The pace of modern life can take its toll on our bodies. With everything moving at lightning speed there’s often little time to focus on looking after our skin, contradicting our modern-day obsession with aesthetics. Many resort to surgery for the sake of losing a few years from their perceived age. But there are other less risky and less costly ways to preserve your youthful complexion. Follow these simple tips to preserve your natural beauty without resorting to drastic measures

1. Sunscreen

The most important skin preservation tool is sunscreen. Use it every day to protect your skin from damaging UVA rays which age the skin. With the protective ozone layer depleting due to global warming, gone are the days when only the fairest skin tones needed extra protection. Add sunscreen as a simple step to your daily beauty routine and you should find that if you use skin whitening serum, you need a little less.

2. No smoking

There’s enough pollution clogging up our atmosphere without giving it any extra help by smoking. Be warned: the ageing effects of smoking, on your skin, are severe. Thankfully there are a number of ways to help you give up, from nicotine patches and electric cigarettes to hypnotherapy and support groups. So what are you waiting for?

3. Keep it simple

When choosing which products to use, simplicity is best, particularly if you have sensitive skin. Remember: your skin is an organ and needs to be treated with care. Avoid harsh soaps that are full of chemicals, and don’t overload your skin with too many different products. If possible, find a skincare brand that suits your skin type and stick to it. And if you do use a skin whitening serum to even out your skin tone, test it out before applying liberally.

4. Eat well

We can easily get caught up with weight loss when we think of healthy eating, but often there’s more to maintaining health – particularly skin health – than restricting calorie intake. Avoiding additive-heavy processed foods goes a long way to keeping your skin, and other organs, happy. Eat as much fruit and veg as you like, as skin loves vitamins C and E, and don’t be afraid to factor in good fats from foods like fish and avocado.

5. Consult an expert

Finally, if you suffer from a skin condition such as acne or eczema, don’t suffer in silence. Seek advice from your doctor or head straight to a dermatologist, if you have that option. All too often people suffer skin problems because they are not considered to be serious enough. But skin conditions can be uncomfortable or even painful, both physically and emotionally.

There are a range of great products out there to help you look after your skin, from facial scrubs for dull complexion days to skin whitening serum to even out skin tone. Making a few changes to your routine can make all the difference, including taking a few years off your age!