7 Secrets to non-wrinkly skin

Let's face it..we all want our skin to look tan, pimple free, and smooth. The last things we want on our skin are wrinkles. It comes with aging and the only cure is plastic surgery or anti-wrinkle cream, right?? Wrong!! Recent studies show us ways to look young at old age.

1. Stay out of the sun. Unprotected skin that is exposed to the sun becomes more mottled in appearance. If exposed to the sun, apply sunscreen SPF 15 or higher to all of the body exposed in the sun. Clouds do not protect you from ultraviolet ray exposure. Apply sunscreen every 2 hours(sooner if swimming or sweating)

2. Get off your butt and on that treadmill. Working out keeps your skin firm and wrinkle free. Excercise keeps your blood flowing and tones muscles. Working out will relieve stress and bring a smile to your face. Having a bright smile and lots of energy will help you look and feel younger, at any age.

3. Ditch the smoke. Exposure to cigarette smoke (whether you smoke or not) is as damaging to aging skin as exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Smoking will bring bags under your eyes and leave your face sagging.

4. Alcohol is a no no. Alcohol dialates blood vessels in the skin and increases blood flow near the skin's surface. These blood vessels can become permanently damaged, creating a flushed appearance and broken vessels on the skin’s surface.

5. Don't fret. Stress and worry cause frowning, and over time the muscles in the face actually conform to that movement. To help reduce aging skin due to stress, be aware of your stress level and try to vary your facial expressions during the day. Try doing yoga or other relaxation techniques.

6. Get out of the cold. Cold winds and low temperatures contribute to aging skin by making skin dry, so if you venture out in the cold be sure to use a good moisturizer. Consider using a humidifier to help keep your skin more comfortable.

7. Get your z's. Too little sleep makes you look and feel tired. One of the first places lack up sleep shows up is on the face, with dark circles and bags under the eyes, and sagging skin. Lack of sleep is also a major factor in memory loss and symptoms of depression that include low interest in daily activities and negative thinking. Most adults function best with 8-9 hours of sleep each night. Reduce caffeine during the day (with none in the evening), avoid eating at least 2 hours before bedtime, and maintain a sleep routine that includes going to bed at the same time each night. Taking good care of yourself is the most important step in your anti-aging skin care program.