Remember when you couldn’t wait to get older?  Back in our teenage years, we thought getting older meant making our own decisions and running our own lives. Flash forward to the days of careers, children, mortgages, and not enough “me” time, and getting older is something many of us fight tooth and nail. Another thing we fight as we age is wrinkles.

Wrinkles are the most obvious indicator of physical aging and they’re caused by a variety of things, some of which have nothing to do with how old you really are. Wrinkles occur when the skin loses its elasticity.  Lines can form anywhere but typically seem to start around the eyes and mouth. With time you may start to notice them on your forehead, cheeks and neck.

While you can’t do much about genetics, ditching bad habits can make a noticeable difference.

Tip #1: Quit Smoking – Aside from all the harm smoking does to your lungs, studies show that chemicals found in cigarette smoke reduce blood flow and collagen production, deplete Vitamin A, and cause skin sagging. Looking at the long-term results, quitting smoking is a surefire way to lessen the possibility of unsightly lines around your mouth in the future.

Tip #2: Ditch the Straws – How many beverages do you drink in a day that include using a straw? If your answer is more than zero, you’ll want to dump that habit immediately. Pursing your lips can lead to telltale lines around the mouth, and drinking from a straw creates the same motion and result as smoking.

Tip #3: Devote Yourself to Sunscreen and Post-Sun Repair – Sun exposure is the leading cause of premature skin aging, as well as skin cancer, so don’t be lax with the sunscreen. Look for products with a high SPF and the words “broad spectrum protection” on the label. No sunscreen is 100 percent effective, so plan to cover up as much as possible and spend time in the shade when you’re outdoors. Once you head back inside, replenish your skin’s moisture with a moisturizer.   100% Coconut Oil is a great all natural option. It restores softness and adds moisture back to your skin the sun and heat may have depleted.

Tip #4: Stay Hydrated and Eat Right – Drinking water also impacts your skin’s hydration level and helps it look plump and healthy. If you’re habitually dehydrated, your skin can actually look more wrinkled than on days when you’ve taken in more water. Dietary choices make a difference, too. Omega-3 fatty acids are good for heart health, but they’re also good for skin, so having salmon a few times a week is both heart- and skin-smart.

Tip #5: Show Your Skin Some Love – If you already have fine lines, using a gentle exfoliant once or twice a week can make them less noticeable. Next, consider layering skin care products instead of relying on a single moisturizing cream. Include not only a cream but also a nutrient rich oil or butter in your daily routine.  Vitamin E Oil  helps fight free radicals that damage skin, and it penetrates to a deeper level, which keeps skin moist and balanced. Finish your routine by topping off with an emollient like cocoa butter. 100% Cocoa Butter is an all-natural,  deep penetrating moisturizer that restores moisture your skin may need.  The 100% Cocoa Butter Stick is a great on-the-go moisturizer so you can touch up dry patches around your eyes, nose, or mouth as needed.

Wrinkles do not discriminate and we will all face them at some point.  Incorporate a few simple steps into your daily routine to try to minimize the impact wrinkles may have on you.  The earlier you start the healthier your skin will be.