10 Tips on How to Reduce or Prevent Wrinkles and Signs of Aging

For years, I've looked younger than my age. When I was a kid, I hated this. In fact, as a young adult I hated it too! I was still being IDed to purchase tobacco products in my early 30s! Of course, now I don't smoke, and I don't drink, but I'm pretty sure no one is going to ask for my ID for anything these days. Red Robin said they IDed anyone younger than 39-1/2 and I'm 38, and they didn't even blink.

Eventually, we all start to show age, even if we don't show our age. I've noticed a few more fine lines around my eyes and a few more deeper lines on my hands and neck in particular. As I surf around the internet, I've been bombarded with anti-aging cream product advertising, anti-aging product spam, and those ugly ads that show the obviously picture altered faces of women and then the picture changes to a beautiful young face of the same woman.

Those products are expensive, and often do more damage to the skin than not using them. So I set on a quest to find tips for reducing and/or preventing wrinkles and the signs of aging in a more natural, and a whole lot less expensive, way.

How to Reduce and Prevent Wrinkles

1. Drink Plenty of Water - Water keeps skin hydrated, plump and moisturized, so fine lines and dry skin don't increase the appearance of wrinkles on the face and skin.

2. Avoid the Sun - This is a big one for anti-aging and wrinkle prevent. The sun prematurely ages our skin. While a small amount of indirect sunlight is very healthy for our bodies, prolonged sun exposure or tanning can prematurely age and weather the skin, leaving it more likely to show signs of aging and premature wrinkles.

3. Use Sunscreen - Sunscreen is an absolute must when you are going to be in direct sunlight for extended periods of time and want to prevent wrinkles and reduce the signs of aging. Don't forget that even when it's cold outside, you can still get burned by the sun and the UV rays still can cause premature aging and wrinkles.

4. Use Sun Protection Cosmetics - Don't think that your foundation and powder will protect you from the sun. Using foundation and powder that has SPF will help reduce or slow the signs of aging and prevent wrinkles.

5. Use a Moisturizer Regularly - Much like drinking water hydrates the skin from the inside, moisturizer hydrates skin from the outside in, helping to prevent wrinkles and slow the signs of aging. Moisturizer can be used all over the body too, not just the face. Pay particular attention to the hands and neck.

6. Eat a Well-balanced Diet - A well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and good dairy products that is moderately low in bad fats and red meats will help prevent the signs of aging and keep skin healthy while reducing or preventing wrinkles. Take a good multi-vitamin if your doctor or health professional thinks it is necessary.

7. Keep Face Clean - Keeping your face clean can help prevent wrinkles and some signs of aging. However, pay attention to the next tip:

8. Don't Over Wash Your Face - Over washing your face can dry and peel off good layers of fresh skin, causing the skin to get dry and tough and that can increase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A face should never be cleaned with anything rougher than a soft cloth and then should be cleaned gently.

9. Don't Use Soap - Bar soap is tough on the skin. A moisturizing body wash will help with your body and your face should use gentle facial cleanser with no chemicals and no alcohol or peroxide, as these things damage the facial skin and can cause wrinkles or increased signs of aging.

10. Get Plenty of Sleep/Rest - Nothing can make a person look older and show their true age than being sleep deprived. People who regularly fail to get enough sleep will show signs of aging much faster than people who are well rested. Always try to get plenty of sleep each night.

If you already have some signs of aging or wrinkles and want to consider an anti-aging product, you should consider a visit to a dermatologist to discuss options. Using untried and unproven products, especially the ones you can find on the internet and being spammed to your inbox, can actually cause damage to your face and skin, which can increase the signs of aging.

The best way to stay looking young and healthy is to treat your body right, eat right, sleep well, and live a life you love surrounded by people who love you. Nothing looks more youthful and beautiful than a happy smile from a peaceful person living a good life!