Have you looked in the mirror lately and noticed a few more fine lines around your mouth or across your forehead?  We all do it. Don’t panic and run for the Botox. Avoid the costly cosmetic surgery with less expensive ways to turn back the clock.  Here are a few cheaper and more natural remedies than going to the extremes of cosmetic surgery. Plus, Some are even free!

1. Retinoids

A derivative of vitamin A, Retinoid-based skin creams are the only thing on the market that have FDA approval and proven evidence that they smooth lines and lessen wrinkles.  Prescription medications like Retin-A, Renova or Tazorac can help increase the skin’s production of collagen which promotes new skin growth.  Patients who use retinoid creams can see a dramatic improvement in a matter of weeks.

2. Stay out of the sun

Exposure to harsh UVA and UVB rays speed up our skin’s aging. While hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are all great sun protection, doctors recommend broad-spectrum sunscreen with high SPF like 80 or 90 that can block long-wave UVA rays.  Wrinkles are largely caused from these intense rays which can be blocked by sunscreen ingredients such as Helioplex and Mexoryl.

3. Get your sleep

Getting your beauty rest isn’t just a joke; it should be an important part of your skincare routine! Researchers explain that when you’re tired your body produces more Cortisol, a stress hormone.  When your Cortisol levels are high it can breakdown your skin’s collagen production.  To get a good night’s rest, try going to bed 20-30 minutes earlier, shutting off your cell phone, turning off your TV and avoiding exercise right before bedtime.  You’ll wake up with rested, glowing skin!

4. Antioxidants

Antioxidants act as your skin’s personal body guard by attacking free radicals–particles that lead to wrinkles, sun damage and skin cancer.  Antioxidants also can protect against environmental factors that harm the skin like pollution and smoking. The best way to get antioxidants is from food and from applying antioxidant rich creams.

5. Exfoliate

Exfoliating helps scrub off the dead, flaky skin cells exposing fresh, more moisturized skin. Not only does this give you a more youthful appearance, it also boosts collagen production and allows retinoids and antioxidants to penetrate the skin easier.  So, exfoliating can give you an instantly younger look while aiding in long term effects as well.  Unless you have sensitive skin, regular exfoliating with face scrubs or at-home chemical peels is encouraged.