5. Don’t Smoke! As we all know, smoking is terrible for your overall health and its effects will ultimately be exhibited outwardly through your skin. There is also nothing that works to break down the collagen in your face quicker than cigarette smoke. If you currently smoke - quit, and if you do not - definitely don’t start! Also, try to avoid smoky bars and lounges (which is becoming easier with all the smoking bans), as second hand smoke appears to have almost as many negative side effects as actually smoking yourself.
6. Watch the Booze - While the occasional drink is not harmful for your skin or health (and many studies show in fact that a drink a day can be positive for your overall health), binge drinking and heavy drinking can leave its mark on your face. Make sure when you are going to be drinking, to drink lots of water in between alcoholic drinks. It will help you keep your body moisturized, and flush the alcohol through your system (not to mention prevent a hangover).
7. Sleep on Your Back - While this one is a little more controversial, some studies (and handfuls of women we have talked to) appear to back the claim. There are something called sleep wrinkles, which are the wrinkles that can be formed on your face from having your face pressed tightly against your pillow. Sleep wrinkles are different than smile lines and crows feet in that they occur in different places, and follow a different pattern. Some also argue that by sleeping on your back you avoid some of the pulling and stretching of your facial skin which can lead to sagging skin in your later years.
8. Exercise - Keep active and get plenty of exercise. Daily exercise of at least 20 minutes daily will help keep your body and skin looking healthy and youthful. Again, the look of the skin is often little more than an outward expression of a body’s health. Keep your body healthy and strong and your skin will look great!
9. Plenty of Rest - Make sure you sleep plenty and are fully rested. Running on empty for long periods of time can run down your body, and lead to more vulnerability to all afflictions. It will also help to prevent bags under the eyes, and a “tired” look that makes us all look older.
10. Be Happy & Enjoy Yourself - Studies show that happier people are healthier, and this of course also applies to your skin. Do things you enjoy, lead the life you want, and guaranteed you will see a reflection of your positive lifestyle and actions in the way you look & feel.