An Ounce Of Prevention: 24 Ways To Delay Skin Aging Symptoms

The saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is very true when it comes to common skin aging symptoms like lines, wrinkles, and age spots. It’s never too early (or too late) to take preventive actions in order to delay or decelerate skin aging. Here are 24 proven anti-aging tips for people of any age or current skin condition:

1. Stress less: Stress is scientifically proven to cause aging. It’s the body’s way of coping with a pressure imbalance. Manage your stress by cutting out unnecessary stress causers in your life and practicing healthy stress coping activates like yoga, meditation, and regular exercise.
2. Veggies: The process of cellular aging involves oxidative damage stemming from toxins in the body. Most vegetables are high in antioxidants which can protect skin cells from oxidative stress.
3. Use anti-aging products: Today there are many great anti-aging skincare products made from clinically proven ingredients. Here at Westlake Dermatology we carry next generation anti-aging products from top brands like Skinmedica, SkinCeuticals, and Revision.
4. Cutting sugar: Sugars are directly responsible for aging in almost all organisms on earth, from yeast to humans. Eliminating or reducing unnecessary sugar can go a long way in terms of aging prevention.
5. Hydration: Stay properly hydrated by drinking lots of water (8-10 eight ounce glasses per day) and munching on fruits and vegetables throughout the day.  Keep in mind that caffeine and alcoholic drinks do not count toward the recommended daily amount.
6. Moisturize: Proper hydration is a great defense against the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. Make sure to keep your skin moisturized by consistently using a high quality moisturizer that works for your specific skin type.
7. Raise an eyebrow: Did you know that repetitious facial movements like consistent rising of the eyebrows can be responsible for wrinkle formation? Try to minimize unnecessary facial scrunching by becoming aware of your habits and focusing on minimizing the action. Over time it may be possible to change these damaging habits.
8. Get Some Sleep: Getting consistent sleep of at least seven or eight hours daily can do wonders for your skin (and your overall health). Make sleep a priority!
9. Use a good pillow: The constant friction caused by your face rubbing against a typical pillow can cause sleep lines and wrinkles to develop. Use a satin or silk pillow that is smooth and soft. We recommend anti-aging pillows from Save My Face.
10. Go nuts: Nuts are the perfect snack food and are filled with anti-aging fats, vitamins and minerals.
11. Eat fish: Most fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, an important nutrient that has proven benefits for skin health.
12. Sunscreen: One of the most effective ways to delay aging is practicing good sun protection habits, the most important of which is to wear a high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen. Make sure to properly apply sunscreen every day, even on the overcast days.
13. Wear shades: One of the areas of the face that is most prone to aging from UV exposure is the delicate skin around the eyes. Make sure to wear high quality polarized shades while outside in the sun. Not only will you look cool; you’ll also minimize aging.
14. No smoking: Want to prematurely age while shortening your life at the same time? Then smoking cigarettes is for you. But if you want healthy and youthful looking skin take any means necessary to kick the habit.
15. Vitamin D: Recent research links vitamin D with the ability to slow the body’s natural aging process. While not fully conclusive, you may want to look into adding vitamin D supplements into your routine.
16. Fruits: Along with antioxidants, many fruits like oranges and cranberries are high in Vitamin C which have the ability to fight signs of aging.
17. Minimize makeup: Heavy makeup use can clog the pores, suck up moisture from the skin, and decrease the skin’s elasticity. Avoid heavy, pore-clogging foundations and makeup and instead try to opt for lightweight mineral based makeup.
18. Beans: Legumes contain numerous minerals that help the skin retain water, thus keeping the skin properly hydrated and looking young.
19. Tea time: Having an afternoon tea prevents aging in two ways. First, teas are packed full of skin-healthy antioxidants. Secondly, a nice tea break is always a good stress reliever. Make tea time a regular part of your day.
20. Olive oil: Fat gets a bad rap. There are many healthy fats, like olive oil, which are good for the body and the skin. They don’t call them essential fats for nothing.
21. Daily red wine: Red wine is very high in resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant known to limit the visible signs of aging.
22. Limit alcohol consumption: We know… shocking after the red wine blurb, right? Well, red wine is good in moderation. Drinking too much alcohol can be very detrimental to the skin.
23. Hold the milk: The lactose found in milk and dairy products is linked to acne; which can cause scarring and age spots. Try almond milk, it really is good.  When cutting back on milk be sure to find other sources of calcium in your diet to keep your bones strong.
24. Avoid processed carbs: Similar to sugar, processed carbs directly initiate aging. Focus on limiting your intake of processed foods and instead grab something more natural.

Dr. Kellie Reed specializes in aesthetic skin care, general medical dermatology, pediatric, and rheumatologic dermatology. She is passionate about her patient care and attention to detail, and her positive attitude provides a sense of comfort for her patients. Dr. Reed is a member of the Travis County Medical Society, Texas Medical Association, Texas Dermatological Society, Austin Dermatological Society, Women’s Dermatologic Society, Rheumatologic Dermatology Society, and the American Academy of Dermatology.