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Now in her early 50s, she still really takes care of her skin.

To this day, she never misses her daily cleansing and moisturizing routine.

She instilled her love of skin-care in me from a young age.

At night, I cleanse again and apply a thicker moisturizer.

These little red bumps make me super cautious about what goes on my skin.

Ive found that having a regular routine helps keep my KP from getting worse.

(Ive also learned that genetics plays a huge role, so thanks, Mom!)

Each dermatologist I speak to reiterates the importance ofgood skin habits.

I wondered if the routine I came up with as a teenager is serving me well.

Cleansing

What I do:The first thing I do in the morning and evening is cleanse.

She recommends double cleansing, especially if you wear makeup.

Start with a makeup wipe or micellar water.

Then, use a traditional cleanser.

Serums

What I do:Ive been using serum for years (Mom taught me well).

I put it on each morning with my SPF moisturizer.

She recommends twentysomethings use an antioxidantserum.

An antioxidant serum has a protective and preventive quality, she says.

Free radicals are created by environmental pollutants and ultraviolet radiation.

An antioxidant serum helps counteract those free radicals that are also very damaging to the skin.

She says to use one withvitamin C, and likesSkinceuticals C E Ferulic($166).

(A cheaper option:Maelove The Glow Maker($28).)

Im a fan of AvenesHydrance Optimale Hydrating SPF 25 Cream($35).

(Derms often recommend mineral sunscreens forsensitive skintypes.)

My skin definitely feels better, and I can see why its recommended.

This can make the skin look dull and scars can take longer to fade.

Dr. Shah recommendschemical exfoliantslike peels over mechanical ones like scrubs, because they are gentler in the long run.

Try presoaked pads, likeDr.

Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel($88).

It contains caffeinean ingredient Dr. Shah says helps with puffiness by constricting the blood vessels under the eyes.

When I use it, I can see a difference in my puffiness within a few minutes.

What Dr. Shah says:The eye cream you want to use should answer the skin concerns you have.

If youre looking for hydration only, Dr. Shah says your face moisturizer is likely sufficient.

But most people use an eye cream to target specific issues like dark circles or puffiness, she says.

Collagen is present throughout the body and provides structure.

It helps keep the skin firm and elastic, says Dr. Shah.

I have never used retinoids.

Retinoids arent just for preventing wrinkles; they can help with all types of skin concerns.

It can also help with hyperpigmentation.

While retinoids are tolerated by most skin types, they can be very drying.

Im going to take a rain check on retinol for now.

Luckily, I have a few years before Dr. Shah says I should start considering it.

What Dr. Shah says:Our skins ability to hold onto moisture decreases as we get older.

Thats why Dr. Shah recommends using a richer cream at night to restore moisture to the skin.

But richer is relative.

It all really depends on your skin key in.

If you are acne prone an oil-free lightweight moisturizer is generally the way to go, Dr. Shah says.

But some young people have dry skin and need a richer moisturizer.

The lesson I learned?

Theres nothing wrong with getting a head start.

And Im sure Ill reassessmy entire routineagain when I turn 30.