I Just Turned 30—Every Expert-Approved Skincare Tip I Wish I'd Known in My 20s

In a shocking turn of events, I just turned 30. I say "shocking" because I feel like I should be no older than 25 on the inside, and if you ask me how a decade passed since my 20th birthday, I couldn't give you an answer. Despite that, I'm genuinely excited to enter a new decade of life. Everyone says your 30s are a time of greater stability, confidence, and contentment. You know more about who you are, what you want, and what's worth your time. I think that's lovely… and much better than paying any attention to the internal or societal pressure that often goes along with turning 3-0.

As a beauty editor, I couldn't help but reflect on my 20s through the lens of, well, beauty. I embrace signs of aging (I always remind myself lines and wrinkles are a privilege, not a curse), but that doesn't mean I want to welcome them all at once or—even worse—see them set in because of skin damage. I always aim to care for my skin as best as I possibly can because it's part of me and inextricable from my overall health. That said, that doesn't mean I haven't made some mistakes along the way.

Before turning 30, I committed all the classic skin sins. I used harsh acne products in middle school (even when I didn't have active breakouts). I didn't wear daily sunscreen in high school. I only moisturized my chest, hands, and limbs when they were visibly flaking. (Yikes.) Once I became a beauty editor, though, I stepped up my game. I started taking skincare super seriously, and I've been diligent about it ever since. Yet there was still room for improvement (lots of it). And I'm about to put it all out in the open in the hopes that it can help someone else. So, yeah, I guess I'm stepping into the role of your beauty editor big sister.

Ahead, see seven expert-approved skin tips I wish I knew and/or practiced more diligently in my 20s. The last thing I'll say: Please learn from my mistakes.

The Top Expert-Approved Skin Tips I Wish I Followed in My 20s

• Cleanse your skin for way longer than you think you should
• Use an antioxidant serum morning and night
• Simplify your skincare routine by focusing on a few, effective hero ingredients
• Yes, you really do need a dedicated eye cream
• Give yourself an at-home face massage every single day
• Don't forget bodycare… your body skin is aging too
• Invest in the right tools and devices that can help (but remember: they're not the end game)

1. Cleanse Your Skin for Way Longer Than You Think You Should

I always thought I cleansed my skin thoroughly. I mean, I double-cleanse when I wear makeup and sunscreen, and I take my time. I let the oil cleanser melt into my skin to dissolve stubborn sunscreen and makeup. I work the gel cleanser into a foamy lather, massaging it in circles across my face and neck. So, imagine my surprise when I found out that I wasn't even cleansing my skin for half the time I was supposed to.

It all started when I heard Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist, founder of Joanna Vargas Salons and Skin Care, and author of Glow From Within, call cleansing the "holy" step. She said barely anyone cleanses their skin as long as they should, recommending you take (wait for it) a full five minutes. She admits it might feel "excruciatingly long," but it will ensure your skin is free of sunscreen, makeup, dirt, and oil. "Spend a good five minutes washing your face while concentrating on doing mini circles and really penetrating the cleanser into the face," says Vargas.

I wanted to know how long I cleanse my skin on average, so I timed myself. Turns out, I was only spending 30 seconds on this super-crucial step. I realized I needed to spend more time on it (even one to two minutes would be an improvement). Not only does thorough cleansing prevent acne and irritation, but it also allows other (often expensive) skincare products to, you know, actually work, since invisible skin debris will prevent toners, essences, and serums from penetrating the skin. Take this as your sign to ritualize—not rush—your cleansing step.