We all want to improve our parents, whether it's changing our past style or it's improving the appearance of our skin. Whether you're protecting your complexion from environmental aggressors or you're remembering to put on your sunscreen because you're nervous about skin cancer, you need to do everything that you can to take care of your skin. Ideally, you start looking after your skin from the moment you become a teenager. 

Your skin starts to change and the way that it feels and its texture begins to adjust as you adjust to adulthood. If you took on some tattoos or piercings that you probably shouldn't have, then you might consider how you could better look after your skin now that you're an adult. Whether that includes tattoo removal or removing piercings to allow the hole to close your skin matters. So with this in mind, we've put together a list of the ways that you could best take care of your skin.

1. Never say no to sunscreen. Whether it's raining or shining outside, your skin needs to be protected. Ultraviolet light doesn't go away just because it's cloudy, so make sure that you're wearing sunscreen as part of your skin care routine. It protects your skin from falling victim to the damaging UV rays of the sun, and it's also going to help you to feel good about your skin when you are radiantly glowing and not sunburnt. 

2. Always use the right antioxidant. Choosing a skin care routine with products that are rich in antioxidants is important. It's not just for mature skin types either. Having antioxidants in your skin care routine in your 20s and 30s is just as important, if not more important than having it when you are older. When free radicals are created, they look for something that they can attach to, and often it's the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, which they then break down. Wearing the right products now will ensure that you are able to avoid this as you get older, and you'll have much happier, healthier skin as a result.

3. Always moisturize. You can use a moisturizer with a built in SPF, but you should always moisturize your skin. During the winter and autumn months especially, seasonal dry skin can leave you looking and feeling parched. You want your skin to be as hydrated as possible and moisturizing with a replenishing lotion can help. You want to look healthy, so when you've come out of the shower everyday, start using moisturizer on more than just your face.

4. Speak to a dermatologist. Do you know what your skin type is? Did you know that you could customize your skin care routine according to type? Over time with a careful and consistent skin care routine. You'll be able to gradually improve the appearance and overall health of your skin. To improve its look, you're going to want to use products that are designed specifically for your particular skin type. But you're only going to know that if you speak to a dermatologist first.

5. Always wash your face. In the morning when you wake up and at night before you go to bed, you should be washing your face with a cleanser and exfoliator. You don't have to exfoliate every single day, but you should be cleansing your skin before you go to bed so that you're not putting your dirty face onto your pillows. If you're wearing a hat or a helmet or you're doing a workout, you need to make sure you're using that cleansing routine that you've got into. Your skin is going to sweat. It's skin. It's what it does, but it doesn't mean that you can't look after it. 

6. Sleep well. If you want to improve your complexion, you need to get a good night's sleep. During the hours when you are sleeping your skin cells are working on repairing and regenerating itself. This means if you take that time away, your skin will become dull and tired looking. If you do struggle to wind down at night, find a ritual that works for you that can help you to tire out. Drawing a bath, practicing some yoga techniques, or sipping on a cup of herbal tea can help.

7. Eat well. What you eat and how much water you drink is going to impact your skin. Healthy diet and lifestyle can promote healthy looking skin, so build in lean proteins, healthy fats and plenty of fruit and veg. Keep your body hydrated with lots of water and drink the recommended amount of water throughout the day.

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.