In every woman’s life, there’s the defining moment when you consciously realize that you’re not getting any younger. You may have just gotten out of the shower and noticed a fine line that you would swear wasn’t there yesterday. Or maybe, you’re flipping through a photo album and come across some pictures taken just a few years earlier. Your skin had a noticeably more youthful appearance in the pictures but that couldn’t be the case, could it?

So what do you do?

That’s right. The side by side comparison of the old photo versus a more recent shot substantiates your suspicions. Your showing signs of aging at a much more rapid pace than you would ever care to admit. What is a girl to do? Whether you’re well into the “Battle of Aging Skin” or today has been your awakening, help is on the way.

The Two Types Of Aging

Before delving into diet plans, lifestyle changes, and skin treatments, understand that the appearance of your skin has nothing to do with your age. Skin aging can be divided into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic skin aging has much to do with your genetic makeup which is an uncontrollable event that occurs at a predetermined pace. We will focus on the other category of skin aging, extrinsic, which has a much more powerful effect on the way our skin looks as we age.

Public Enemy #1

By far, the number one cause of premature aging is excessive exposure to sunlight. Unless you plan on living out your days in a dark cave, completely eliminating the sun’s effect on your skin is out of the question. Besides, who will see your beautiful, radiant skin if you confine yourself to being a cave dweller? So, limiting exposure and protecting your skin from the sun will prove to be much more effective median. Protecting your skin with sunscreen is your best bet. Contrary to popular belief, the cumulative effect of everyday exposure to the sun has a much greater effect on your skin than occasional long hours spent in the sun.

Eating Healthier Improves Your Skin

Following a well-balanced diet is the second best practice in preserving and even restoring a smooth, firm, radiant skin tone. A good place to start is adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are biologically active plant chemicals that aid in cellular activity, repair, and renewal. Who knew that the fountain of youth could be found in the produce section of your local supermarket.

Lastly, reducing stress, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep will do wonders for your skin. Also research shows that incorporating an anti aging cream into your skin care routine accelerates the rate of skin repair. The absolute best anti aging product we’ve discovered is LifeCell by South Beach Skincare. Research has shown that it prevents “cell damage linked to facial aging and wrinkles”. Give it a try. Committing to some lifestyle changes will certainly slow the advance of aging and preserve a youthful appearance in your skin which is an indicator of your overall health.