Overall, it's important for every person to maintain a...

• Overall, it's important for every person to maintain a healthy lifestyle and healthy diet. At the end of the day, this is going to be your first and primary defense against an aging appearance. Healthy lifestyle and diet and drinking plenty of water will reduce free radical formation.
• Reducing stress is also extremely important. Stress both increases free radical formation as well as decreases the immune system (shown in numerous scientific papers).
• As far as topical treatments, the most scientifically-validated methods for preventing aging of the skin are topical antioxidants and gently peeling agents.
• The use of creams with these agents has been shown to not only slow sun damage but also reverse aging changes at the microscopic level.
• Finally, an intense moisturizer is important to preserve results and protect healthy cells.

1. Use Sun Protection: It is estimated that up to 90% of facial aging is due to the damaging effects of ultra-violet radiation. Even if you don't plan to be in the sun, use a sunblock every day that blocks both UVA and UVB rays (also know as "broad-spectrum" sunblock) because surprisingly, harmful sun rays penetrate through fog, clouds, and even window glass.
2. Don't Smoke: Nicotine use (in any form) contributes significantly to facial lines, aging, and changes in skin texture and elasticity. In addition, smoking creates lines around the mouth from pursing your lips around the cigarette. If you want to look your best, you must not smoke.
3. Drink Enough Water: Drink at least 32 ounces of caffeine-free, alcohol-free liquids every day (preferably water). Water is necessary for healthy cell formation as well as the removal of waste products. If you exercise, are in warm weather, ingest a lot of salt, or take diuretics, you will need to drink more than 32 ounces.
4. Balance Your Nutrition: A diet that is well- rounded and emphasizes fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, and moderate amounts of starches or carbohydrates will keep you fit and looking your best.
5. Take Anti-Oxidant Supplements: Anti-oxidant supplements such as zinc and vitamins A, C, and E contribute to the body's ability to fight free-radical damage. Free-radical damage, caused by smoking, pollution, and inflammation lead to aging as well as cancer. Recent research suggests that certain forms of anti-oxidants can also be applied directly to the skin for targeted absorption.
6. Manage Your Weight: Fluctuations in weight or being overweight for long periods of time stress the elasticity of the skin. Being significantly underweight may contribute to aging by malnutrition (see #4 above).
7. Try Retinoic Acid: Retin-A (also known as retinoic acid) has been shown to stimulate collagen and elastin production, and control abnormal pigmentation in the skin when used in a high enough concentration over a long period of time. This can actually reverse some signs of aging in the skin.
8. Sleep and Position: A simple way to prevent line formation and excessive tension on the skin is to sleep on your back. Stomach-sleepers especially develop creases on the forehead and cheeks. They often wake up with swelling around the eyes which over time may stretch the delicate eyelid skin. It is also important to get plently of sleep as this is the body's time to refresh and regenerate.
9. Take Advantage of Botox: Botox can prevent the formation of lines and wrinkles caused by facial muscle contractions. It is especially useful between the eyebrows, around the eyes, and on the forehead.
10. Consider Hormone Replacement: Hormone levels have a direct effect on the quality and appearance of the skin of both men and women. Recent studies show that cream or oral supplementation can dramatically enhance the appearance of your skin. Talk to your doctor if you think you may be a candidate for hormone replacement.

Bonus Tip: Many people neglect the fact that mental, emotional, or physical stress can contribute to changes in hormone levels, excessive frowning, poor nutrition, inadequate sleep, gray hair, increased tendency to smoke, and many other factors. Simple ways to help reduce stress are to exercise, take up a hobby, read or write, listen to music, spend time with family or friends, or just take time out for yourself. Figure out what works to reduce stress for you, and then remember to do it!

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