Let's face it, nobody wants to look old. Wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes, puffy or sagging skin - these are all signs of aging. The question many of us face as we grow older is whether we can slow the effects of time. Are plastic surgery and injections the only way to look younger?

To keep your face from showing every year there are less drastic ways fortunately! Healthy habits, along with a proper skincare regimen, can not only slow the inevitable signs of aging, but also actually repair damage to your skin.

Skincare research benefits from the advances being made in nutrition, chemistry and biology. Some skincare companies are actually using Nobel Prize-winning discoveries in thier anti-aging formulas. Using anti-oxidants to slow the damage caused from free radicals these revolutionary creams stimulate the production of collagen and fill existing wrinkles. The ideal cream will also be a moisturizer as well.

In addition to daily cleansing and moisturizing, here are five healthy habits, which will keep you from falling victim to aging skin.

1. Protect yourself from the sun. Lying out in the sun with baby oil is no longer a thing to do. According to Doctors, a primary factor for aging in the sun is even small amounts of exposure to ultraviolet rays. Wrinkles, age spots, dryness and a leathery texture are just some of the results of getting too much sun. Try to stay out of the rays when they are at their most intense, from about 10 am until 2 pm. Protect against UV rays by applying a high quality sunscreen.

2. Don't smoke. Millions of free radicals are produced by cigarette smoke. These very small molecules attack healthy skin cells. And nicotine constricts blood flow. This means that oxygen and nutrients can't get to your skin cells. Production of collagen and elastin will decrease, and deep wrinkles will be the result.

3. Moisturize regularly. As our skin ages, it loses moisture, a necessary component to keeping it looking young and firm. Keeping water in can be done by applying a high quality moisturizer where it is needed.

4. Drink plenty of water. Water is the basis of human life. Our bodies are made up of 70% water. It carries toxins and impurities away from our cells, and brings oxygen and nutrients in.

5. Be gentle. When washing or drying your face or applying moisturizer, use soft patting motions. Pulling at your skin or rubbing it too hard will stretch it out, causing wrinkles and sags.

You will be rewarded with a younger and healthier look when you take care of your skin properly!