4 tricks to keep skin looking young

Your skin doesn't have to age just because you grow older. There are steps you can take to keep your skin looking young and feeling fresh no matter your age.

Sun exposure can certainly make skin look tanned and sun-kissed in the short term, but in the long-term, it can damage skin and make it look much older.

• Limit your sun exposure to no more than 15 minutes per day if you aren't wearing sunscreen. Fifteen minutes is the amount of time you'll need to spend in the sun to get sufficient vitamin D.
• If you'll be outside longer than 15 minutes, use a lotion with SPF. It may not only keep you looking younger, it can also help you avoid skin cancer.

Skin cleanses itself naturally when you sweat.

• Exercise not only helps you sweat and clear out your pores, it also promotes blood flow to the skin's surface, which brings more nutrients to the skin.
• Exercise helps move young, vibrant skin cells closer to the skin's surface and keeps your skin looking refreshed.

Alcohol and cigarettes are both terrible for your skin. Use these substances sparingly to keep your skin looking young.

• Alcohol dilates blood vessels underneath your skin, making your skin look red and puffy. Alcohol can also damage your liver, which may wash out your face or even make it look slightly yellow.
• Smoking reduces the amount of collagen and elastin in your skin. Without those substances, your skin becomes less elastic and tends to sag. Smoking also depletes your vitamin C levels, which helps keeps wrinkles at bay.

As you age, your skin becomes less able to retain water. Counteract this effect by drinking more water to make sure your skin appears fresh and hydrated.

• Drink the recommended eight glasses of water a day to ensure that skin doesn't become dry. It's also important to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated by using a daily facial moisturizer.
• Use gentle cleansers and acne products that don't dry out your skin.