How to Avoid Aging for Two Years

In an ideal world, it would be easy to look younger with no plastic surgery required. In reality, it's a big challenge just to avoid looking older as time passes. If you don't want to spend a lot of money on facelifts, Botox or other anti-aging products, there are simple ways you can freeze the clock. Here's how to avoid aging for two years.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Stay out of the sun. Wear SPF all over your body--especially your face, neck and the backs of your hands--every day, even if you're just stepping outside for a few minutes. Better yet, add a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Nothing ages skin like sun exposure.
2. Stop smoking. Smoking does more than give you lung cancer, bad breath, ugly teeth and smelly hair. It also makes you look much older. By the time you're in your 40s, the difference between the skin of a smoker and the skin of a nonsmoker is dramatic.
3. Use skin moisturizers every day. Apply after you wash. You don't need to spend a fortune on anti-aging moisturizer, but whatever you buy needs to be used consistently.
4. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. A hydrated body has hydrated skin.
5. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of soy--a protein found to increase collagen in your skin for a more youthful appearance. If edamame isn't your favorite snack, supplements will do the trick too.
6. Be stoic. Make a conscious effort to keep your face calm whenever possible. Frowning, laughing, furrowing your brow in concern or winking might express your personality--but they also make the wrinkles appear faster.
7. Sleep lying on your back. It might be more comfy to sleep with your face snuggled into the pillow but if you want to avoid aging for two years, every effort at preventing wrinkles counts.