There are a multitude of anti-aging techniques and methods offered by experts, and many anti-aging skin care products available on the market. However, the key to avoid undesirable wrinkles and aging of the skin is to follow a strict personal routine related to your nutrition, exercise, and hygiene etc. Some of these basic steps and practices will be useful while taking care of your skin in order to prevent aging.

Creams and lotions are quite helpful in moisturizing the outer skin but they hardly penetrate the pores. Water naturally hydrates the skin from within and prevents drying of the skin. Therefore, you need to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water in order to maintain supple and well-hydrated skin.

When handling detergents, do not use products containing harsh chemicals such as Lauryl Sulfate, as they can strip oil and moisture from the skin. Chlorine, as found in tap water, can also cause oxidative damage on your skin. The best way to avoid harm from chlorine is to avoid washing your face more than once a day, take less frequent showers, and decrease the temperature of the water.

Premature skin aging can also be the result of excessive exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun. Always apply sunscreen lotion on your face and body when exposed to the suns rays, this can be highly effective in protecting your skin from sunburn, skin aging and serious conditions such as skin cancer. Sunglasses will protect the skin around your eyes from harmful UV light so always remember to wear them when out in the sun.

Regular exercises of the face stabilize the flow and circulation of blood and oxygen in the skin. They also assist in the regeneration of collagen (fibrous protein constituent of bone, cartilage, tendon, and other connective tissue) giving the skin its elasticity, thereby preventing wrinkles and revitalizing your facial skin.

Lack of sleep often results in the creation of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes, eventually leading to wrinkles. Sleep helps you to relax and naturally revitalizes the skin, so you should aim for a minimum of eight hours of sleep per day. Remember to remove all makeup thoroughly before going to bed, and always sleep with the face up thereby minimizing the stretching effect of gravity on your skin.

Do not smoke. It contributes to premature wrinkling and sagging of the skin. One study showed that some forty to fifty year olds who smoked only during their teens and twenties, later experienced excessive wrinkling. Smokers who quit did regain the color on their cheeks but never lost their wrinkles. It is also believed that smoking activates genes involved in the destruction of collagen.