The Gifts You Give Your Future Skin
Levi Jensen, MS-II
Midwestern University,
Glendale, Arizona
The Gifts You Give Your Future Skin
My son recently turned three, and all he has wanted to do was race and play with me. We spent the afternoon running, laughing and trying to beat each other to the finish line. While I was playing with him, I was thinking about how many more moments like this I wanted to have. I want to be able to keep up with him as he grows, to stay active with him for as long as possible.

That realization made me think about health in a different way. Some of the choices we make today are really gifts to our future selves. Taking care of our bodies gives us the chance to stay present for the people and activities we love later. It made me start thinking about what other long-term gifts I could give myself — including protecting my skin.
If you could give your future self a gift, what would you want? Most people think of money, memories, or something meaningful. One of the best gifts you could give is healthy skin. Your skin remembers everything — the sun, the smiles, and the seasons. The habits you build now can affect your skin’s long-term health.
The good news is that daily choices can protect your skin over time.
Gift #1: Daily Sunscreen
This is the most important one.
Up to 90% of visible skin damage is caused by ultraviolet (UV) exposure which leads to wrinkles, dark spots, uneven texture, and loss of firmness.
Even on cloudy days, UV rays still reach your skin. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher helps protect against both UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays).
Gift #2: Protective Clothing
UPF-rated clothing acts like built-in sunscreen, blocking a large portion of UV rays before they reach your skin. Consider, wide-brim hats, sunglasses, UPF-rated shirts, and shade between 10am–4pm when the sun is strongest can significantly lower exposure during peak hours.
Gift #3: Consistency
You don’t need a complicated 10-step routine. The basics matter most: sunscreen for protection, and a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to support the skin barrier.
A gentle cleanser helps remove sweat, oil, sunscreen, and daily pollution without stripping the skin. Look for labels such as “fragrance-free,” “for sensitive skin,” or “hydrating cleanser.”
Moisturizers help repair and maintain the barrier so skin stays comfortable and resilient. Ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum are especially helpful. For best results, apply moisturizer within a minute after washing.
When to apply?
Morning:
Cleanse → Moisturize → Sunscreen
Night:
Cleanse → Moisturize
Gift #4: Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Your skin also responds to everyday habits. Staying active, drinking water, and eating fruits and vegetables all support normal skin function and healing. Avoiding smoking is especially important, since tobacco smoke breaks down collagen and speeds up premature aging.
Gift #5: Skin Checks
Early detection saves lives.
Check your skin regularly for new or changing spots. See a healthcare professional if you notice:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color variation
- Diameter >6mm
- Evolving (changing)
Skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early
Your Future Skin Is Built Today
The habits you practice now — wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and checking your skin — are small daily choices that help prevent damage and protect your health over time. They may seem minor today, but over years they add up to real protection. Taking care of your skin isn’t just about appearance. It’s about preserving function, preventing disease, and staying present for the people and moments that matter most. Give your future self a gift your skin will remember.
Sources
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