Researchers and scientists have yet to find a way to stop the aging process, but taking good care of your skin can keep you looking younger, longer. Keeping up with a healthy skin management routine can reduce your risk of developing fine lines and wrinkles, age spots or hollowed cheeks, helping you look decades younger and enjoy a radiant, vibrant appearance all year long.   

Cosmetic skin enhancement procedures can improve your looks, but there are several nonsurgical strategies that can keep your skin looking its best. Kick off your healthy skin routine with these seven habits:  

1. Create an at-home facial routine. Cleansing, toning, exfoliating and moisturizing the skin doesn’t have to wait for your next skin rejuvenation treatment. A simple home skincare regiment using quality products can help keep the skin clean and fresh every day. Make sure you wash off makeup before bed with a mild cleanser and toner, and exfoliate at least once per week for extra benefits.

2. Keep up with the exercise regiment. Vigorous aerobic exercises such as running, swimming, and even jogging help to elevate the heart rate, increase the heart rate and improve circulation. Activities that cause you sweat can also ‘cleanse’ the skin naturally, removing toxins from the body and improving other metabolic processes. Keep cardiovascular activities in your weekly workout routine for optimum skin benefits.

3. Don’t skimp on sleep.  Sleep is essential for cellular repair, and helps keep toxin damage at bay. Missing out on solid sleep can leave your skin looking dull, dry and weak; most adults need at least 7 - 8 hours of sleep per night, and your sleep cycle can also keep your metabolism in check.

4. Use a quality overnight moisturizer. Reducing breakouts and improving the texture and tone of your skin could be as easy as applying a cream or lotion overnight. Rebecca Tung, M.D., a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio suggest using moisturizers that contain antioxidants; these can reduce free radical damage so you wake up looking more refreshed and keep fine lines at bay (Source: Natural Health).

5. Watch that shaving routine. Shaving without the right cream or lotion can cause ingrown hairs, patches of dry skin, and even inflammation. Make sure you’re using a fresh blade and using a moisture and emollient-rich lotion and after-shave cream as needed. Skin is much more vulnerable to damage after a shave, so make sure you steer clear of the sun and moisturize frequently as a restorative measure.

6. Load up on sunscreen. Protect your skin from UV damage – whether the sun’s shining or not – with an SPF-infused moisturizer and makeup. Spending hours in the sun will give you a sun-kissed glow, but those powerful UV rays also break down collagen which leaves you more vulnerable to wrinkles. Protect your skin on a daily basis, and use collagen-stimulating products to restore skin to a healthy state.

7. Stick with the water bottle. Dehydration can leave skin looking dry, dull and pallid. Drinking at least 8 – 12 glasses of water per day can keep the metabolism in balance and encourages healthy cell production; this leads to better skin cell turnover so you’re always producing a fresh layer of healthy skin every few weeks.   

Maintaining healthy skin at any decade of life can be challenging, but there are several ways to reduce your risk of developing fine lines and other signs of aging. An advanced skincare program such as Obagi can help get your skin on a healthier track, especially if you’re experiencing acne, skin pigmentation or noticing the start of fine lines and wrinkles.  

Learn more about skin management, skin rejuvenation and cosmetic skin treatments in our information guide, or consult with a dermatologist in your area for the best skincare regiment for you.