It’s time to let you in on a little secret—anti-aging routines are best started before signs of aging begin to develop. That means you, skin care-savvy 20-something! Preventative measures are much less challenging than corrective measures, meaning the earlier you start a good routine, the better.

First thing’s first, you have to know your skin. Suffering from adult acne? Wondering if those brown spots on your nose are just freckles or something more sinister, like sun damage? Your skin can change over time, especially during your 20s when hormones run rampant. If you need a little assistance, don’t worry! Visit with a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician to determine the best products and ingredients for your skin—and choose something that caters specifically to you.

Regardless of your skin type, there are a few tricks to remember when building your regimen. Read on to check out some of our favorite tips and products for skin care in your 20s!

Begin with a good cleanser.

Even if your bathroom shelves are lined with the best creams, serums and skin care treatments available, they simply can’t do the work if your skin isn’t cleansed properly. Make sure your regimen begins with an effective cleanser to ensure the products that follow can do what they promise!

Our Pick: LovelySkin LUXE Clarifying Gel Cleanser: This effective cleanser contains glycolic and salicylic acids as well as a patented ingredient, called afaLUXE™, to exfoliate and refine the skin without overdrying. Bonus: if you experience acne, this cleanser is a must-have to clear and treat breakouts!

Always remove makeup before bed.

It’s understandable that long nights and early mornings can sometimes leave you wanting to put skin care on the backburner. However, if there’s one thing you should do before hitting the sheets, it’s removing makeup and cleansing your skin. Not washing your face before the sandman arrives can lead to premature aging!

Our Pick: Dermablend Makeup Dissolver is a lightweight, cream-to-oil formula that gently dissolves even the most stubborn waterproof mascara without leaving behind a greasy residue.

It’s never too early to treat your eyes.

The skin around the eyes is delicate and prone to dryness, causing it to be more susceptible to wrinkles, fine lines and puffiness—and making it one of the first places skin begins to shows age. The best way to keep aging concerns at bay is to start now; it’s never too early for an eye treatment!

Our Pick: Vichy Mineral 89 Eyes: We’re obsessed with this super lightweight eye gel because it contains hyaluronic acid and caffeine to awaken eyes while deeply hydrating the skin with Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water.

Start prevention now.

We said it once and we’ll say it again: it’s easier to prevent signs of aging than it is to correct them. If your skin isn’t ready for a targeted treatment, start with an all-encompassing ingredient like retinol. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that stimulates collagen production and boosts cell turnover, promoting a more smooth and radiant complexion. Bonus: If you’re prone to acne, retinol works wonders.

Our Pick: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3: Formulated for sensitive skin or first-time retinol users, this powerful treatment boosts cell turnover while minimizing irritation with bisabolol, a chamomile derivative.

Pro Tip: Retinol is best used at night, when the skin naturally regenerates. For best results, apply before bed and increase frequency of use over time. Since retinol is powerful, it’s best to start slowly!

Treat it and forget it.

We’re young, we’re fun and sometimes we feel a little invincible, but that’s not the case! Skipping sunscreen or picking at pimples may seem harmless in the moment, but it can do serious damage to skin. If you’ve started to notice discoloration related to acne or sun exposure, adding a treatment serum to your regimen can make all the difference.

Our Pick: Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum: This lightweight serum targets discoloration with Viniferine, a patented grape vine derivative that evens skin tone and boosts radiance.

Pro Tip: You may find treatment serums a bit more costly than the average skin care product, but their benefits make them completely worth it! Remember, your skin is an investment. Investing in it now will pay off in the long run! Check out what our customers had to say about our pick on the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum reviews page.

Don’t forget to hydrate.

Another way to keep signs of aging at bay is to keep skin hydrated, and everyone, we mean everyone, needs a moisturizer. The right moisturizer for your skin type can prevent wrinkling, balance oil production and improve acne. That’s right—dryness can actually exacerbate acne because it can lead to inflammation, an increase in natural oil production and a compromised skin barrier.

Our Pick: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer: Lightweight and soothing, this oil-free hydrating cream gently nourishes the skin while niacinamide balances redness and irritation.

Sun protection is non-negotiable.

The number one cause of aging is sun exposure. Whether you’re indoors or out on the town, sun protection is a must, so get in the habit of applying it daily! In addition to preventing sunburn, sunscreen also protects against skin cancer, dark spots and wrinkles. Rain or shine, every day is sunscreen day!

Our Pick: IMAGE Skincare Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer SPF 32: Formulated with micro-sponge technology to absorb surface oils and keep skin looking shine-free, this mattifying sunscreen protects against harmful UV rays while doubling as a makeup primer.

Avoid tech neck.

We live in a world that thrives on technology, but our skin may be paying for it. Tech neck refers to wrinkles caused by looking down at a smartphone, laptop or tablet. The skin on the neck and chest (sometimes called the décolleté) is just as delicate as the face, and repeatedly looking down for extended periods of time causes unwanted wrinkles. Remember, the neck and chest are extensions of your face, and treating them with the same care as your face can lead to a more youthful appearance in the years to come!

Our Pick: iS CLINICAL NeckPerfect Complex: Ideal for use on the neck, jawline and décolleté, this age-defying formula works to smooth, soften and sculpt while reducing the appearance of wrinkles, texture and discoloration.

Try a pre-built regimen.

If you prefer a one-stop shop, try a pre-built set or kit! Many brands offer introductory sets and kits that can set you on a path to better skin care. They are often formulated to cater to skin type, skin concern or even age range, and are an excellent way to try products you wouldn’t usually try! As an added bonus, if you don’t already have an established regimen, skin care kits are a great way to get your hands on the essentials.

Our Pick: Obagi CLENZIderm MD System: Designed for those with oily and acne-prone skin, this dermatologist-recommended system contains a cleanser, toner and lotion with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to prevent and treat breakouts.

Ready to get more out of your skin care regimen? Read more on our blog!