by Lynn Chua

Created on: June 20, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Our skin begins aging in our mid twenty's although the signs are usually not visible. Genetic factors greatly determine the skin's quality over time. The skin's rate of aging is also influenced by genetically predetermined cessation, hormone depletion and immune suppression. We cannot turn back the clock and change the fact but we can avoid further damage and prevent wrinkles.

Protect your skin from prolonged exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves or use an umbrella. Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection that should be applied at least 20 minutes before going outdoors, even in winter. Select skin-care products with a built-in sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.

Quit smoking because smokers are also more prone to wrinkles than non-smokers. You can improve your skin tone and texture and prevent future wrinkles by quitting smoking.

Get enough sleep is important because when you don't get enough sleep, the body produces excess cortisol, a hormone that breaks down skin cells. With enough rest and you'll produce more HGH (human growth hormone), which helps skin remain thick, more "elastic," and less likely to wrinkles.

Use moisturizers though they can't prevent wrinkles but they can temporarily mask tiny lines and creases. Because dry skin turns plump skin cells into shriveled ones, creating fine lines and wrinkles long before you're due.

A well balance diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains, consume at least 8 glasses of water daily (to hydrate and moisturize your skin) are important and cannot be undermined.

Keep a healthy lifestyle by exercising, good diet, and a positive mindset to reduce stress and tension. Use anti-aging creams with vitamins A, C, E and glutathione which boosts internal supply of anti-oxidants to skin cells.

Don't over-wash your face as tap water strips skin of its natural barrier oils and moisture that protect against wrinkles. You will be washing away protection if you wash them too often. Use a cleanser instead of soap unless your soap contains moisturizers.

Avoid squinting, get reading glasses if you can't see clearly. Repetitive facial movement like squinting will overwork the facial muscles, forming a groove beneath the skin's surface. This groove eventually becomes a wrinkle.

To prevent getting wrinkles try to keep your skin moist all the time especially at night before going to bed using light moisturizers.

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