What? This Old Skin?

I am a dermatologist's worst nightmare. Sunscreen isn't my religion, I rarely moisturize, and, oh! the horror - I don't take off make-up before I go to bed. So, when my skin started freaking out exactly two months after my twenty-sixth birthday I started thinking carefree skin care was a thing better left with age twenty-five.

It made sense when I read the facts. In your 20s, skin cell renewal drops by up to 28 percent, dead surface cells are not as easily discarded, and on top of it all, external factors, such as pollution, are starting to have an effect. In other words, your skin is less equipped to hold onto it's natural moisture. Experts advise simple measures such as not smoking and watching sun exposure can have a positive impact on your complexion 10, 20, 30 years down the line. In fact, sun damage is responsible for 80-90 percent of skin aging.

But, where is a 20-something to begin? Luckily, the regime recommended by derms across the board is minimal and simple.

Use a mild cleaner to remove make-up and oil from the day.

Apply moisturizer with at least SPF 15 to your face, neck, and chest. Antioxidants are a recommended bonus as they help fight the radicals contained in things such as pollutions, detergents, smoke, etc. Antioxidants can also be found in produce and (!) wine.

At night, use a cream that hydrates, but is oil-free. A pea-size amount will go far if you focus on your eyes and spread the rest on your face.

An eye cream with spf will help to prevent those crow's feet.

Exfoliating once or twice a week with an exfoliant meant for the face is preferable. A light scrub will reveal more radiant cells and help aid a natural "glow." Many advise against a scrub that has natural elements as they are too abrasive for delciate facial skin.

While the economy tanks and we all make serious efforts to save, maybe one of the best investments you can make in your mid-twenties is in a solid skincare routine. Think of all the money you'll save on botox!