Taking care of aging skin

Wrinkles, sagging skin and age spots are part of the aging process and the result of chemical changes in the skin's three layers. Diet, genetics and lifestyle all play a role in how fast the skin ages. While nothing can stop the aging process, there are beauty tips that can delay the appearance of aging skin, including ways to improve skin's appearance that do not require plastic surgery.

1. Moisturizing

   • The skin becomes drier with age. Even people with oily skin may notice their skin is becoming less oily. Wrinkles and deep lines are more likely with dry skin. Using a moisturizer twice a day is important to keep your skin hydrated.Your skin will be fuller and plumper, making wrinkles less noticeable. There are numerous skin creams on the market. Look for those with vitamin E, cocoa butter and essential oils, which are natural lubricants.

   Sunscreen and Sunblock

   • The main cause of premature aging is too much sun exposure. As you get older the damaged skin forms age spots or liver spots. The ultraviolent rays of the sun can burn and damage the top layer of skin, also called the epidermis. Sunscreens and sunblocks with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher provide the most coverage from harmful radiation. Put sunscreen on your face, neck, hands and any areas that are not covered by clothing, Apply every time you go outside. While sunscreen can not reverse the signs of aging, these products can prevent further skin damage.

   Exfoliating

   • One good way to accelerate new skin growth is to remove, or slough off, the top layer of skin. By exfoliating your skin on a regular basis dead skin cells, debris and excess oil are removed. This process allows new skin to emerge. As your skin continues to repair and renew itself, wrinkles eventually become a little less noticeable. After exfoliation your skin will be smoother and softer. Use specifically designed facial and body scrubs, a loofah or a brush to exfoliate your skin.

   Lifestyle Choices

   • Smoking is bad for your health and also for your skin. There is evidence that smoking creates deep lines around the mouth and crows' feet around the eyes, making you look older. Avoiding recreational drugs and keeping alcohol use to a minimum also help to keep our skin looking younger. Eating healthy food and drinking lots of water also help delay the skin-aging process. By drinking water you flush out toxins. Fruits and vegetables give you the nutrients the skin needs, like vitamins A, B, C and E. Fiber helps remove harmful wastes from your body before they can be reabsorbed by the colon. Exercise benefits all parts of the body. It relaxes the body, increases metabolism and strengthens and tones muscles. There are also exercises specifically for the face that can tone and firm sagging skin