Our society has put so much premium on youth and beauty. So much so that anti-aging products flood the market. Anti-aging technology and medical procedures are also the rage among the middle-aged.

We tend to forget that there are ‘natural’ ways to keep us looking young.

Natural ways to keep skin younger looking

Experts agree that sun exposure speeds up aging. So protect you skin from the sun at all times. Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to protect your skin against harmful UV rays.

Do not sunbathe if you can avoid it, but if you must, do not sunbathe between 10am-3pm when the sun’s rays are at their strongest and most harmful. Also wear hats to protect your face and sunglasses to shield your eyes. Sunglasses reduces squinting which causes wrinkles.

Smoking also causes skin to age prematurely due to the biochemical changes in creates in our body. It also causes skin to have an unhealthy yellowish hue. A recent study also showed that wrinkles can form on smokers as young as 20 – though visible only under a microscope.

Moderate alcohol intake since alcohol dehydrates the skin, causing wrinkles.

Drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated. Doctors recommend at 6-8 glasses a day.

Lead a healthy lifestyle. Eat foods that are rich in nutrients and anti-oxidants to fight free-radicals that attack the skin’s collagen and elastic tissue. Good sources of free radicals include: green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, beans, salmon, yogurt, whole grains and berries.

Exercise regularly. Exercise increases circulation and delivery of nutrients to skin cells. Exercise reduces acne break outs and aging. Aside from these, exercise also keeps the whole body healthy.

Vitamin supplements also help slow down the aging process. Take multi-vitamins, including vitamins A, C and E daily.

Watch your diet and fitness regimen. Drastic weight-loss plans or programs are not only unhealthy but can have negative effects on the skin. Too much weigh loss over a short period of time causes skin to sag.

Finally, take care of your skin. Wash your face twice a day to keep your skin healthy and refreshed.