A few facial lines can add character to your face, but most of us would prefer not to have them. Once they start showing, it's challenging to reverse the appearance of wrinkles without invasive or non-invasive surgical treatments. 

However, you can take preventive measures to delay the appearance of aging signs. Here, we share five tips you must include in your daily routine for optimal results. 

Wear sunscreen

Sunscreen should be an essential part of your morning routine, like brushing. TheAmerican Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that you wear sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. Be liberal in using it as directed on the label. Depending on your exposure to direct sunlight, reapply it every one to three hours. According to a2013 study, regular sunscreen use can slow down the signs of aging.

Avoid outdoor dining as prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause discoloration. For a tanned look, opt for sunless tanners available as sprays, gels, creams, lotions, and wipes.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet

Including fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet can prevent premature skin aging. Meanwhile, eating junk foods high in sugar or other refined carbohydrates can speed up aging—astudy associated dietary habits with facial wrinkling, especially in women. 

Consuming foods rich in anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties like green tea, olive oil, avocados, and flax seeds can protect you against skin damage and premature aging. 

Clean your skin and moisturize

Scrubbing your skin can irritate it and speed up aging. Therefore, go for a gentle exfoliator and face wash to remove pollution, makeup, and weariness. 

A moisturizer acts as a refreshing balm for your face. Dry skin is prone to wrinkles, and using moisturizes rich inhyaluronic acid andvitamin C can effectively prevent wrinkles from forming or getting deeper.

Avoid nicotine and alcohol

Nicotine intake narrows blood vessels, reducing oxygen flow to skin cells. Smoking speeds up collagen breakdown and tightens blood vessels that carry oxygen to your skin. According toJ. Taylor Hays, M.D., smoking makes your skin age faster. It quickens the development of crow’s feet, eyebrow lines, uneven skin tone, creases and puffiness below the eyes, and wrinkles around the mouth.

Saving a glass of wine over dinner on the weekend is fine, but too much alcohol dehydrates the skin and dilates blood vessels. Besides vital functions, higher water input canpositively affect skin physiology.

Include retinoids in your skincare routine

Women in their twenties should use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer at night, preferably containing retinoids. They can increase collagen production, encourage skin regeneration, and promote the creation of new blood vessels. Some retinoids are available in over-the-counter gels, while others are available by prescription only. 

You should also consider using a serum that contains antioxidants and peptides like green tea grape seed extract and vitamins A, C, and E. It will protect your skin from sun damage. 

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