If the song “If I Could Turn Back Time,” is quickly becoming your new life anthem, then you’re not alone. As we continue to age year after year, it is simply human nature to desire to look and feel younger than you are.

And while there’s not really much you can do to prevent the natural aging process from doing its thing, there are actions you can take to help prevent premature aging. Take a look below for some of the top tips we recommend!

Diet

Time and again we’re told, “you are what you eat.” And it really is true. Your diet has a huge impact on the rest of your health. By incorporating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet, you’ll be able to help prevent damage that leads to premature aging. Some of the top anti-aging foods include: blueberries, nuts, figs, mushrooms, maca, avocado and turmeric.

Some other good ways to change your diet in order to slow down the aging of your skin include keeping your sugar and alcohol intake to a minimum. And, of course, drink lots of water. This will help keep your skin hydrated and firm — it’s even been show to help prevent breakouts.

Exercise

Not only is regular exercise good for your overall physical and mental health, it also provides a lot of positive benefits for your skin, too. Moderate exercise (at least 30 minutes a day) can help improve your circulation and boost your immune system, which in turn improves the health of your skin.

Plus, when you sweat, your pores open and release toxins. Just make sure you shower right after, or else those toxins will go right back into your pores.

Protect

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: you have to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Whenever you find yourself spending a lot of time outside, make sure to cover up, seek the shade and wear the right sunscreen. Taking these simple steps to protect your skin from the sun will make a huge difference in your quest to slow down the skin aging process.

At Charleston Dermatology, we are committed to helping you keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Feel free to check out some of our cosmetic skincare services that are aimed at turning back the clock on your skin.

Looking for a more customized plan? Schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified dermatologists for a one-on-one consultation.