Wrinkles are a natural part of aging, but certain ways and habits can help delay their appearance.

1. Wear sunscreen
Using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can prevent skin cancer and slow down the aging process. While sunscreen is typically associated with beach outings, applying a moisturizing sunscreen daily to your face is a habit that promotes long-term skin health.

2. Limit your sugar intake
Sugar triggers glycation in your body, leading to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that harm your skin. AGEs degrade collagen over time, contributing to an aged appearance. AGEs are also associated with certain cooking methods like grilling and frying, rather than baking or boiling. To maintain youthful skin, reduce your consumption of sugary and oily foods.

3. Cut out smoking
Smoking not only harms your overall health but can also prematurely age your face. Even exposure to secondhand smoke can heighten your risk for various cancers and diseases, potentially impacting your skin health as well.

4. Use coconut oil
Coconut oil acts as a natural emollient, smoothing the skin by filling in gaps in the epidermis. This not only enhances smoothness but also helps skin retain moisture, giving your face a fuller appearance. Additionally, coconut oil effectively treats dry skin.

5. Boost your beta carotene
Beta carotene and retinol (vitamin A) are common ingredients in anti-wrinkle creams available on the market. Taking a beta carotene supplement can provide benefits for your skin. Consuming as little as 30 mg of beta carotene daily can help prevent and repair photoaging.

6. Switch up your sleep position
Certain facial wrinkles can be attributed to your sleeping position. This happens when your face presses against the pillow repeatedly in the same manner each night. Over time, this pressure weakens the skin in those areas, leading to the formation of wrinkles. Sleeping on your back can help prevent or reduce these compression wrinkles.

7. Wash your face regularly
Spending an additional three to five minutes to cleanse your face at night is always worthwhile. Leaving makeup on overnight allows your skin to absorb its chemicals, leading to increased oxidative stress. To combat this, gently cleanse your face with a water-based wipe before bed and finish with a refreshing splash of cold water.

8. Avoid ultraviolet light
Most wrinkles on your face, neck, arms, and hands are primarily caused by ultraviolet light exposure. While it is impossible to completely avoid UV light, you can minimize by wearing a hat that shades your face during extended outdoor activities. Wear longer pants and sleeves when outdoors to reduce direct sun exposure.

9. Up your antioxidants
Antioxidants play a crucial role in combating damage at the cellular level. While you can find sunscreens and wrinkle creams enriched with antioxidants, there are numerous natural ways to boost your skin's antioxidant defenses. Consuming a diet rich in blueberries, kidney beans, grapes, kale, and spinach nourishes your skin from within and may help diminish signs of premature aging.