Firm, tight and toned skin is the hallmark of youth, but rarely lasts longer than a few decades. The signs of aging can creep up as early as your twenties, and it becomes harder for the skin to repair itself as the years go by.

If you’re not taking care of your skin and health on a daily basis, you could be accelerating the effects of aging - wrinkles, sagging skin and a slew of skin problems may already be affecting your appearance.

Whether you're spending too much time in the sun to skipping the fruit basket, here are just seven ways you’re already speeding up the aging process.    

1. Too much fun in the sun. Sun damage and excessive sun exposure are some of the leading causes of wrinkles, age spots, and skin discoloration. Dr. Coyle Connolly, a dermatologist in New Jersey encourages clients to maintain an active lifestyle but stay out of the sun as often as possible. Organizing outdoor activities earlier in the day is a great strategy for reducing the risk of sun-related skin problems.

2. Heading to the beauty counter before the dermatologist. The beauty industry is constantly offering the ‘latest’ skincare treatments, but these over-the-counter products rarely work according to Dr. Michael Eidelman, a New York City dermatologist. These pricey products can do more harm than good in some cases, and consulting with a dermatologist is the best way to find out what your skin really needs.

3. That smoking habit. Smoking can lead to irreversible skin damage because it deprives the skin of oxygen and other nutrients. You’re increasing the chances of wrinkles and loose skin with every puff, and it can be very difficult to replace lost collagen, even with today’s innovative skin rejuvenation treatments.

4. Skipping the sunscreen. If you’re going to be spending time outdoors, sun protection is a top priority. Sun damage can lead to several skin problems (see #1), and wearing enough sunscreen each and every day will help protect your skin from UV rays. Consult with a dermatologist to find out which brand will work best for your skin type.

5. The unbalanced diet. Eating a healthy diet isn’t just good advice for managing your weight; eating enough fruit, vegetables and whole grains can have an impact on healthy cell regeneration as well. A balanced eating plan means your body can eliminate toxins and replenish cells with water and nutrients with ease.

6. Skipping the Zzz’s. Beauty sleep isn’t a myth; your skin and body need enough shuteye to undergo the natural restoration process and missed sleep can have a direct impact on your energy level, vitality and the condition of your skin. A survey on sleep deprivation from the Harvard Medical School also suggests that sleep deprivation alters immune function which weakens your body’s bad-cell fighting abilities.  (Source:  Harvard Health Publications)

7. Unhealthy stress levels. Getting through life without an effective stress management program will catch up on you, making an appearance in the form of excessive fatigue, a ruddy complexion, and a weakened immune system. Frown lines and poor quality skin are just a few byproducts of too much stress; CanadianLiving.com reports that chronic stress that causes negative emotions and thoughts often results in frowning and squinting that can leave permanent marks in the form of fine lines and wrinkles.    

While the environment and genetics play a role in how your skin looks and feels each day, your lifestyle is the part you can control.  Preventing wrinkles, scars and a dull complexion is possible with the right skincare regiment, and a dermatologist can help you develop a healthy skin management routine. Put the brakes on aging with some of today’s most innovative facial rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments so you can take charge of your appearance and enjoy your days of youth – at any age.