Gen Z has blessed us with so many cultural revelations: accentuated under-eye bags,Euphoria, the demise of the side part - need I go on? But my favourite trend by far is the rise of science-based skincare gurus (think derms, chemists and aestheticians) who have a no bullsh*t approach to skincare products and the ingredients we’re putting on our skin.

Among them is Brisbane-based derm Dr Davin Lim, one of the world’s leading experts for laser-treated skin disorders. And after bingeing his IG tips and reels for months, I decided to hit Dr Lim up to find out what your skincare routine should look like in your mid-20s and beyond.

Behold, 7 derm-approved tips to ensure you’re giving your skin the best protection possible.

Watch: 7 Ways To Improve Your Skin While Sleeping. Post continues below.

1. Make SPF your ride or die.

Fun fact: sun exposure is the main culprit of premature ageing (read: sun spots, fine lines, uneven texture and tone - you know the drill) and is responsible for 90 per cent of visible signs of ageing in Australians. According to Dr Lim, one of the most common mistakes people in their 20s make is forgoing sunscreen.

READ: I reviewed over 40 sunscreens in 2020. Here are 10 things I learned.

Apply and reapply UVA- and UVB-blocking sunscreen even if you’re not going outside - the incidental sun damage from sitting near a window or running a quick errand adds up over time! You’ll need half a teaspoon to your face, neck and décolletage combined.

Sunscreen has had a major glow-up recently and there are so many variants on the market, but it’s best to opt for a cream applied after your moisturiser and before your makeup every morning then top it up throughout the day with a cream or mist (steer clear of aerosols!).

READ: Sunscreen has had a glow-up. Here's 10 that are more than just SPF.

And although the effects of blue light are a controversially hot topic amongst skin experts, sunscreens containing zinc oxide, iron oxide or titanium oxide could help protect your skin from any potential harm blue light may cause.

2. Stick to a minimalist skincare routine.

“The fewer products you can use, the better,” said Dr Lim. “Many products interact with each other, which can change their effectiveness and what they are actively doing to your skin.”

READ: 'I swapped my 13-step skincare routine for just 3 products. It changed my skin completely.'

When I say minimalist, I’m not talking “skincare smoothie” (mixing all your products in your hand then slathering them on your face) lazy; I’m talking the basic cleanser, toner (if you use one), actives, serum, moisturiser, oil and SPF in the AM. And if you use multiple actives, make sure you stick to a weekly routine to ensure the ingredient combos are beneficial for your skin.

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Dr Lim suggests keeping the cost minimal, too. “Many people in their 20s don’t use sunscreen or retinol, but spend money on too many other expensive products,” he explained.

“Don’t overspend on vitamin C, moisturiser, or sunscreen. It’s unnecessary, as formulations don’t really matter with vitamin C or sunscreen, and moisturiser performs basic and few functions.”

His top skincare picks? La Roche Posay, Obagi, Aspect DR, and The Ordinary.

3. Retinol on repeat.

ICYMI retinol, aka vitamin A, is THE age-proof active you need to be using in your 20s.

READ: Literally every question you've ever had about retinol, answered.

It’s a targeted ingredient that’s designed to resurface the skin, so you’ll need to build up your skin’s tolerance over time.

SPF is particularly important when you’re using retinol, as the newly regenerated skin is more sensitive and prone to sunburn. But keep in mind that it does have the potential to cause chemical irritations when you use it with some other actives!

“You can combine with niacinamide to reduce irritation and boost effects,” suggested Dr Lim. “If you have sensitive skin, start with a patch test, and opt for a low percentage retinol.”

Hot tip from skin queen Kate Somerville: use your vitamin A according to the decade you’re in - twice a week in your 20s, three times in your 30s, and build up from there.

4. The stuff that goes in will show up on