No, it's absolutely not too late to start a skincare routine at 17. In fact, starting earlier is beneficial, but it's never too late to begin prioritizing skin health. A skincare routine, at any age, helps improve your skin's appearance and overall health.
The Benefits of Early Skincare
While starting a skincare routine in your teens and twenties offers maximum preventative benefits, the advantages extend to all ages. According to multiple sources, even beginning skincare in your late teens or later still provides significant improvements.
- Preventing future issues: Early adoption helps prevent the development of premature wrinkles and other age-related skin concerns. This includes reducing the effects of sun damage.
- Addressing current concerns: Regardless of your age, skincare can effectively address existing issues such as acne, dryness, or uneven skin tone.
- Improved skin health: A consistent skincare routine can contribute to healthier, more radiant skin, regardless of when you start.
- Long-term benefits: The cumulative effects of a skincare routine are noticeable over time.
Several online forums and articles echo this sentiment. Reddit threads like /r/SkincareAddiction and /r/beautytalkph frequently discuss the benefits of starting skincare routines at any age, emphasizing that it's never too late to begin. Quora posts similarly highlight the advantages of early skincare, while also affirming that adopting a routine later in life still yields positive results. (https://www.quora.com/Is-it-too-late-to-start-a-skincare-routine-to-prevent-wrinkles-at-17, https://www.quora.com/I-am-17-years-old-Can-I-do-skincare)
One source explicitly states: "The truth is, it is never too late. No matter how early - or late - you start to use anti-aging products such as retinol, they infuse your skin with the same benefits: firming crepey skin, softening existing wrinkles, and preventing them from deepening as much."
Starting Your Skincare Journey
Remember that consistency is key. A simple routine including cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection is a great starting point. Consider adding other products as needed, such as exfoliants or serums, but prioritize consistency over complexity.