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Aging is the great equalizer, and all of us – if we are lucky! – will one day look in the mirror and realize that we are looking older. There is a lot we can do to help slow or even reverse the signs of aging on our faces without having to resort to surgical interventions. Here are some tips to help keep the wrinkles at bay!

Sunscreen

Protecting your delicate facial skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays is without question the best thing you can do to prevent wrinkles from appearing prematurely on your face. Even if you worshiped the sun for years, it is never too late to start. Get into the habit of wearing a sunblock of at least 50 SPF every day – cloudy days and rainy days too! Not all sunblocks are created equal; although they might be a bit more expensive, look for a product formulated especially for the face as these will be less greasy. If you are concerned about the chemicals in sunblock, consider using a barrier formulation rather than a chemical one.

Hydration

Creping on the skin around your eyes is the first sign that your skin may be dehydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of water over the course of the day, and use a good moisturizer before applying your sunblock, and before you go to bed.

Alcohol and Smoking

If you didn’t another reason to cut down on the wine, consider that alcohol is a diuretic and can cause your skin to become dry and lack-luster. Smoking is a double whammy when it comes to wrinkles – not only does it directly cause those unsightly horizontal lines along your upper lip, but it also prevents your skin from receiving adequate blood flow, making your skin less elastic.

Prescription-Strength Retinol

There is no need to spend a small fortune on fancy skin creams if you have a prescription-strength retinol cream in your arsenal. Retinol is the real deal, with well-documented and proven results when used regularly. Not only does retinol erase fine lines and wrinkles, it also can help to prevent them by stimulating collagen – your skin’s own filler! You need to build up to the full strength version of this cream, so be sure to start with the mildest concentration. Beware – retinols increase sensitivity to the sun, do don’t forget the sunblock!