Birthdays are a time to celebrate; however, you may look in the mirror and notice your skin is changing. We have the secrets you need to age gracefully and feel young in the skin you’re in. Check out these 7 ways you can prevent early signs of aging.

1. Maximize Your Skin Care Products

Are you using the right products for your skin care regimen? You can incorporate various skin products into your daily routine to prevent early signs of aging. Using a retinoid can minimize fine lines, help fade age spots and soften rough patches. Applying sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Pro Tip: Learn what products work best for you to achieve your desired youthful look.

2. Eat a Healthier Diet

A well-balanced diet can also help prevent early signs of aging. Your nutritional needs change as you get older, so eating too much sugar and carbohydrates could accelerate aging. Poor eating can also make your skin acne prone. However, thanks to the beneficial nutrients packed in fruits and vegetables, eating healthy will prevent early signs of aging in your skin. Try incorporating foods like avocado, fatty fish and even dark chocolate into your diet.

3. Prioritize Your Sleep

The saying “get your beauty rest” rings true because sleep is essential to your overall health! A lack of sleep can affect your facial appearance by causing red eyes, dark circles, paler skin, swollen eyes, hanging eyelids and more wrinkles/fine lines. The recommended hours for adults ages 25-60 to sleep is 7-9 hours a night. It’s important to take care of your body with the appropriate amount of sleep, especially if you want to maintain energized and vibrant skin.

4. Exercise Often

Exercising is another great way to prevent early signs of aging. When you exercise, you are improving circulation and boosting your immune system. Get your blood pumping, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body and skin, making you look (and feel) healthier. Aim to complete 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Exercising can keep your skin toned, elastic and provide a more youthful appearance.

5. Relax Your Face

Prevent early signs of aging by relaxing your face. Facial tension caused by stress can lead to the formation of wrinkles. To relieve tension in your face, try hot showers, yoga, meditation or facial exercises. You can also purchase a massage roller and place it in the freezer to apply a cool compress on your face. Whether you’re frowning because your flight was delayed or grinning ear to ear because your LightRx appointment is tomorrow, be mindful of your facial expressions.

6. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol/Caffeine Intake

Did you know smoking can speed up the normal aging process of your skin? Smoking can cause several facial changes, such as crow’s feet, eye puffiness, deep creases and more. Giving up smoking can have great results for your overall skin health. Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics that help rid your body of salt (sodium) and water, which increases skin dehydration. If you want your skin to stay youthful, reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake and be sure to get plenty of water to keep skin hydrated.

7. Consider Injectables and Laser Treatments

A popular cosmetic treatment women use to slow the aging process are injectables like Botox, because they help reduce the appearance of pesky lines. Relaxing your skin with injectables can also contour and improve signs of aging. Skin Tightening treats loose or wrinkled skin to create tight and firm skin. The procedure uses lasers to form new collagen to have vibrant and youthful skin. Visit a LightRx location for injectables, Skin Tightening and other unique services to assist you on your journey to slow down aging.

We all know that our bodies, health and even our skin changes when we get older. However, you can control how your skin ages with different ways to maintain a youthful-looking appearance. Regardless if you’re in your 20s, 30s or 40s, you can age gracefully to feel young, vibrant and confident in your skin.