There are many habits in your life that can cause your skin to age faster. There are also plenty of things that age your skin, that we can’t do anything about. For example, we can’t control our genes, which are a large contributor to the aging of our skin. But here is a list of a few things you can actively control to help your skin look youthful longer.

1.) Wear sunscreen: This is tip number one because it is a critical step in avoiding aging skin. Whether you intend on spending a large portion of your day out in the sun or just plan on running a few errands, sunscreen is critical. Wearing sunscreen on a daily basis can protect your skin from damage. If you are planning to spend a day outside, like at the beach, apply sunscreen multiple times, seek shade, wear a hat and sunglasses. Avoid excess sun exposure when not using sun protection!

2.) Stick to a healthy, well-balanced diet: Eating quality, healthy foods, like fruits and vegetables can help prevent damage that leads to aging skin. Junk food that contains a lot of sugar can speed up aging of the skin. Pay attention to what you put into your body, because it can help or harm your skin. Eat nutrient dense foods like salmon, avocados, and leafy greens.

3.) Avoid Smoking: Smoking accelerates how quickly your skin ages. It can cause wrinkles, dry skin, uneven patches and saggy skin. If you care about your skin health, this is a habit to drop.

4.) Drink less: Alcohol can damage your body as well as your skin health. It actively dehydrates your skin, which over time ages the skin. Try and limit the amount of alcohol you intake and your skin will thank you.

5.) Wash your face gently: Washing your face with heavy hands can really irritate your skin. Scrubbing your face when you are cleansing may feel like you are making your skin cleaner, but you may actually be damaging your skin. Gently washing your face can remove excess oil and dirt without disrupting your skin.

6.) Stick to a skincare routine: Cleansing, moisturizing and exfoliating your skin regularly can help to keep your skin looking younger. For example, moisturizing traps water in our skin which gives the skin a more youthful appearance. Find a skincare kit that works for you and stick to a routine. Check out our different kits here.