When it comes to skin care, your twenties are the perfect time to start establishing good habits that will help keep your skin looking healthy for decades to come. Maybe, you’ve fallen into some habits you know aren’t doing your skin any favors—like popping pimples or going to bed with your makeup on—or perhaps you’re just overwhelmed by the sheer variety of products out there. Either way, we’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step skin care regimen that will work well for any skin type.

1. Cleanse Your Face Daily

Washing your face is the first step to establishing a healthy skin care routine. “Using a gentle facial cleanser before you go to sleep will help cleanse away excess oil, dirt and debris that collects on your skin throughout the day,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “If you have time, cleansing again in the morning will help remove any bacteria that has accumulated on your skin while sleeping and any traces of overnight treatments applied the night before.” LovelySkin LUXE Clarifying Gel Cleanser gently exfoliates the skin with glycolic acid, salicylic acid and afaLUXE™, a dermatologist-developed molecule that exfoliates and improves your skin’s moisture barrier.

2. Protect Skin During the Day With Sunscreen

If you apply just one product in the morning, make it a moisturizing sunscreen, such as La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV. Using a sunscreen-powered moisturizer every day is the best way to protect your skin from sun damage. The time and effort you take to safeguard your skin during your twenties means you’re more likely to have fewer fine lines and wrinkles in your thirties, forties and beyond. This La Roche-Posay moisturizer protects against UVA and UVB rays with an SPF 30 blend of chemical sunscreens (homosalate, avobenzone, octisalate and octocrylene) and also contains prebiotic thermal water and glycerin to maintain moisture throughout the day.

3. Hydrate Your Skin Overnight

If you’re new to skin care, the idea of jumping headfirst into an elaborate nightly regimen (like the buzzed-about 10-step Korean skin care routine) might feel overwhelming. The good news is you can soak up multiple benefits by using just one product before bed: a night cream. Vichy Idealia Night Cream hydrates your skin with hyaluronic acid, reduces puffiness with caffeine and brightens dull skin by exfoliating with lipohydroxy acid.

4. Moisturize From Head to Toe

Now that your face is thoroughly moisturized, it’s time to attend to the rest of your bod. Using a body lotion after a bath or shower can help replenish your skin’s moisture. The act of massaging lotion onto your body can also increase circulation, leading to healthier-looking skin. We love Caudalie Hyaluronic Acid Nourishing Body Lotion for its indulgent orange blossom scent and non-greasy feel. Its moisturizing power comes from hyaluronic acid, which works as a humectant, retaining water in the skin to keep it moist and hydrated.

5. Treat Acne as Needed

If you have occasional or recurring acne, you’ll want to avoid the urge to pop pimples, which can cause scarring and inflammation. Instead, keep an acne spot treatment on hand to use as needed, such as ClarityRX ClearZit On The Spot Blemish Control. A combination of glycolic acid and salicylic acid team up to unclog pores and banish the bacteria that leads to breakouts, while menthol and witch hazel reduce redness and swelling.

6. Heal Irritation

With winter on the way, flare-ups of skin conditions like chapped lips, eczema, psoriasis or just general dryness become more common. Stock your skin care cabinet with FixMySkin 1% Hydrocortisone Healing Body Balm, a versatile balm that soothes irritations and inflammation with hydrocortisone, shea butter and cocoa butter. This balm’s stick formulation makes it easy to tuck into your handbag or backpack for on-the-go use, or stow it in your nightstand to use as needed.

If you’ve mastered these six basic skin care steps, you may be ready to add a toner, serum or essence to your routine. Read more in our recent blog post: What’s the Difference Between Toners, Essences, Serums and Ampoules?