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Photo credit by LauraFries.com

As we age, our skin reflects how well we've taken care of it. If you are in your twenties, it's important to be good to your skin now. Read on for a dozen great skincare tips for women in their twenties.

Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Drinking at least 64 ounces of water every day will help keep your skin from drying out, and it has many other health benefits as well.

Use sunscreen. Neglecting to wear sunscreen is one of the fastest ways to age and damage your skin; don't step outside without it. Use a full-spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30. Be sure to apply it on your neck, arms, and any other exposed areas. If you wear foundation, apply it over the sunscreen, and make sure that it also has some SPF.

Moisturize. Use a light moisturizer with SPF during the day and a heavier one at night.

Cleanse your face daily. Use a gentle cleanser in the morning and at night. Don't go to bed with makeup still on your face; it will clog your pores and ruin your pillowcase.

Don't smoke. If you are a smoker, commit to quitting. Women who smoke while in their twenties tend to get wrinkles around the eyes and mouth. In addition, their skin tends to be dry and even sallow. Quitting will help your skin and your lungs.

Eat well. Consistently eating the wrong foods can take a toll on your skin. Try to avoid or at least limit alcohol, caffeine, and greasy foods. Instead, opt for a healthy diet including fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.

Take your vitamins. When you're in your twenties, it's important to get your daily dose of vitamins C and E. These vitamins are antioxidants that help fight the signs of aging.

Know your limits. Some medications make you more susceptible to the harmful effects of the sun. Know the side effects of any medicines you're taking and limit sun exposure if necessary. Self-tanners also increase your photosensitivity; stay out of the sun for 12 hours after applying.

Get your beauty sleep. Sleeping for at least 8 hours every night will help your skin renew itself. It will also keep you from getting dark circles under your eyes.

See a dermatologist once a year. Ask for a total body mole check to screen for signs of skin cancer. While you're there, ask for advice on how to better care for your skin.

Do a weekly scrub. Get a loofah and a nice exfoliating sugar scrub. Use it on your body once a week to remove the dead skin cells and give your skin a healthy glow.

Treat those breakouts.If you notice a pimple, treat it as soon as possible with a good cleanser containing 2 percent salicylic acid.

How you treat your skin when you're in your twenties will have effects for many years to come. If you're good to your skin now, it will be good to you as you age.