Wrinkles. Fine lines. Crow’s feet.

If hearing these things make you feel uncomfortable, I don’t blame you. Signs of skin aging aren’t really that pretty, particularly if they appear earlier than they are supposed to.

But, I’ll let you know a secret.

Although aging is inevitable, there are ways for you to slow down their appearance. And that’s exactly what you can expect to get from these 5 anti-aging tips to prevent wrinkles.

Ready?

1. Wear your sunscreens

Getting your daily dose of sunshine is crucial for your body. It triggers the production of vitamin D which is important for your overall health.

Now, although there are benefits, the sun’s rays aren’t always good for you. In fact, they can put you at risk of skin cancer, particularly if you’re frequently outdoors without any sunscreen.

And you know what else?

The sun’s rays can also speed up your skin’s aging process. It can reduce your skin’s elasticity, make it more prone to pigmentation and cause wrinkles to develop.

Don’t believe it?

Let’s take this study as an example.

A 2013 study was made involving 298 Caucasian women, their age ranging from 30 to 78 years old. They were then divided based on their level of sun exposure.

Group A consisted of 157 women who were sun-worshippers while Group B had 141 participants who were “afraid of the sun”.

A test was done to evaluate their skin’s health. And (un)surprisingly, results show that 80% of aging was caused by the sun’s UV rays.
Now, what does this mean to you?

Well, it means that you should never go out without any protection- even if it’s cloudy or you think that you won’t be exposed to the sun. Choose and use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

Why broadspectrum?

There are actually different types of UV rays.

UV-A rays are called aging rays. They are the ones that cause age spots and wrinkles.

UV-B rays, on the other hand, are called burning rays. They are the ones that cause sunburn and are blocked by the ozone.

Using a broad spectrum sunscreen can protect you from both types of UV rays.

Now, here’s another thing.

Apart from applying a good sunscreen, you should also limit your exposure. Avoid going out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. as this is the time when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

Remember to reapply your sunblock, too. Do it every two hours and make sure to cover all exposed areas of your body.

Be generous in application to ensure that you don’t miss any spot. It can help if you apply your sunscreen while you don’t have clothes on.

2. Avoid Smoking

Did you know that over 4,000 chemicals are found in tobacco smoke?

Those chemicals can damage the elastin and collagen in your skin. They are what make your skin strong and elastic.

So, when you smoke, you are practically encouraging saggy skin and wrinkles.

Not fun, right?

One of the most popular chemicals in cigarettes is tobacco. This nasty chemical can constrict your blood vessels which results in poor blood circulation.

With lesser blood reaching your skin, its cells won’t be able to receive the right amount of oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly.

And when that happens, your skin’s structure weakens and you get wrinkles.

Apart from that, the way you smoke your cigarette can also speed up the formation of fine lines on your face. When you squint your eyes or purse your lips, the lines deepen and your wrinkles get worse.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Your parents were right when they told you that sleep is good for you.

When you lack sleep, your body experiences stress. This triggers the production of a hormone called cortisol.

Now, while that hormone helps you adapt to the stress, it actually has a negative effect on your skin. It can trigger certain skin conditions, like acne, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

It has an effect on wrinkles, too.

So, why does sleep matters?

You see, when you get enough sleep, your body releases HGH (human growth hormone). This hormone is important for healthy skin as it supports wound healing and boosts collagen production.

But, it doesn’t end there.

Your sleeping position also plays a big role.

If you want to avoid sleep lines and wrinkles, try to sleep on your back as much as possible. Sleep lines appear when there is constant tension on the facial skin.

4. Start an Anti-Aging Routine

Get this:

The earlier you start an anti-aging routine, the better.

In fact, you don’t really need to wait for fine lines and wrinkles to appear before you upgrade your routine. You can consider it as a preventive measure.

To start, find products that contain potent anti-aging ingredients. Antioxidants are great since they help neutralize free radicals, one of the most common causes of premature skin aging.

Ingredients that hydrate and nourish the skin are great, too, since dry skin is more prone to wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is a good choice because it’s lightweight and super effective in locking moisture into the skin.

Now, here’s the thing:

Since anti-aging products are formulated to keep wrinkles at bay, you shouldn’t expect them to dramatically transform your skin in an instant. So, if you don’t see any difference in your skin’s texture and tone, don’t throw out your products yet.

Give it time and stick with your routine.

Conclusion

Aging is something we all experience. But, although inevitable, it doesn’t mean that it has to show on your face right away.

There are things you can do to make sure no wrinkles or fine lines appear too early. And that’s exactly where these anti-aging tips to prevent wrinkles come into play.

Just follow these tips to a tee and you’ll be able to keep those annoying lines at bay.

What other anti-aging tips can you add to this list? Let us know in the comment section below!