10 Anti-Aging Tips

Give your skin a fighting chance with these ten anti-aging tips, commonly believed to be effective in reducing the physical signs of aging.

1. Eat healthy. Stick to a low fat diet that is high fruits and vegetables and lean meats and fish. Then enjoy a moderate intake of carbohydrates, especially complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains.

2. Engage in a regular exercise routine.

3. Reduce your stress. Stress is one of the primary causes of premature aging and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When you are experiencing too much stress, your body simply does not function at its highest level. Starting slowly, eliminate those facets of your lifestyle that are contributing to too much stress.

4. Drink water. Water helps hydrate skin and helps your body form healthy cells. It also helps your body remove waste products.

5. Supply your body with antioxidants, such as vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E, from vegetables and fruits, as well as nutritional supplements. These vitamins help your skin fight the damage of free-radicals that your skin is exposed to via environmental factors (such as pollution).

6. Protect yourself from the sun's damaging rays. Apply sunscreen each morning on your face, even in the wintertime. And slather sunscreen on exposed parts of your body when going outside. Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide brimmed hats. Wear sunglasses to protect your delicate eye area, too. This is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the signs of aging, particularly on your face. Try not to go outside during the times of the sun's most intense and damaging rays (from 10 am to 2 pm)

7. Avoid smoke. If you are a smoker, quitting will greatly help in your efforts to reduce your physical signs of aging. Studies say nicotine accelerates the skin's aging process.

8. Take time to wash your skin (gently). When you clean your skin, you reduce the risk of skin disorders that may come from pollutants in the environment. Make sure that you aren't drying your skin with irritating soaps or additives, such as dyes and perfumes. Remove your makeup carefully, paying special attention to the delicate eye area. Use a gentle eye makeup remover, instead of using harsh soaps around your eyes. Pat your skin dry gently and use moisturizers as needed.

9. Shave carefully. If you shave often, try applying a warm washcloth on your skin before shaving to soften the hair. Then use a moisturizing shaving cream or lotion to lubricate and protect your skin.

10. Moisturize. When you moisturize regularly, you will help your skin maintain its youthful glow. Apply a moisturizer that is suited for your specific skin type as often as needed throughout the day.