There was a time when I thought bad skin was just a teenage phase you’d eventually outgrow.
My twenties were proof. I had flawless skin, glowing texture, and the freedom to survive entirely on caffeine and chaos. I could pull all-nighters, live off pastries, and still wake up looking like a million bucks.
Moisturiser? Optional. Sleep? Rare. Regret? None.
Then one morning in my 30s, I caught my reflection and thought…. wait, why does my face look… old?
The glow was dim and I looked grey. What are these creases near my mouth…and forehead??
That’s when I found myself typing into Google, “When do women start ageing?”
My mum had warned me years ago, back when I was too young to care.
“Take good care of yourself now,” she’d say. “Eat your spirulina. Don’t throw it out the window, no matter how disgusting it is.”
But, now that I’m a little bit smarter (the older the wiser some would say), I understand that our skin is reflecting everything we put it through.
Hormones, stress, sleep, food, hydration, they all leave their mark.
Ageing is natural, but the goal is to age gracefully, not prematurely.
So, if you’ve started noticing your once-effortless glow slowly fading, here’s the truth about why your skin changes and what you can actually do about it.
Your 20s: The Skin That Forgives (Almost Everything)
Your 20’s are the golden decade.
When your hormones are balanced, collagen is plentiful, and your metabolism still runs on overdrive. Your skin is hydrated, plump, and forgiving.
It bounces back from stress, sleepless nights, and bad decisions faster than your brain does after a night out.
But here’s the thing no one tells you: this is your foundation phase.
What you do (or don’t do) in your 20s sets the tone for the next decade.
Sunscreen, hydration, and stress management aren’t just “good habits”, they’re investments.
If you’re still treating your body like it’s indestructible transformer, it’s not.
Your 30s: When Your Skin Starts Sending SOS Signals
Your hormones start to fluctuate, your collagen production dips, and your body’s repair system slows down.
The sleepless nights that used to go unnoticed? They now leave you on blue tick.
Even your stress levels show up differently.
Cortisol (the stress hormone) doesn’t just mess with your mood; it also triggers inflammation and breakouts.
That “I’m just tired” skin? It’s actually your body asking for rest, nutrients, and less caffeine-fuelled chaos.
Your 40s and Beyond: The Power Shift
By the time you hit your 40s, the hormonal balance that once made your skin feel invincible begins to shift.
Oestrogen dips, collagen decreases further, and your skin becomes thinner and more delicate.
There is a reason why there say women in their 40’s are at their prime.
Instead of chasing the “perfect skin”, you start nurturing it.
You realise hydration, sleep, and calm are worth more than any overnight miracle cream.
You start honouring your skin as a living organ which it is.
What Really Keeps Your Skin Happy
Now, you’re wondering, “So what should I do?”
Skincare routines matter but the truth is, glowing skin isn’t built by checking out every single trending skincare product.
It starts with how you treat yourself every day. The small, consistent things make the biggest difference.
- Sleep well: Your body does most of its repair work while you rest. Missing out on sleep doesn’t just make you groggy, it slows down skin renewal, making your complexion look dull and tired. Even an extra 30 minutes a night can make a visible difference.
- Drink real water: Coffee, tea, and bubble milk don’t count. Dehydration shows up quickly on your face, fine lines, tightness, and that tired look you can’t cover with concealer. Keep a bottle near you and take small sips throughout the day.
- Find small ways to unwind. You don’t need an hour of meditation or a beach holiday to manage stress. Sometimes it’s a quiet walk after dinner, putting your phone down before bed, or simply saying no when your schedule’s full. Less stress equals calmer skin.
- Eat better: You don’t need to go on a full detox. Just add more colour to your plate. Think leafy greens, nuts, salmon, berries. These foods are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats that keep your skin strong from within.
- Move your body: You don’t need to live in the gym. A brisk walk, some stretching, or dancing in your living room all help increase circulation and oxygen flow. That post-movement glow? It’s real.
Last but not least, before you sigh and think your Asian genetics are betraying you, don’t worry, they’re not.
Every new texture, freckle, or fine line is part of your story, your youth, experience and your growth.
So, yes, have your SPF with you everywhere you go, drink your water, and eat your greens and have fun.
But more importantly, slow down when life gets hectic. Stress, lack of sleep, and imbalance are often the real reasons your skin feels off.
The best skincare routine isn’t complicated – it’s a calm mind, a hydrated body, and genuine rest.