Healthy skin tips: 5 proven ways dermatologists recommend

TL;DR:

• Wear SPF 30+ daily, reapply every 2 hours outdoors.
  
• Cleanse gently, moisturize right after washing.
  
• Protect with shade, hats, and sunglasses when UV index is 3+.
  
• Sleep well, lower stress, and skip smoking.
  
• Check moles monthly, see a dermatologist for changes.
  

The 5 habits that keep skin healthy

Good skin comes from simple daily habits. The five steps below cover sun, cleansing, moisture, lifestyle, and checks. Each one is easy to start today, 2025-09-20.

1) Use sun protection every day

UV light ages skin and raises skin cancer risk. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. The American Academy of Dermatology says most adults need about 1 ounce for full body cover, and about a teaspoon for the face, which equals two finger lengths of product. Reapply every two hours outdoors, and after swimming or heavy sweat. Carry a travel tube so you do not skip.

Do not rely on sunscreen alone. Add shade, long sleeves, a wide-brim hat, and 100 percent UV-blocking sunglasses. Sun protection is advised when the UV index is 3 or higher. Check your local UV forecast before going out. Surfaces like water, sand, and snow reflect light, so be extra careful.

Quick sunscreen guide

Broad-spectrum means UVA and UVB cover. Pick a water-resistant formula you will use every day. Lotions, gels, sticks, and sprays all work when applied in the right amount.

2) Keep a gentle cleanse-and-moisturize routine

Wash with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Use lukewarm water and your fingertips, not a scrub tool. Pat dry, do not rub. Then seal in moisture right away with a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer. This helps repair the skin barrier and cuts dryness and itch. If a label says “unscented,” it may still include masking agents, so “fragrance-free” is the safer pick.

Morning: cleanse if needed, moisturize, then sunscreen.
Night: cleanse to remove the day, moisturize while skin is still damp.

If your skin is oily, pick a light lotion or gel. If dry, pick a cream. Keep actives simple if you are new to skincare. Add only one new product at a time so you can spot any reaction.

3) Layer protection, not just product

Sunscreen is one layer. Clothing is another. A tight-weave shirt, a brimmed hat, and wraparound sunglasses block a lot of UV. Plan outdoor time when the sun is lower. Seek shade during midday. These steps lower burns, wrinkles, and spots without complex routines. Sun safety guides from public health groups back this approach worldwide.

4) Support skin with steady habits

Skin reflects daily choices. Aim for enough sleep, regular movement, and stress control. Good sleep helps repair the skin barrier. Stress can make common skin issues feel worse, so try simple tools like a walk, breathing drills, or short breaks. Limit alcohol, and do not smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and speeds lines. Eat a balanced plate with colorful plants, fiber, and healthy fats. Drink fluids through the day to stay hydrated, and add more in heat or during exercise. These steps keep the whole body, and skin, in better shape.

5) Know your skin and act early

Do a quick check once a month. Look for new moles or spots, or changes in size, shape, or color. Note sores that do not heal or scaly patches that bleed. Book a skin exam if something looks new or different. Early care is easier and safer than late care. If you have many moles, a history of sunburns, or a family history of skin cancer, set a yearly visit with a dermatologist.

A simple daily routine to copy

Morning

1. Cleanse with a gentle, fragrance-free face wash.
   
2. Moisturize while skin is damp.
   
3. Apply SPF 30+ to face, neck, and all exposed skin.
   
4. Add hat and sunglasses if UV index is 3 or higher.
   

Evening

1. Cleanse with lukewarm water and fingertips.
   
2. Moisturize from face to toes within 3 minutes of toweling dry.
   

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using too little sunscreen. Most adults need a shot glass for the body. Reapply often.
  
• Hot showers. Heat strips oils and worsens dryness. Use warm water.
  
• Fragranced products on sensitive skin. Fragrance can irritate. Choose fragrance-free.
  
• Relying only on SPF. Add shade, clothing, and hats, especially at midday.
  
• Skipping checks. New or changing spots need a professional look.
  

Why it matters

These five habits protect against early lines, dark spots, and painful burns. They also lower lifetime skin cancer risk. A simple, steady routine saves time and money, and keeps the skin barrier strong so your skin looks and feels better.

Sources:

• American Academy of Dermatology, How to apply sunscreen, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/how-to-apply-sunscreen, 2025-08-15
  
• American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin, https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin, 2024-05-16
  
• World Health Organization, Ultraviolet radiation fact sheet, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ultraviolet-radiation, 2022-06-21