The best anti-aging skin regimen should begin far before you ever see any signs of aging.

While you’re in your 20s, a good skincare habit can have a big impact on how soon your skin start to show signs of aging, as well as how quickly the aging happens.

Dermatologist Dennis Gross says, “Women should begin being proactive about anti-aging in their 20s.” Gross says that as early as age 25, two of the skin’s structural proteins start decreasing: “collagen, which keeps it firm, taut, and resilient, and elastin, which gives skin its flexibility, enabling it to stretch out and then snap back into place.”

Below are the top six anti-aging skincare recommendations.

Use Sunscreen Daily

Sun damage can have a huge effect on your skin. Using sunscreen in your 20s can help you prevent sunspots and premature wrinkles.

The best daily product to use is a combination moisturizer-sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher. A mineral-based sunscreen formula with zinc oxide won’t clog your pores and is less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

If you’re already seeing signs of hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and freckling, the American Academy of Dermatology says that microdermabrasion can be an effective treatment, especially when used alongside a chemical peel.

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that typically costs about $137. However, the Ogle School salon has locations throughout Texas that offer deeply discounted rates of just $40.

Sleep Makeup Free

Sleeping with your makeup on will, of course, make you prone to breakouts and irritated skin.

However, it can also impact how your skin ages. “Sleeping in your makeup can increase your exposure to free radicals,” says skincare expert, Dr. James C. Marotta, “leading to collagen breakdown and skin that ages faster.”

Because your skin repairs itself at night while you’re sleeping, a clean face with open pores can help you avoid uneven skin tone and the deepening of wrinkles.

Moisturize

Dry skin can expedite the aging process. We recommend a two-part moisturizing routine to keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and wrinkle-free for as long as possible.

For part one, your morning routine should use the moisturizer-sunscreen combination product recommended previously. This will keep you hydrated and protected from the elements. For the second part, your nighttime routine should include a retinol cream moisturizer to build collagen and prevent wrinkles.

Treat Acne

You’re not alone in having acne in your 20s. Plenty of celebrities are fighting acne right alongside you. Just as in your teens, effective acne treatments can help your skin look fabulous and prevent skin damage or scarring.

Keep in mind that your skin’s oil production changes in your 20s, and you may need to update your cleanser to match your current complexion.

Be Gentle with Your Skin

There’s a pinch of truth in the parenting saying that, “your face will freeze that way.” The way you rub or stretch your skin can influence your skin’s texture and wrinkles.

For example, rubbing the delicate skin around your eyes can reduce its elasticity. “The skin there is much finer than the rest of the face, so tugging can really damage collagen and break capillaries,” said epidemiologist Isabelle Bellis.

Keep this in mind for how you put your makeup on, how you take it off, and how you wash your face. For example, if you’re having a tough time removing your mascara, change products instead of increasing the pressure you use.

Healthy Diet

In your 20s, you might find that excessive salt or too many margaritas result in puffy eyes and a blotchy complexion. In fact, as you age, your skin may become more sensitive to poor diet choices or festive indulgences.

A healthy diet can have lasting effects on your complexion, nourishing your skin on a cellular level. Choose fruits and vegetables for their wrinkle-fighting antioxidants. The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish can help your skin’s elasticity and hydration.

Don’t forget to drink enough water. The scientific evidence doesn’t yet prove how 10 glasses of water per day can help the skin. However, many celebs with gorgeous skin recommended it, and we wouldn’t mind having skin that looks as good as Beyoncé’s does.

Learn the science of skin care with the Ogle School Esthetics program, and begin your career in beauty.