Sun: Prolonged unprotected exposure to the sun breaks down the collagen and elastin (vital proteins for the skin), which can lead to early wrinkling, unattractivepigmentation, saggy and stretchy skin besides serious health risks like skin cancer. Sun damage might not be visible at an early age, however effects show up later in life, so everybody, including children should be protected from the sun.

Protect your skin by applying sun screen (that filters both UVA and UVB rays) of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 or higher on a daily basis (hot or cold weather) and re-applying it every 2-3 hours regardless of your age. Additionally, avoid mid-day sun and wear protective gear like hats or long sleeves. Medication might be required to reduce existing sun damage. Remember there is nothing like a healthy tan!

Smoking: Collagen, a firer that gives your skin strength and elasticity is depleted by six per cent every year due to smoking. Smoking leads to narrowing of the blood vessels, which reduces the blood supply to organs (including skin) thus depriving the skin of oxygen and vital nutrients. Smokers tend to have smoker’s wrinkles around the mouth, leathery skin and a lifeless looking complexion.

Quit smoking using strategies like counselling, exercising, nicotine-replacement products or medications.

Diet: Limit your consumption of simple carbohydrates, soft drinks, and processed foods. Sugary foods can lead to stiff and inflexible skin.

“Eat a well-balanced nutritious diet that includes a variety of dark-coloured fruits and vegetables which are full of anti-oxidants and necessary vitamins”, says Rashmi Shetty, cosmetic physician (who has many Bollywood actors among her clients), consultant at Nuevo Skin Clinic, Hyderabad. Also include lean protein (low-fat/skim milk, poultry), good fats (olive oil, flax seeds), water (3-4 litres/ day), complex carbohydrates (whole wheat bread or pasta) and nuts (walnuts, peanuts). Women need to pay attention to their vitamin E, folic acid, haemoglobin, calcium and B12 levels.

Exercising– Inactive lifestyle is one of the greatest maladies today. Regular activity keeps our skin younger longer by improving blood circulation to the skin, keeping our muscles toned and making our skin thicker, stronger and more flexible. Exercising also reduces stress levels and improves sleep. Incorporate any kind of physical activity at least 3-4 times in a week for 30 minutes or more.

Exercising: Inactive lifestyle is one of the greatest maladies today. Regular activity keeps our skin younger longer by improving blood circulation to the skin, keeping our muscles toned and making our skin thicker, stronger and more flexible. Exercising also reduces stress levels and improves sleep. Incorporate any kind of physical activity at least 3-4 times in a week for 30 minutes or more.

Alcohol: Consuming more than one drink per day on a daily basis is considered excessive drinking. Alcohol is a toxin for the body and has a dehydrating effect on the skin, magnifying any pre-existing conditions such as facial wrinkles and fine lines. It also leads to depletion of vitamins and minerals, which are very important for a youthful skin. Alcohol consumption can also lead to dilating your blood vessels, which can eventually lead to broken capillaries in your face, creating a flushed appearance, especially in the cheek and nose region.

Cut down your drinking by deciding how many days a week you will drink, knowing the standard drink sizes, pacing yourself while drinking, counselling, medication etc.

Lack of sleep: Sleep gives rest to your muscles. Lack of sleep shows on the face with tiredness and dark circles under the eyes.

Get 6-8 hours of sleep daily. Improve your sleep by exercising, avoiding large meals late at night and relaxation techniques like meditation.

Stress: Chronic stress can elevate the hormone cortisol in the body. Cortisol accelerates the degeneration of collagen and elastin and causes thinning of the skin. Stress can also lead to acne. Frowning perpetually can also cause your face muscles to actually conform to that movement.

To reduce stress: Inducing ageing, try leading a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a positive attitude.

Hormone levels: Fluctuations in hormone levels during adolescence or menopause can effect how fast your skin ages.

Get a gynaecological checkup. You might be treated for PCOD during adolescence and be given HRT (hormone replacement therapy) during menopausal stage.