Aging is a natural part of life. As we get older, the development of facial wrinkles happens! While wrinkles and aging are normal, that doesn't mean you shouldn't take care to avoid premature aging in your skin. So if you're ready to soak up the summer sun but you don't want to damage your skin, here are a few helpful anti-aging tips to live by.

See a Dermatologist

You can buy all the over-the-counter products that you want, but at the end of the day nobody is going to know what's best for your skin like a dermatologist. Whether you're worried about acne scarring on your face, you don't want to develop wrinkles too early in life, or you're just not sure what skincare products you should be using, a dermatologist is going to be one of your best skincare resources.

In addition, your dermatologist can perform anti-aging procedures on the skin around your face and body. Instead of paying for a facelift and paying for a hospital stay, outpatient procedures like chemical peels, Botox injections, and rejuvenating facials can be performed right at your dermatologist's office. If you have questions about preventing premature aging, a dermatologist should be one of your first stops.

Wear Sunscreen Every Day

Sunscreen is your best friend when it comes to preventing premature skin aging during the summer months. UV radiation is notorious for causing skin damage that could lead to much more serious consequences than a few wrinkles. UVA radiation, in particular, is responsible for most premature skin aging. Not only can it cause the premature development of wrinkles, but it can also give your skin a leathery texture and cause age spots. So before you head outside, make sure you have sunscreen on! And when we say every day, we mean it. UV radiation can still reach your skin on cloudy days, too. Fortunately, there are plenty of sunscreen options that offer both excellent SPF protection and lightweight application. Sunscreen should also be applied daily on your face, whether under your makeup or on bare skin. This can help prevent the premature development of fine lines and wrinkles.

Don't Smoke

Smoking is bad for your health for a number of reasons. The unfortunate truth is that it can also accelerate the aging process. This is a result of both the facial motion of smoking a cigarette and the properties of the smoke itself that can harm your skin. In addition, smoking can cause your skin to dull, teeth to yellow, and it can even increase your risk of developing psoriasis. If you want to avoid premature skin aging, especially on your face and neck, don't smoke or stop smoking.

Eat Fermented Foods

You already know that fermented foods are good for your gut. But did you know that they can also help keep your skin looking healthy? It's true! Fermented foods are rich in antioxidants and they have many anti-inflammatory properties. It's part of why they're so good for your gut, too. And it might seem unlikely, but beauty products made with fermented extracts may also help when it comes to premature aging.

"The most commonly cited benefits of fermented extracts within skincare products are skin calming and brightening," says Craig Kraffert, MD, board-certified dermatologist and president of Amarte.

If you can't find skincare products with fermented extracts in them, eating them is still great! Here are a few fermented foods that you should consider adding to your diet if you want to avoid premature skin aging:

• Kimchi
• Kombucha
• Kefir
• Miso
• Apple cider vinegar

Make Exercise a Priority

It might seem a little strange to think that exercise can help you maintain a youthful complexion, but it's true! Findings from numerous studies suggest that moderate daily exercise can help improve blood circulation and give your immune system a boost. When your circulation is good, you're more likely to retain that youthful appearance. In addition, building up your muscles and increasing your endurance can help you feel younger and look stronger.

Aging is a natural part of life. And even though almost 50% of marriages end in divorce, a wrinkle or two isn't going to end your relationship. But taking care of your skin means it will be able to protect you for years to come. Preventing premature aging is just one of the many benefits you'll reap from taking care of it.