Your skin reflects your health. It’s your body’s canvas and one of its most valuable assets. For good skin care, start developing healthy habits that guard your valued possession from outer (and inner) forces. It’s the only skin you’ll ever get, so your daily habits mean everything. Here are some basic skin care tips:

Clean and moisturize your skin daily

Wash your face twice daily — once in the morning and once at night before going to bed. After you cleanse your skin, follow with a toner and moisturizer. Toners help to remove fine traces of oil, dirt, and make-up that you may have missed when cleansing. Moisturizing is necessary even for people with oily skin. Buy a moisturizer that is best suited for your skin type (dry, normal, or oily).

Block the sun

Over time, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun causes many changes in the skin, including wrinkles, discoloration, freckles or age spots, benign (non-cancerous) growths. Limit your time in the sun, and always wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with the physical blocker zinc oxide and a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater. Cover exposed areas with protective clothing, such as a long-sleeve shirt, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.

Seek professional help for skin problems

Your skin will not be perfect. It can be dry or oily; it can develop rashes and acne, among many other issues. Address the problem with a professional skin expert, either a skin aesthetician at your local salon or a dermatologist for more severe skin problems.

Self screening

Over the course of your life, you should pay attention to all parts of your skin. Familiarize yourself with it, so you’ll notice any changes that might occur, such as different moles or patches that might indicate skin cancer. Whenever you have a question or concern, make sure you see your doctor.