Things You'll Need:
- SPF 15 or higher sunscreen
- Protective clothing
- Mild soap
- Moisturizer
- Antibacterial cream
- Adhesive bandages
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Step 1
Minimize unprotected exposure to direct sunlight. This is the single most important thing you should do to prevent premature aging of the skin. If you go outside during daylight, especially during the most intensely sunny hours of the day, wear SPF 15 or higher sunscreen. Choose hats and clothing that will protect your skin from sun exposure. Do not use tanning lotions, and do not intentionally go tanning in the natural sun or at a tanning salon.
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Step 2
See a dermatologist regularly. Expert medical attention can help you to spot skin problems early and minimize the damage.
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Step 3
Wash your entire body at least once a day, but preferably no more than twice a day, using warm water and mild soap. Avoid using harsh soaps and chemicals on your skin.
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Step 4
Use a high-quality, dermatologist-approved skin moisturizer according to the product directions. This is especially important if you spend a lot of time in dry climates or in areas with long, harsh winter seasons.
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Step 5
Drink eight glasses of water every day. When you're dehydrated, your skin dries out, too. This leads to premature wrinkling and increases the chances of rashes and chafing that can lead to scarring.
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Step 6
Eat a balanced diet and avoid foods that are high in saturated fat and sugar. These can lead to oily skin, acne and other conditions that increase the likelihood of scarring and accelerate the aging process.
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Step 7
Treat your skin tenderly. This means avoiding scratching yourself or popping pimples as much as possible. If you cut or injure your skin, clean the wound, apply antibiotic ointment and bandage it. Treat itchiness with dermatologist-approved creams or medications prescribed to you by a dermatologist.
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Step 8
Don't smoke. Smoking can cause premature wrinkles, yellowed skin, breakdowns in collagen elasticity and cancer.
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Step 9
Exercise regularly. Strong muscles and vigorous exercise promote blood circulation, which feeds nutrients to all areas of the skin. Strong circulation also helps fight prominent veins in the extremities, which is a common issue regarding an aging appearance.
