5 Seconds

Everybody develops habits over their lifetimes, some healthy, others not so much. Healthy, younger looking skin practically depends on one's ability to fall into a dedicated skin care routine. Over time, for men and women alike, it could make the kind of difference that will have people guessing that you are 20 years younger than you really are.

Addition Through Subtraction

Sometimes this involves the principles of addition through subtraction. Smoking, eating fatty foods, reacting to stress and lack of sleep all contribute to the appearance of advanced aging. Cutting out bad habits is pretty much the same as picking up good ones. Diet, in particular, has a lot to do with our appearance. Your skin, like any other organ in your body, always works better when it is properly hydrated and nourished. Exercise, too, improves your overall well-being, providing stress relief and relaxation - who doesn't look better when they're feeling good?

Know What You're Getting Into

As far as taking care of the surface of your skin, the market is flooded with products, some of which even work. The highest price tag doesn't necessarily mean you're getting the best skin care. If your aesthetician's advice isn't helping, a trip to the dermatologist may be in order - either way, it's best to make informed decisions with regard to your skin. All it takes is a trip to your local salon for a soothing facial to get going in the right direction.

One last prescription for healthy skin is something that nobody will complain about: Sex. Sex brings about the release of three important, age-defying hormones into the bloodstream - endorphin, oxytocin and prolactin. A once-a-week regimen of intimacy never killed anyone (and if it did, they went out with a smile on their face, and healthy skin to boot).

Everyone has the capacity to display self-defeating behavior. We know in our hearts that "one for the road" isn't a good idea, but we still hear about drunk drivers. We realize that being overweight is a health risk, but we still order dessert. We understand that we're already in a committed relationship, but we still ask for phone numbers. With regard to skin care, there are a some pretty bad habits out there that may seem innate or reflexive, and if we could simply change those ways we would benefit greatly from skin that has the physiological potential to look 20 years younger.

Another Good Reason to Quit

Smoking is one of the worst things you can do vis a vis the appearance of your skin, and it poses a myriad of other health risks besides. Smoking constricts the blood vessels in the outermost layers of the skin, decreasing blood flow, which deprives the skin cells of oxygen and vitamins. Nobody disputes that smoking is bad for you, but what about long, hot showers? Cleanliness is important, no doubt about it, but prolonged exposure to hot water can strip the oils from the skin, leaving it dry. Avoid strong soaps, pat yourself dry (instead of rubbing with the towel) and be careful when shaving.

Minimize Your Stress

It many not occur to most people that stress is a habit, but it is, and those who spend an inordinate amount of time worrying about their condition or position in life may be promoting premature aging. And, although it may seem like a natural tendency, using make-up to cover those effects can also have a negative impact on the skin - especially if it isn't removed before going to bed, or if expired cosmetics are used (yes, they have an expiration date).

Then there's the matter of trying too hard. Proper skin treatments, such as exfoliation, might be something best left to the professionals. Clean pores are absolutely part of the equation when it comes to overall skin care, but delicate tissues can be damaged if facials are overused or misapplied.