If you need motivation to take care of your skin, know this: Your largest organ protects your internal organs from bacteria and viruses, helps maintain your body temperature, and keeps you hydrated. The outermost part of your body also reflects your identity—it’s the part that you and others see.

A skincare routine can both protect you and keep you looking healthy. Here are the three best pieces of advice from expert dermatologists at Cedars-Sinai.

To keep your skin healthy, everyone should follow this standard advice: Don’t smoke, limit alcoholic drinks and get enough sleep, said Nima Gharavi, MD, PhD, chief of Dermatology and director of Dermatologic Surgery at Cedars-Sinai.

Most importantly, protect yourself from the sun to limit your risk for skin cancer, the most common type of cancer. Always wear sunscreen, and stay in the shade between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

“Wear at least an SPF 30 sunscreen and a hat and sleeves any time you leave the house,” Gharavi said. “This protects your skin from developing cancer and from other sun damage, such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.”

While it is well known that UV radiation from the sun is carcinogenic, there is no data or evidence that sunscreen ingredients are carcinogenic, said Stephanie Chapman, MD, a dermatologist who sees patients in Beverly Hills and Marina del Rey. The American Academy of Dermatology’s website can help you choose a sunscreen that is proven to be safe and effective.

Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically block UVA and UVB rays. Tinted mineral sunscreens contain iron oxides, which are even more effective at protecting against sunlight.

“We know for sure that the sun’s rays can lead to skin cancer, which usually requires surgical removal,” Chapman said. “It’s important to prevent such surgeries by limiting your risk.”

Read more: Summer Safety: What You Should Know About Melanoma

Dehydrated skin can become dull, cracked, flaky and prone to blemishes.

The best way to hydrate your body, including your skin, is to drink enough water. When your skin is hydrated, the blood vessels plump up, which can make the skin “glow,” Gharavi said. Staying hydrated also keeps your kidneys and other organs functioning well, which can show up in your skin.

“Hydration definitely helps the skin look more vibrant,” he said.

Read more: Don’t Delay Getting a Skin Exam. Here’s What to Expect.

Cosmetic procedures such as Botox and fillers do not make your skin healthier or protect you from skin cancer. But certain procedures and certain active ingredients in creams and ointments can address broken blood vessels, dark spots, wrinkles and fine lines while also helping to protect against skin cancer.

Skincare serums and creams that contain vitamin C are marketed to help brighten your skin. Some can help protect against damage from the sun and free radicals—cellular debris that can build up in the body and damage DNA—Chapman said.

“If you’re interested in incorporating vitamin C into a skincare routine, a dermatologist can recommend brands that we prefer for their protective benefits,” she said. “These products are acting at the cellular level: You can think of them as armor or a shield to protect against sun damage.”

Oral retinoids have been shown to help reduce skin cancer risk, and topical forms might help too, Gharavi said. Dermatologists sometimes prescribe oral retinoids to patients who have recurrent skin cancer lesions and those at higher risk for skin cancer, like people who have had an organ transplant.

Fractional resurfacing lasers are used as a cosmetic procedure to “resurface” the skin (usually on the face or hands) and minimize fine lines, wrinkles and signs of sun damage. A 2023 study found that treatment with such lasers was associated with a reduced incidence of skin cancer.

Some procedures and active ingredients might irritate the skin. To determine the steps that might be best for you, talk with a dermatologist.

“Overall, we want to tailor these routines to the individual,” Gharavi said. “You want to pick the ingredients that work best with your skin, and you can rely on a dermatologist or a practitioner who knows these products and procedures to help guide you.”