How To Keep Your Skin from Developing Signs of Aging

There are several things you can do to keep your skin looking healthy. Follow these simple guidelines to learn how to prevent many signs of aging.

1. First and foremost, use sunscreen. Protecting your skin from the sun is the single most important thing you can do to prevent aging. You don't have to completely avoid the sun, but using a sunscreen on your face with at least 25 SPF whenever you go outside will prevent most sun damage. Always protect your face, but don't forget your throat and hands. If the skin on your face is smooth and creamy, but the skin on your neck looks like leather and your hands are covered in age spots, they'll tell on you. If you are spending extensive amounts of time outside in direct sunlight, consider using a higher SPF, and reapply regularly. Also wear a hat and sunglasses for further protection. Give up the tanning bed. If you must have a sun-kissed glow, consider self-tanner or bronzer. The newer formulas on the market are much better than the smelly orange goop of yesteryear.
2. Dry skin is more prone to wrinkles, so it is important to moisturize your skin. Every skin type needs moisturizer to look its best, even oily skin. Many skin care lines carry moisturizers specific to particular skin types. Moisturize your face twice a day, using different products for day and night if needed. Moisturize the rest of the skin on your body at least once a day. Drier or thicker skinned areas (feet, knees, etc) will need a heavier moisturizer, and thinner skinned/more delicate areas will need a lighter moisturizer (face, throat, etc). Moisturizer will absorb better right after a shower or bath when skin is softened.
3. Don't forget to exfoliate. Exfoliation gets rid of dead skin, exposing fresher skin cells. But keep in mind that while exfoliation is important to do, it is equally important not to overdo. Over-exfoliation can do more harm than good. You can strip your skin of necessary oils, forcing your skin to overproduce oils while trying to compensate. This can lead to breakouts, redness, and swelling. Exfoliate no more than 2-3 times per week.
4. While you're taking care of your skin on the outside, don't forget to hydrate from the inside. Drink at least eight 8 oz glasses of water per day. If you don't like plain water, try some of the "to go" drink mixes that are out there. They are sold in portions perfect for a 500 ml bottle of water and there are many brands with many flavors. There's certainly a variety out there that you'll like well enough to forget that it's good for you.

If you take care of yourself, your body will reward you with many years of beautiful skin.