Women these days have a lot to live up to, aging-wise. With the ubiquitous availability of Botox, it has become the go-to once your first forehead line or eye wrinkle appears. But hang on a sec before reaching for the needle. There are ways to prevent premature aging for as long as possible. And they cost a lot less than a visit to the derm.

With injections, fillers, and skin wounding common practice, a natural gal can feel pressure to partake of these anti-agers. But first, take a look at kinder, gentler ways of warding off premature aging while your skin is still in its prime.

7 Affordable Ways to Prevent Premature Aging

1. A good, healthy skincare routine. Nontoxic products are the way to go. But guess what? Those healthy products aren’t doing you any good if you aren’t using them properly. Use items for your skin type, keep your skin clean and moisturized, take off your makeup at night even if you really, really don’t want to. Your skin will thank you with a healthy natural glow.

2. Regular exfoliation. You’ve heard it before, we’ll say it again. Those dry, dead skin cells sitting on the surface of your skin? They not only totally put a damper on your natural glow, they cause clogged pores, acne, and even make skin look older. The key? Removing them gently without causing damage to your skin. Fruit acids are where it’s at.

3. Provide protection. Use sunscreen. Like, everyday. Sun spots, wrinkles, dryness? All linked to premature aging. Keep your complexion healthy and younger looking with nontoxic mineral sunscreen. Don’t know which to choose? This helpful sunscreen guide offers up a heaping helping of sun protection options.

4. Get your vitamins. A little vitamin A doesn’t hurt the youthful skin cause. It is nature’s retinol, afterall. What does this mean? Vitamin A helps to smooth skin, diminish spots and discoloration, soften lines, and brighten skin tone. This ingredient is photosensitive, so use as part of your nighttime routine.

5. Avoid sugary junk. You may have heard that sugar causes a loss of collagen, leading to premature aging. You may also have heard that it is a good idea to avoid fruit because it contains sugar. Sugar does cause collagen breakdown, resulting in sagging, lifeless skin. Anyone who has participated in a good sugar binge can attest to that. But we are talking refined sugar here. You know…cookies, candy, and other junk. Fruit contains a totally different kind of sugar, plus healthy fiber. So, eat your fruit and back away from the Pop-Tarts.

6. Drink water. Most people walk around slightly dehydrated at all times. Too much caffeine and a busy lifestyle sap skin of moisture. For the last time, drink plenty of water like your momma told ya!

7. Get your zzzs. You’ve been busy and are running on empty. And you barely recognize the person you see in the mirror. Don’t make this a permanent thing. Did you know your body’s cells regenerate while you sleep? The saying “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” should only apply if you don’t mind looking and feeling like death in the meantime. Adults 26-64 years of age require 7-9 hours of sleep per night.

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Image of girl enjoying fresh fruit via Shutterstock

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