In 2009 alone, 4,795,357 Botox procedures were performed, meaning that we are a civilization who is committed to looking younger than we are.

Gone are the days when you used to try to make yourself look older than what your driver’s license says.

Now our age is just as clearly etched in the lines around our eyes and mouth as it is on our birth certificate.

But rather than passively accepting the ravages of time, we’re here to tell you that there are steps you can take to make sure you age as gracefully as possible.

We’ve put together a list of things you can do, without resorting to expensive and painful procedures, to help you combat time.

1. Keep Away From Those Rays

Unless you’ve been stuck underground since the 1960s, this isn’t news to you. But the reason why this word of advice is repeated so much is because it really is true. The sun will zap any energy or vitality from your skin.

Even though people still talk about getting that healthy glow, we’re getting our bronze from the bottle now.

Experience has taught us that the sun not only causes sunspots and premature aging, but it could endanger your life by putting you at a higher risk for skin cancer.

Since a tan only lasts for a week or so, and the negative effects it has on your skin and health could last for the rest of your life, think long term when you care for your skin.

2. Pump The Iron

Not only will a little weight lifting help whittle your waist and build lean muscle mass, but it will also combat the loss of stamina and bone that comes with age.

The American Heart Association recommends doing a single set of 8-15 repetitions of 10 exercises three times a week for a nice, well-rounded strength building workout.

Make sure to not deny yourself the time spent on the treadmill as aerobic activity also helps your heart get in shape. If you have a healthy heart you’ll have a healthy blood flow, which is one of the best things you can do to keep your skin looking younger.

3. Stay Moisturized

Even if you had oily skin in the past, our skin naturally dries as we get older. So if you’ve steered clear of adding moisturizer to your routine in the past, rethink that decision.

There are even moisturizers that contain ingredients to smooth old wrinkles and even prevent new ones from forming.

However, there are many wrinkle creams that will try to convince you that a higher price means better quality, but you don’t have to believe that.

Instead, look for a wrinkle cream like Veralyze that has a large dose of peptides. The peptides that are found in Veralyze work on the cellular level to restore your skin to its youthful resiliency.