Maybe it's the countless skin and makeup product commercials I've grown up on, or my pale—excuse me, fair skinned—face that has been covered in sunscreen my entire life, or the collection of freckles all over my body that have made me extra aware of the world of skincare and its versatile importance. I recently ran across several articles and videos about the priority of not only skincare in general but also the use of skin protecting products beginning at a young age. When you're young, you never consider your resilient skin to be something needing an extra boost. You're youthful, strong, buoyant. Why would you need a special sunscreen or moisturizer right now? According to dermatologists, starting a skin-protecting and repairing routine now will save you in the long run. Here are a few reasons why you should start caring for your skin now instead of later.

It's easier to prevent than repair

According to Cosmopolitan, preventing a wrinkle is much simpler than fixing one that's already there. When skin is exposed to the sun, its rays create microscopic scarring deep within that eventually build up and create a wrinkle. It may look like they appear overnight when in reality, the sun has been building up those fine lines for years. Wrinkles are somewhat unavoidable, but the natural antioxidants in our skin can fight the damage caused by sun exposure to a certain extent. Wearing a moisturizer with SPF daily, filling up on foods rich in antioxidants (like berries), and including vitamins A and C in your diet make a huge difference (Perricone MD).

Skin Type Doesn't Matter

There is sometimes the assumption that skin damage occurs more frequently and in dangerously larger doses to those with lighter complexions. Yes, people with fair skin are more prone to short term damage like sunburns and will therefore be more likely to experience skin damage and diseases like carcinoma or even melanoma. But the Skin Cancer Foundation makes the same warning for people with dark skin; although you may not burn every time you're exposed to the sun, you are still at risk. (In fact, there are certain skin cancers found only in people with darker pigments). Studies suggest wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 15+. Brands like Neutrogena and Olay provide products that protect skin as a sunscreen, moisturizer, and repairing agent.

You'll age slower

You know those super repetitive Olay Regenerist commercials? It's products and other similar night creams like this that are advertised to an older audience about skin repair. In reality, there is no reason not to start using a facial cream nightly right now. These products work by reaching deep layers of the skin to "regenerate surface skin cells" and hydrate to an extreme degree. Our skin needs hydration at all ages, so giving it the extra boost only keeps it stronger in the long run. The only problem with repairing products like these can be the price, but there are lots of competing, cheaper brands with the same or similar formula (you just have to look at the fine print).

It's cheaper now than later

Men and women are spending thousands of dollars on Botox, plastic surgery, and skin treatments to repair already damaged, aging skin. If you started investing in quality skin products now and bought them regularly for the next 10 years, you'd be paying around the same price—if not less. Plus, your skin would be in a lot better shape and you wouldn't have to get weird injections in your face. (Am I the only one freaked out by cosmetic surgery?)

You'll look and feel more awake

If not for the protection of your skin in the long run, start using these products to improve the energy and vibrance of your skin daily. The sun drains our skin of the nutrients it needs, making it look and feel tired. Along with a sunscreen or moisturizer containing SPF, add a skin brightening eye cream to the list. Stress, lack of sleep, and unhealthiness are all reflected in our skin. Even though you may be young and bounce back pretty easily, your skin doesn't always look the part—even with concealer. This leads to dark circles, sagging, and even fine lines at a younger age than you'd imagine. Using an eye cream (or even facial cream) containing a brightening agent helps nourish and revitalize now and protect later.