Time has a way of teaching us lessons – especially when it comes to beauty. Looking back, there are so many things I wish I could tell my younger self. Some mistakes were harmless (hello, overplucked brows), while others came with long-term consequences.
If I had the chance to rewind, here’s the beauty wisdom I’d pass along to my 20-something self – and maybe it’ll help you skip a few detours on your own beauty journey.
Tattoos Last Longer Than Regret
Body art can be stunning, but impulse tattoos are another story. The wrong artist, a design you’ve outgrown, or a youthful decision that doesn’t age well can all become a permanent reminder. Yes, laser tattoo removal is highly effective – but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Treatments usually take 6–12 sessions, and while quick, they can be uncomfortable.
Laser tattoo removal machines work by breaking tattoo ink into microscopic fragments that your body gradually clears away. Fascinating technology, but also a pricey and sometimes painful lesson. Younger me? Think it through before committing that ex’s name to your wrist.
Sunscreen Is Your Real Best Friend
Back then, I thought bronzed skin was the pinnacle of beauty. Now I know better: the sun is the single biggest factor in premature ageing. Fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation- up to 80% of it is caused by UV exposure. And the kicker? Damage happens long before the burn shows up.
Today, SPF is my holy grail. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or 50 is essential year-round, and luckily, so many formulas now come in lightweight, tinted moisturisers or BB creams that blend seamlessly into your routine. If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: the glow you want at 40 starts with sunscreen at 20.
Skip the Waxing, Go Straight to Laser
The cycle of endless waxing appointments and razor burn felt normal when I was younger. What I didn’t realise is that laser hair removal would save me time, money, and pain in the long run.
A course of 6–8 treatments with a laser hair removal machine drastically reduces regrowth, targeting hair follicles directly and preventing them from producing new hair. The best part? It’s fast and far less painful than waxing. If only I had started sooner, I would’ve spared myself years of ingrown hairs and irritation.
Stop Picking – Let Skin Heal
I cringe thinking of all the times I attacked a pimple in the mirror. What I didn’t know is that popping can create scars that last years longer than the blemish itself. Even untreated acne can leave marks known as post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Modern treatments like microneedling (aka Collagen Induction Therapy) can work wonders on scars and texture. By creating tiny controlled injuries in the skin, microneedling kickstarts collagen production, softening fine lines, filling pitted scars, and improving overall smoothness. If I’d left my skin alone and trusted the science, I’d have avoided a lot of those stubborn reminders.
Good Skincare Is Worth Every Cent
Back in the day, I bounced between random products without much thought. Now I know that a simple, consistent routine beats a cabinet full of half-used bottles. A solid cleanser, serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen are the foundation.
And if you’re serious? Book a professional skin consultation. Dermatologists and dermal therapists can pinpoint what your skin actually needs and save you years of trial and error. Younger me would’ve saved a lot of money (and frustration) by skipping the guesswork.
Confidence Is the Ultimate Beauty Secret
The biggest shift of all? Learning to appreciate the skin I’m in. Beauty isn’t about fitting into one ideal – it’s about embracing individuality. We all compare ourselves to others, but it only steals joy.
Confidence, self-acceptance, and kindness toward yourself are what truly make you glow. No cream, serum, or treatment can replicate that.
Looking Ahead
If I could rewind, these are the lessons I’d hammer into my younger self: wear SPF daily, invest in skincare, think twice about tattoos, and never underestimate the power of self-love. But the beauty of it all? It’s never too late to start. Whether you’re 22 or 62, these changes can transform not only your skin but how you feel about yourself.
Because the real secret to timeless beauty isn’t just in products or treatments – it’s in the choices you make every single day.
This article is in partnership with salon suppliers, The Global Beauty Group. To learn more about any of the technology mentioned in this article or to find a treatment provider in your local area, visit their website.