As we age, our skin changes. It loses elasticity, becomes thinner, and is more prone to wrinkles and lines. While aging is inevitable, there are steps you can take to keep your skin looking healthy, smooth, and youthful.

Here are five easy steps to smooth out wrinkles and lines in your skin:.

Step 1: Use Sunscreen

Sun damage is one of the leading causes of wrinkles and lines in the skin. Exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin to break down, which leads to sagging, wrinkled skin.

To protect your skin from sun damage, it’s essential to use sunscreen every day. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and apply it to your face and neck every morning before heading out.

Step 2: Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can make your skin look dry and dull, which can accentuate wrinkles and lines. To keep your skin looking healthy and hydrated, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and look for water-rich foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges to help hydrate your skin from the inside out.

Step 3: Moisturize

A moisturizer can help keep your skin hydrated and supple, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines. Look for a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid, which can help plump up your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Apply your moisturizer twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, to keep your skin looking smooth and youthful.

Step 4: Consider Retinoids

Retinoids are a class of vitamin A derivatives that can help smooth out wrinkles and lines in the skin. They work by speeding up cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, which can improve the texture and tone of your skin.

Look for a retinoid cream or serum to add to your skincare routine, and be sure to start slowly and build up as your skin adjusts.

Step 5: Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for your overall health, but it’s also important for your skin. When you sleep, your body goes into repair mode, repairing the daily damage done to your skin from exposure to the environment.

Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep a night, and be sure to sleep on your back to avoid any unnecessary wrinkles or lines caused by sleeping on your side or stomach.