It’s no secret that as we age, our skin starts to show signs of wear and tear. Fine lines and wrinkles sprout up, and the skin loses its elasticity. 

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to combat the signs of aging, from using anti-aging creams to getting dermal and lip fillers. 

Here are 9 ways to keep your skin looking young and fresh.

1. Use Sunscreen

One of the best ways to combat the signs of aging is to use sunscreen every day, especially if most of your time is spent outdoors.

Numerous studies have shown that excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots. 

So make sure you apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, and reapply it every two hours if you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors.

Additionally, wearing sun-protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, sunglasses with UV protection, and a hat can also help protect most of your body from unnecessary sun exposure.

2. Consider Getting Dermal Fillers

If you’re really self-conscious about your skin, you should consider getting dermal fillers to help plump it up and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. 

A dermal filler is a noninvasive procedure that helps fill out the lost volume in your face and it could be a great addition to your anti-aging regime. 

There are a variety of dermal fillers available, made from different materials like hyaluronic acid (a substance that occurs naturally in the body) and calcium hydroxylapatite. Some of the most common types of dermal filler procedures include forehead and lip fillers (these are used to enhance the shape of your lips). 

3. Get A Good Night’s Sleep 

It’s no secret that getting enough sleep is important for overall health, but you may be surprised to find out that it can also help to keep your skin looking its best.

Research has shown that even one sleepless night can lead to the formation of dark under-eye circles, wrinkles and fine lines, hanging eyelids, and paler skin.

This is because when you sleep, your body produces more collagen (an essential structural protein found in skin, cartilage, and bones), which helps keep your skin youthful and elastic. 

On the other hand, a lack of sleep will lead to reduced skin stores of collagen and can result in your skin losing its elasticity and beauty.

Meaning, that if you regularly suffer from poor quality sleep, not only will you look and feel like a zombie, but your skin will suffer too! Bonus tip: Here’s how to stop looking tired all the time.

4. Use A Humidifier In The Winter Months

During the winter months, the air can become dry, which can lead to dry, flaky skin. To combat this, try using a humidifier in your home or carry a portable humidifier with you when you’re traveling. This will add some much-needed moisture to the air and your skin health will improve as a result.

Similarly, you should also use moisturizers to trap and store water in the deeper layers of your skin to give it a more youthful appearance.

5. Exercise Regularly

Not only is exercise good for your overall health, but it can also keep your skin looking its best. 

Exercise helps keep your skin looking plump and radiant by increasing the blood flow to it. It can also help reduce stress, which is a major cause of premature aging.

6. Eat A Healthy Diet And Stay Hydrated

According to experts, there’s a significant correlation between our skin and diet. A poor diet can result in premature skin aging and acne. On the other hand, a diet rich in antioxidant foods, such as berries, leafy greens, and tomatoes, can protect your skin from damage caused by UV rays and other environmental stressors. 

Similarly, proper hydration also plays a huge role in ensuring our skin doesn’t age prematurely by helping it maintain its elasticity.

7. Limit Caffeine And Alcohol Intake

Controlled amounts of caffeine and alcohol can actually be good for certain individuals with high blood pressure or kidney problems due to their diuretic (urine producing) properties. 

But if taken in excess amounts, they can also contribute to dehydration, which can lead to dry, dull-looking skin. 

Therefore, if you want to combat skin aging, consider curbing your intake of caffeine and alcohol.

8. Use Creams Containing Retinoids

If you are looking for an anti-aging cream that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, consider using one that includes a retinoid. 

Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A and are available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms. They work by increasing cell turnover, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and make the skin look younger.

However, if you’re planning to get pregnant any time soon or are carrying a baby, speak with your doctor before using them.

9. Stop Smoking

Smoking accelerates the aging process by damaging the elastic fibers and collagen in your skin. 

Additionally, smoking also leads to the production of damaging substances like reactive oxygen species (oxidants) that can lead to skin damage and premature aging.

So, if you’re an avid smoker, consider quitting. Not only will your skin thank you for it but your overall health and family will also be grateful!