Plastic Surgeons Reveal 20+ Tips To Prevent Skin Ageing

1. Avoid making repetitive facial expressions

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Repetitive facial expressions are ones that you might not even realize you are doing. However, every time you furrow your brow, inhale a drag of a cigarette or even squint at the sun, you're increasing the chances of developing wrinkles and fine lines along those muscles.

2. Wear sunscreen

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If you do need to be out in the sun - for work, or if you need to walk somewhere during peak times of the day - do something good for your skin by wearing sunscreen. SPF 30 or higher is best for your skin, and it's even better if you wear it every day - UVA rays could cause damage even on cloudy days.

3. Drink water

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Water is vital for so much of our body's function, and that includes preventing premature ageing of our skin. In fact, water helps carry oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells, improving the appearance of your skin as well as the innate health of your cells. So, get your two litres in!

4. Get a good night's sleep

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Sleep is another thing that people recommend for all kinds of things. We spend half our lives sleeping, so it can affect a huge amount of things in our bodies. Bad sleep can cause diseases like high blood pressure, cancer, depression, and dementia, all of which could also quicken the process of skin ageing.

5. Use antioxidants in your skincare routine

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Antioxidants are so important for your body as they protect against free radicals - dangerously unstable atoms that travel around the body, causing damage to cells, including in your skin. By introducing antioxidants into your skincare routines, you could stop those free radicals in their tracks and keep your skin looking good.

6. Do exercise

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We know, we know - this is the tip that everyone dreads. But scientists and skincare experts all agree that increasing the amount of exercise can help all parts of your body stay healthy and could even prevent premature ageing. Exercise can also help stave off anxiety, which can have a detrimental effect on the skin.

7. Eat less salt

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Reducing your salt intake is one of the biggest diet changes you can make for your skin, say, skincare experts. When you eat too much salt, it can cause your skin to retain water, making your face puffier and giving you an older look. This might be particularly prominent under the eyes.

8. Try to avoid alcohol

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As well as reducing salt, you should also seek to reduce how much booze you drink. Alcohol can cause dehydration in the body, and doctors say this could cause your skin to look sallow, dry, and dull. As much as you can, try to switch to anti-alcoholic cocktails or even just water, which will have the opposite effect on your skin.

9. Try a dermatologist

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Sometimes, diet and environmental changes just aren't enough. To give your skin the best chance of looking beautiful as you get older, you could try meeting a dermatologist. A personal dermatologist will be able to tell you what to do according to your personal skin type, improving your chances of bright skin.

10. Be mindful of what you're eating

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It's not just salt that could be bad for your skin. Some scientists say watching your intake of high-GI (glycaemic index) foods could improve how your skin looks. Foods with a high GI spike your blood sugars and could lead to you developing more acne. These include white bread, potatoes, and sweet baked goods.

11. Maybe avoid citrus fruits

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Citrus fruits contain a compound called psoralens, which can actually make skin more sensitive to light exposure. This means if you eat a diet high in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, you could be putting your skin at undue risk of ageing. So, either cut out those oranges during the summer or layer up with more sunscreen.

12. Get a good cleanser and moisturizer

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Skincare is massively important to your skin's health. Many dermatologists will say that if you're skipping on your cleanser and moisturizer, then you're doing it wrong. Invest in a high-quality cleanser and moisturizer, and make sure to make them part of your skincare routine every morning and evening for the best chance at results.

13. Choose other skincare products carefully

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When we say high-quality, we don't necessarily mean a super pricey product. Instead, dermatologists say that you should be looking for specific ingredients in your skincare. These include vitamins C and E, pomegranate, acai, and apple stem cells, all of which are good for your skin cells.

14. Don't try crash diets

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A crash diet is one that will cause you to lose weight very rapidly - maybe within a few weeks or a month. However, be wary of these, as you may not be losing fat, but just water. This rapid water loss will show its effects on your face, with your skin looking saggy and dull.

15. Wear sunglasses

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Sunglasses are a staple in the summer months, protecting our eyes from the sun's damaging rays. However, sunglasses are also helping to protect other sensitive parts of your face, including the skin around your eyes. With time in the sun, this skin can get damaged much quicker - so remember to wear your sunglasses. Even better, get a cap to cover more of your face.

16. Use lots of Vitamin C

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While citrus fruits can increase your exposure to damaging sun rays, vitamin C present in these foods is also good for the skin - so it's a balancing act. If you want to avoid eating too many acidic oranges, introduce Vitamin C into your skincare routine by using a targeted serum, which could help your skin beat the wrinkles.

17. Fix your posture

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Many people forget how important posture is, and that includes when it comes to anti-ageing. For example, hunching your shoulders while looking down at your computer or phone screen all day can have drastic effects on your muscles and, consequently, your skin. If you have to work all day, try to get an ergonomic chair, or hold your phone at eye level to minimize damage.

18. Eat lots of fermented foods

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Fermented foods are the sexiest foods around. Things like kimchi, sauerkraut and kefir sometimes get a bad rep for being pretty stinky, but they could be some of the best things for your skin. These foods contain a huge dose of probiotics, which also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties - all things that are great for your skin.

19. As well as healthy fats

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If you're dieting, you've probably been told to avoid fat in your diet. However, there's a difference between bad fats and healthy fats. These healthy fats are present in foods like avocados, eggs, fish, dark chocolate, and nut butter and will contribute to overall good health, which could have an effect on your skin too.

20. Manage your stress levels

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Stress is a huge factor in ageing. If you put your body and mind through high levels of stress and anxiety, you're putting a strain on your cells, which could lead to faster levels of ageing. Exercise is a classic way to combat anxiety, but you could also try mindfulness or meditation - anything to give yourself a dose of calm every day.

21. Start exfoliating

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Exfoliation is an often-missed step in a weekly skincare routine. By using microbeads or chemicals, you'll lift off that top dead layer of skin, revealing healthier skin underneath. Do this often enough, and your skin will continue to look great - though there is a limit, and you could over-exfoliate. That's why dermatologists always say it's best to consult with an expert.

22. Try a retinoid

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Ever heard of retinoid? No, us neither. However, dermatologists and plastic surgeons swear by it. This ingredient contains plenty of vitamin A, which can stimulate new cell growth and keep your skin looking plump and young. Try looking for it in your new skincare products, and you could improve wrinkles, discolouration, and fine lines.

23. Avoid the sun

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We all love an afternoon in the sun, but it's actually one of the worst things you can do for your skin. All those UVA rays could wreak havoc on your skin, leading to wrinkles and premature ageing of the skin cells. UVB rays can also cause skin cancer, so that's a double reason to stay out of the sun if you can.

24. Switch to self-tanner

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Do you love getting bronze skin in tanning salons? Tanned skin indeed makes everyone look healthier, but going to the tanning salon often could be having devastating effects on your skin cells. One of the easiest switches you can make for your skin health is switching to a tanning product, which will have the added benefit of moisturizing your skin and helping seal in healthy moisture.

25. Stop over-cleansing your skin

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Yes, cleansing your face is good, but there's also such a thing as over-cleansing. Dermatologists agree that cleansing too often - or too vigorously - could strip away the top layer of your skin, including the skin cells and other important molecules. It can take your body all day to regenerate, so it's best not to tempt fate.

26. Wash your face more often

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However, what dermatologists do recommend is that you should be washing your face more often if you are putting your skin at risk of pollutants and sweat. Even if you've already washed your face that day, but you do a very sweaty workout, it's worth washing again to make sure all that gross sweat isn't sinking into your skin cells.

27. Be gentle with your skin

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Whether you wash your face lots or very little, one thing you should remember is to be gentle with it. Skin cells are delicate, and over-scrubbing or picking at your skin can cause cells irreversible damage, which could lead to scars, wrinkles, and fine lines in the future. Be careful.

28. Sleep on your back

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Apparently, even the way you sleep could have an effect on whether you develop premature wrinkles and fine lines. Some studies say that sleeping on your back is the preferable way to sleep, as it will prevent your skin from sagging during the night, keeping it looking healthier and younger for longer.

29. Try glycolic acid

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One insider tip that many skincare experts give is to try glycolic acid. This is an acid that is derived from sugar cane and can do extraordinary things for your skin. Using it once a day could make your skin appear brighter and improve texture. So, track some down and incorporate it into your skincare routine.

30. Don't smoke

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Our last tip is probably the one that will have the biggest effect on your skin. Smoking can lead to premature wrinkles and will generally make your skin look unhealthy by cutting off blood supply to cells. If you're looking for one tip to try, quitting smoking could have the biggest impact on your skin health.

31. Make Sure You Have Vitamin A In Your Routine

Image Source / VitageneVitamin A can be a great help for your skin's ability to defend itself against developing wrinkles. You can aim for skincare products that contain Vitamin A, as well as making sure you have all those foods that pack a Vitamin A punch in your diet!

32. Try To Avoid Gaining Weight

Image Source / HealthHubApart from the fact this is an obvious tip for a healthy lifestyle, did you know that weight gain is also going to affect ageing? This is because you can actually look older if you have a bit of extra fat, especially around the face and neck.

33. Make Sure You're Washing After A Workout

Image Source / Men's HealthAside from the fact it's gross to sit around in your sweaty workout gear, it can also affect your skin's condition if you're not washing after a workout. Washing is important for getting rid of that dirt and dead skin build up - if you don't, they can settle into your pores and make them look bigger, which can also make you look older.

34. Never Think That It's Too Late

Image Source / WikipediaYou might have neglected skincare for most of your life and have now reached an age where you're thinking 'if only I'd started sooner' and 'now it's too late' but the fact is, it's never too late! You can help your skin to look younger no matter what your age is - and anything is better than nothing!

35. Decide On A Skincare Routine To Keep Up With

Image Source / Beauty BayIt's okay to put some moisturiser on here and there, or some days remember to use a cleanser, but it's going to make all the difference if you actually have a set skincare routine in place which you do every single day, morning and night, in the right order.

36. Don't Go For Harsh Scrubs

Image Source / pinarproperties.comExfoliation is an important part of skincare, but you want to avoid the very hard scrubs, as well as scrubbing too often. This can actually scrub away the natural protective barrier of your skin, which can also cause skin aging.

37. Get Some Omega-3s In Your Diet

Image Source / Holland & BarrettFood or supplements which are rich in Omega-3s can help your skin, too. Omega-3, which is found in fish and other food, helps your cell membranes to renew skin cells. Which is, of course, going to be very helpful for younger looking skin.

38. Get A Silk Pillowcase

Image Source / Lifestyle AsiaUnless you're a back sleeper, a silk pillowcase is going to be beneficial for your skin when you have your face mashed against it every night. Silk can help to prevent lines on your face, and also even help your skin to keep in its natural moisture!

39. Eat More Nuts

Image Source / HealthlineMany different types of nuts are good for you, and walnuts in particular have Omega-3 which, as we mentioned, can help your skin. Walnuts are also great for boosting collagen production, and nuts are really easy to add to your diet by just sprinkling them in any recipe!

40. Turn Down The Heat In The Shower

Image Source / Glamour UKHot showers are great, so it's really annoying that they're actually not doing our skin any favours. If your shower is way too hot, it could be stripping your skin of moisture - and, as we know, skin which lacks moisture can look a lot older and drier. So try to turn your shower temp down a notch.

41. Get Oils In Your Skincare Products

Image Source / The TelegraphOily products can put a lot of people off - especially people who have oily skin - because it can sound like it's something that might make the skin worse or result in breakouts, but it's not the case. Oil-based products can help to hydrate the skin and contain lots of key vitamins, and you can always find an oil-based product suited to your skin type.

42. Never Skip Your Skincare

Image Source / BuzzFeed NewsIt can be hard to keep up with a skincare routine, especially after a long day. You might think it'll be fine to just skip your skincare for the weekend because you're tried. But this is where bad habits can all add up, and every little missed bit of skincare can add to the aging process.

43. Stop Picking Your Face!

Image Source / DermatillomaniaApart from the fact that picking at your spots can help the spread of bacteria from your hands, it's also not a great idea if you want to avoid marks and scarring that can come from breakouts being picked. It's better to let breakouts heal on their own, because every time you pick your skin you could be causing your skin to look older through marks, lines and even wrinkles.

44. Add A Bit Of Honey To Sweeten Things Up

Image Source / British Beekeepers AssociationIt's not a great idea to eat loads of sweet things if you want to look younger and stay healthy, but that doesn't mean you can't have anything sweet. Honey is the perfect solution to consume from time to time, because when you eat honey, it helps to draw water from mineral tissues and move them to the surface of the skin - resulting in extra moisturising!

45. Your Gut Health Is Important

Image Source / Northwestern MedicineHow healthy your gut is and your digestion process can actually affect your skin health. When you have a healthy gut and smooth digestion flow, it's likely you'll also have healthier skin. Any blockages in your gut or a problematic digestion could end up manifesting on your skin.

46. Avoid Inflammation

Image Source / StylecrazeInflammation on the skin, and particularly the face, can be a problem for a lot of people, and also result in the skin looking older and more affected. If you can work to reduce inflammation in the skin through the right diet and skincare products, it'll help your skin to stay looking younger.

47. Use A Humidifier In Your Home

Image Source / eBayThe environment can always affect your skin's condition, which is why dry or cold conditions can dry out your skin and cause a lot of problems. Using a humidifier can help to maintain the moisture in the air, especially when used before winter, to also help your skin look its best!

48. Add Bell Peppers To Your Recipes

Image Source / WikipediaBell peppers are delicious and very healthy, because they're full of antioxidants. Whether you like green, yellow, red or all three, they all have benefits if you add them to your cooking. They can help to protect your skin, as well as reduce chances of wrinkles around the eyes.

49. Don't Neglect Your Neck

Image Source / Thames Skin ClinicThe neck is a huge giveaway when you're considering how old someone is. The neck, as well as the decolletage, is a key area that can easily go dry and wrinkled with obvious lines, even if your face is completely smooth. So make sure you're moisturising your neck and chest, as well as using sunscreen on those areas, too!

50. Protect Your Lips

Image Source / Milo ClinicThe lips are probably one of the most popular options for plastic surgery for people who are getting older, such as lip fillers for plumper and more youthful looking lips. That's because lips very easily give away a person's age, but it's also a place that's easily forgotten about! You should try to use lip balm which also contains SPF to avoid wrinkly lips.