2. Wear Sunscreen: Guess what. Even if you don’t spend hours in the sun, minimal sun exposure can still damage your skin. This isn’t meant to scare you, but skin cancer is on the rise, and what you do now as a teen will definitely matter as you grow older.

Did you know that the “perfect tan” that many girls try to achieve during the summer months is actually your body’s way of protecting itself from too much sun exposure? If you start wearing sunscreen now, you can avoid not only wrinkles and sunspots as you get older, but also skin cancer. Look for a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

3. Wash Your Face: I know it sounds like a silly thing to write about, but sometimes it’s important just to remember to wash your face! Let’s be honest: Who hasn’t gone to bed without washing off her makeup and dirt from the day? I used to do it all the time, but then I learned that going to sleep at night without washing my face meant that the makeup and oil left on my face could cause clogged pores, which can lead to blackheads or pimples. Besides, it’ll leave makeup on your pillows, and we know Mom doesn’t appreciate that!

4. Moisturize: There is a myth going around that moisturizer is only for people with really dry skin. Of course, if you have dry skin, you definitely want to moisturize, but even if you don’t, you should still consider it. There are so many different types of moisturizers on the market. Whether your skin is dry, normal, oily or combination, you’ll find the right type for you! Most brands say right on the bottle which type of skin they were formulated for, so it should be fairly easy to find what you need.

Remember, taking care of your skin is just one way in which you can improve your health and be a good steward of this gift given to you by God. While you shouldn’t obsess over your skin or your looks, keeping your skin healthy is one way to make yourself feel happy about who you are, which will allow you to be more effective for the Kingdom!