We’ve all heard the saying that age is just a number. Even if you are still physically and mentally active, time still ticks on. However, there are some things that you can do to slow down the aging process, even if you can’t completely stop time altogether.

Read on for some of the tips that Dr. Paul Pin shares with his patients on how to age gracefully and in good health, as we celebrate Healthy Aging Month.

Stay in the Shade

When you were younger, you probably looked forward to the warmer summer months as a time to swim, play sports, or hang out with your friends while you worked on getting your tan. Unfortunately, your skin may now be paying the price for all that fun in the sun of your youth.

Excessive exposure to the ultraviolet A (UVA) waves from sunlight can lead to premature aging of the skin, leaving it looking tough and leathery. UVA exposure leads to loss of collagen, a vital protein that fills out your body over your skeletal framework. This will particularly show up on your face, in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, and areas of discoloration known as sun spots.

Dr. Pin recommends a good-quality sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF). You should use this any time that you will be out in direct sunlight for more than 15 minutes. You should reapply it if you go swimming.

Add in a wide-brimmed hat and large sunglasses that wrap around the side of your face to protect the delicate skin around the outer corners of your eyes.

Stop Smoking

You are probably aware of the well-established link between smoking and cancer and emphysema. But did you know that smoking, including the new trend of “vaping”, can also make your facial skin age prematurely?

Tobacco and vape smoke both dry out the facial skin every time you exhale, leading to collagen loss, fine lines, and wrinkles around the mouth. Smoking can also age the skin around the corners of your eyes and the area around your chest.

The first, most important step to take is quitting smoking with a smoking cessation program. This should be done with the help of your primary care physician to ensure that it is being done safely. The sooner that you make this decision, the easier it will be for your body to repair the damage that smoking has done, including to your skin.

Dr. Deuber recommends starting a moisturizing routine to replenish your skin’s vitality. Apply your moisturizer after your shower or bath, and at night before going to bed.

Exercise

Has your regular doctor been after you to get more exercise? If so, he or she wants to help keep you on track for healthy aging. Regular exercise helps you keep in shape and prevent or reduce the severity of a number of chronic conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, or cardiac disease. Furthermore, regular exercise improves the circulation of blood and fluids throughout your body, which can give you that youthful glow

Healthy Aging Month is a reminder that while we may be getting older, we don’t need to be feeling or acting that way.