To Botox or not to Botox? It’s a question that younger and younger women are asking themselves each year, as the phrase “preventative Botox” started making its way into the lexicon. So just exactly what is preventative Botox? Basically, it’s getting injections to prevent future wrinkles rather than to erase the ones you already have.

I was late to the Botox game. I only started to indulge when I hit 40 on the advice of my dermatologist, Dr. Leigh Ellen Eubanks of Suzanne Bruce and Associates. I love Dr. Eubanks, and when someone is putting needles in your face, it’s important to love them. She did a great job of explaining to me that I could use Botox not just to lessen the forehead wrinkles I have (furrowing my brow is my No. 1 facial expression) but also to keep new ones from growing deeper. I’ve now added Botox to my regular skincare routine via steadily increasing baby steps—with Botox, less is more, so its better not to overdo it.

These days women are injecting small amounts of Botox as early as their 20s to help lessen the long-term effects of heavy facial expressions and the general signs of aging. But if you aren’t taking care of your skin, Botox at any age won’t help. So should you do it? Here’s some skin considerations you should be taking in your 20s and 30s and a few tips on how to decide when to go under the needle.