Maintaining youthful, resilient skin goes far beyond surface-level beauty tips - it’s a biological process influenced by environmental exposure, nutrition, and cellular health. The skin, the body’s largest organ, gradually loses collagen, elasticity, and hydration with age. However, strategic lifestyle choices and targeted skincare can significantly slow these effects - and how much effort and money you want to spend on slowing that process down is a personal choice everyone can make for themselves. Here’s how to keep your skin healthier for longer, backed by science. While some of the most effective methods are more expensive and invasive, many are affordable, easy, and contribute to your overall health and not just your skin. 

1. Prioritize Sun Protection – The #1 Anti-Aging Strategy

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the leading cause of premature skin aging, triggering oxidative stress and breaking down collagen and elastin fibers. This process - known as photoaging - accounts for up to 80% of visible aging signs, including wrinkles, sagging, and hyperpigmentation. However, the sun is one of my main sources of happiness and outdoor activities are a big part of my life that I would never give up in the quest for beauty. Instead, my philosophy is to split the difference and protect myself as much as possible so I can enjoy the parts of life that I want to, but always wearing sunscreen on my face and chest daily, wearing a hat or visor and sunglasses when I am in the sun for daily activities like going on walks or working in my garden, and saving most of my sun exposure for beautiful things like long summer beach days, pool parties, and drinking Aperol spritzes on springtime patios. Focus on protecting your skin from the sun, but find a balance with enjoying yourself as well.

To prevent this:

• Daily SPF: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every day, even on cloudy days, as UV rays penetrate through clouds and windows. Nothing is better at protecting your skin from the sun
• Physical Protection: Wear sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats. Clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings offers added defense.
• Antioxidant Serums: Vitamin C or E serums can neutralize free radicals caused by UV exposure, reducing cellular damage.
  

See my full post on the best face sunscreens here.

2. Nutrient-Dense Diet – Fuel Your Skin from Within

The link between diet and skin health is well-documented. Oxidative stress - caused by free radicals - damages skin cells and accelerates aging. Antioxidant-rich foods help combat this damage. It's insane how much a great diet helps with every aspect of your mind and body - from mental health, to physical fitness, to your skin. It's not always easy, but finding a way to make a nutritious diet work for you is one of the best overall things you can do for yourself. I try to focus my diet on eating as many different fruits and vegetables as I can, as often as I can, and the difference in the aesthetics of my body as well as my physical health has been incredible. 

Skin-boosting nutrients:

• Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts) support the skin’s lipid barrier, preventing moisture loss and reducing inflammation.
• Antioxidants: Berries, tomatoes, and leafy greens are loaded with antioxidants that protect against free radicals.
• Hydration: Skin is about 64% water, and dehydration exacerbates fine lines. Aim for 2–3 liters of water daily, more if you exercise or live in a hot climate.
  

3. Science-Backed Skincare – Protect, Repair, and Rejuvenate

A consistent, evidence-based skincare routine can significantly reduce signs of aging by protecting the skin barrier and promoting cellular repair - you don't need every skincare product on the market, as a few key ingredients really do almost all of the heavy lifting here. 

Core components:

• Gentle Cleansing: Use sulfate-free, pH-balanced cleansers to remove impurities without stripping natural oils.
• Retinoids: Retinol and prescription-strength retinoids (like tretinoin) boost collagen production and accelerate cell turnover, reducing fine lines and pigmentation.
• Moisturizers with Humectants: Products with hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw moisture into the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated.
• Peptides: These amino acid chains stimulate collagen production, enhancing skin firmness.
  

Read my full article on science's best anti-aging skincare ingredients here.

4. Professional Treatments – Boost Collagen and Smooth Wrinkles

Choosing how far you want to go with cosmetic treatments is a personal choice for everyone (personally, I love consistently getting a small amount of Botox injections, and if I could afford to, I would try every face laser and treatment available - but that's just me!) But the truth is, the most effectively and advanced skin rejuvenation will always come from professional treatments. There are scientifically proven results, but the choice on how much it means to you is always your own. 

Some of the best options include:

• Botox and Neuromodulators: Temporarily relax facial muscles to smooth dynamic wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and frown lines. I started getting a very small amount of botox at 29 when I started noticing an eyebrow wrinkle that never went away, and have added on a few more units here and there as I have aged. 
• Microneedling and RF Therapy: Boost collagen through controlled micro-injuries, improving skin texture and elasticity.
• Laser Resurfacing: Reduces pigmentation and refines skin texture by stimulating dermal remodeling. There are constantly new and more effective laser treatments on the market - and every year they just get better. 

5. Lifestyle Habits – Protect Your Skin from the Inside Out

Your daily habits directly impact your skin’s health. Prioritizing quality sleep, regular exercise, and stress management supports skin regeneration.

• Sleep and Skin Repair: During deep sleep, the body increases collagen production and repairs UV damage; aiming for 7–9 hours of sleep per night is ideal for most people. 
• Exercise for Circulation: Regular physical activity boosts blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin while flushing out toxins.
• Stress Reduction: Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which accelerates collagen breakdown. Yoga, meditation, and breathwork can reduce stress-related inflammation.