The so-called "quarter-life crisis" affects people between 20 and 30 and relates to their living situation and their skin. The "quarter-life crisis" is commonly called a "crisis of meaning" that can occur in young people past puberty, education and/or college. Not only is future adult life imminent, but during this time there are also worries and fears of not finding the right job or there is uncertainty due to the many professional opportunities and also doubts about what goals you actually have even pursued in life.
But not only the challenges of life planning in this phase of life (career, partnership, etc.) are meant, but the skin is now also subject to various changes and often goes a little crazy. Quarterlife skin problems affect at least half of all women. Hormonal influences and the slow onset of skin aging mean that the topic of care is becoming more and more important. It is the time to deal intensively with the right care. Skin changes In fact, by the time you're in your mid-20s, you've long since forgotten impure skin and the rashes of your teenage years, but unfortunately, you have to realize that these are increasingly reappearing. And the unpleasant oily shine - caused by the activity of the sebaceous glands - comes back. At the same time, however, the skin partially tightens and the first signs of aging, which also begin at the age of 25, appear. Now at the latest, it is clear that the past few years probably uncomplicated, simple skin care measures are passé. Gone are the days when make-up wasn't removed in the evening and any cream from the bathroom had to suffice. For various reasons, the skin is now becoming more demanding.
The skin aging process from the age of 20
In your early 20s, all processes of skin regeneration are still running perfectly, which means that it is renewed regularly, is perfectly moisturized, and elasticity and skin tension are also optimal - the skin is plump, fresh and vital on its own! However, this already looks different from the age of 25. The skin is still a long way from severe wrinkling, but the natural processes of skin aging can no longer be stopped. The ability of the cells to regenerate decreases, the moisture balance is no longer in its natural balance, and the skin's own substances such as hyaluronic acid or collagen are already being formed to a lesser extent. If these and other supporting active ingredients are not supplied sufficiently from the outside, the first signs of skin aging can quickly become visible.
Hormone balance
On the one hand, there can be an imbalance in the hormonal balance, for example, due to stress, pregnancy or stopping the pill. If impure skin develops again, this is the result of the resulting increased testosterone level, which results in excessive production of skin fat. Blocked pores and the influence of bacteria can quickly cause pimples and pustules to form again.
This so-called adult acne (acne tarda) is not uncommon in the Quarterlife Crisis! The most common reason for acne tarda is stopping the pill: in youth, it is often taken continuously. Discontinuation initially leads to the changes described, until the hormone balance has normalized again.
It is now very important for skin care not to simply resort to drying anti-pimple preparations from the teenage years. These products are no longer suitable for the skin between the ages of 20 and 30. Good cleansing and targeted measures to clarify the skin and reduce sebum are now the be-all and end-all.
The daily care
Milks or lotions that contain anti-inflammatory, clarifying, but also soothing ingredients are recommended for daily skin cleansing. Cleaning gels or foams, on the other hand, are usually too drying. Astringent, clarifying tonics are particularly suitable after cleansing the skin to remove excess skin fat and refine the pores.
It is best not to use high-fat creams for daily care, but rather light emulsions that provide a lot of moisture. Because even impure skin must be supplied with active ingredients and, above all, moisture. At this age, a combination of anti-aging ingredients is ideal to counteract the slowdown in skin regeneration. Excessive drying out of the skin due to too much alcohol can worsen the complexion. Targeted keratolytic active ingredients such as salicylic acid or the new trend active ingredient succinic acid are also helpful, as they prevent excessive keratinization of the follicles and thus also prevent new impurities.
To counteract cornification, regular peelings once a week are also recommended. And with already existing inflammations, ampoule cures are very good. They can also be used selectively for pimples and pustules to quickly minimize inflammation and accelerate healing.
Salon and home care
The combination of home care and cosmetic intensive care in the institute is essential in this phase of life. Professional treatment can not only significantly improve the condition of the skin. Impurities can be professionally cleaned during the treatment.
This should never be done by the customer himself, as the risk of inflammation, scarring or dark spots (so-called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) is very high if you treat yourself. Furthermore, beauticians can put together suitable home care products and also explain the background of the existing skin problems.
Genetic Influences
The sudden reappearance of blemishes is only part of the Skin Quarterlife Crisis. Another is the skin aging process that begins in the mid-20s. It is made up of internal (intrinsic, genetically determined) and external (extrinsic, caused by environmental influences ) factors.
Data from aging research show that the genetic component of skin aging accounts for around 20 to 30%. Unfortunately, we can hardly influence this part. However, there is a real chance of positively influencing skin aging by minimizing the factors of externally caused aging and by supporting the skin cosmetically and dermatologically.
Preventive action
It is also well documented that UV radiation and oxidative stress (free radicals) are able to damage DNA and thus promote skin aging. In order to prevent the formation of free radicals and to protect yourself from the damaging effects of intense solar radiation, you should always pay attention to products with antioxidants and suitable sun protection.
This can be easily implemented with the right daycare or make-up that contains a sun protection factor. Alternatively, there are innovative on-top products with which you can simply apply sunscreen over the day cream if necessary. Minimal effort, but the maximum effect for the future of the skin!
Through preventive care measures, it is quite possible to slow down or positively influence the aging process. The right care must always be tailored to the current needs of the skin. If the skin needs moisture, it needs care with hyaluronic acid, urea, pentamidine or other moisturizers. If the skin - possibly hereditary (comparing the skin of older family members is often helpful) - tends to form wrinkles more quickly, anti-aging care with building peptides and vitamins (especially A, C and E) is an option early on.
Conclusion
Fortunately, like any crisis, the "Skin Quarterlife Crisis" is only temporary and can be easily overcome with the professional care described.
dr med Christine Schrammek Drusio The managing director of Dr. medical Christine Schrammek Cosmetics GmbH is a dermatologist and allergist. As an anti-aging expert, she develops treatment methods, including the “Green Peel” herbal peeling treatment and dermatological care products.
Photo: Christina Drusio
Christina Drusio The author is part of the owner's family and a member of the management of Dr. medical Christine Schrammek Cosmetics GmbH. She is a specialist in dermatology and venereology and, as a skin expert, is a valued speaker at international lectures and seminars.