic, it’s to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen is the single most effective preventative product, and you’ll never regret starting to build that habit when you're in your teens.
Is There a “Best” Age to Start?
There’s no magic number when it comes to starting skincare treatments. Many professionals suggest that your mid to late 20s is a good time to begin thinking preventatively. This is when collagen production starts to slow and sun damage becomes more cumulative. Adding things like consistent SPF, gentle exfoliation, and occasional facials can help support your skin’s function over time. But whether you start earlier or later, it’s never too late to care for your skin in a way that’s intentional and supportive.
What If I Start Preventative Options Too Young?
Starting skincare too early isn’t always helpful, and in some cases, it can do more harm than good. Certain active ingredients like retinoids, exfoliating acids, or strong anti-aging formulas may be too aggressive for younger skin and could lead to irritation, breakouts, or barrier damage if overused. Even if something is marketed as “preventative,” that doesn’t mean it’s right for every age.
If you’re in your teens or early 20s, stick with a routine that supports your current skin function, like SPF, gentle cleansing, and hydration. If you’re unsure what’s right for your skin, working with a professional can help you avoid unnecessary products and build habits that actually support your long-term skin health. Always pay attention to how your skin responds and avoid layering too many new things at once.
How Skin Goals Change
Your skin’s needs evolve over time, and so do your goals. In your 20s, it might be about prevention, SPF, and supporting your skin barrier. In your 30s, you may notice some fine lines or dullness, and want to focus on hydration, exfoliation, or collagen-boosting treatments. In your 40s and beyond, skin often becomes drier and slower to recover, so you might prioritize elasticity, texture, and tone. The key is not to chase perfection but to respond to what your skin is actually asking for at each stage.
Skincare and Treatments Shouldn’t Feel Like a "Fix"
Skincare marketing can be overwhelming, especially with the pressure to start early or “fix” signs of aging. Everyone is aging. There’s no getting around it, and there’s nothing wrong with it. More products do not always mean better results. A simple routine with the right ingredients can be just as effective. But if skincare is part of your self-care and layering 17 steps brings you joy, have at it! The goal is to support your skin in a way that feels good to you.
This pressure to fix, erase, or reverse time is almost always aimed at women and femme-presenting people. It’s rarely about health. It’s about unrealistic standards. At OLIS SKIN, we believe aging isn’t a flaw, and your skincare routine shouldn’t feel like punishment.
When to Start Professional Skin Treatments
Professional treatments are not just for targeting skin concerns. They can be part of a long-term plan to keep skin healthy and supported. Starting in your 20s or 30s with options like Jet Plasma, medium-depth chemical peels, or barrier repair facials can help maintain skin function and calm early signs of inflammation or imbalance. In your 40s and beyond, your goals might shift toward firming, brightening, or softening texture.
How to Choose the Right Treatment for Your Age and Skin
There’s no one treatment that works for everyone at a certain age. Instead of thinking in decades, it’s more helpful to look at what your skin is showing you. Are you dealing with breakouts, dryness, uneven tone, or loss of elasticity? That’s your starting point. The best results come from working with an honest professional and choosing treatments based on skin function and lifestyle, not trends or pressure to follow someone else’s routine.
Still Have Questions About Preventative Skincare and Treatments?
If you’re unsure about how to even pinpoint what your skin needs, I’m here to help. You can schedule your consultation directly through our website. The consultation is a chance for us to talk and come up with a plan that's best for your skin goals.
At OLIS SKIN in Long Beach, I’m here to make the experience thoughtful, safe, and tailored just for you. I’m a Registered Nurse with advanced certifications in Jet Plasma, Fibroblast Skin Tightening, and Inkless Stretch Mark + Scar Revision, and I specialize in inclusive, results-driven care for all skin types and tones.
New to OLIS SKIN? Mention this article when you book your Jet Plasma treatment and get 15% off your first session.
For BIPOC and trans communities: We’re committed to creating more accessible and affirming care. Complimentary consultations and 25% off all services are available, always. Please reach out to me directly before booking: 310.846.3046
visit www.olisskin.com to book online.
OLIS SKIN @ Salon Row
195 E 4th St, Suite 23
Long Beach, CA 90802
Call or text: 310.846.3046
