The Fountain of Youth may have been a myth after all, but it’s true that the way you treat your skin can have an enormous difference in whether you age gracefully, or look older than your real age. Did you know you can slow or even reverse the effects of aging skin by eating well and taking time for yourself?

Here are our 10 favorite tips for healthy, glowing skin that will make everyone wonder what your beauty secret is.

You are what you eat.

Instead of just grabbing a quick lunch from the vending machine at work again, take a more mindful approach to what you eat. Load up your diet with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, and choose organic produce whenever you can to limit the toxins you ingest.

Incorporating foods with healthy fats – such as avocados, olive oil and fish – into your diet is also important. The fatty acids are crucial for your skin to look youthful.

Antioxidants are your body’s best natural resource for fighting off aging. Some of the foods richest in antioxidants include blueberries, raspberries, spinach, nuts, green tea and dark chocolate. To make sure you are consuming enough nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, try the “rainbow approach” to planning your daily meals – think about what colors you’ve missed throughout the day, and try to incorporate them into your next meal.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Your skin is more than 60 percent water, so if you’re not getting enough water throughout your day, your skin is one of the first places that will show it. As soon as you become dehydrated, it will take a toll on your skin, causing it to look dull and saggy.

Not only should you drink plenty of water every day, but you can also get a hydration boost from eating foods with a high moisture content, such as apples, cucumbers, peppers and melons.

Establish a good skin care routine.

Admit it – how many times have you flopped into bed at the end of a long day without washing your face? Make sure you always cleanse and moisturize your face before going to bed to remove all traces of makeup, as well as any pollutants, dirt or dead skin that have gotten into your pores during the day.

Your skin needs to breathe overnight, so if you don’t wash it, you’ll end up with more blemishes. Believe it or not, one of the best ways to wash your face is to put a bit of olive oil on a cotton ball and gently massage it into your face to get rid of the makeup and dirt.

Don’t forget to exfoliate, too. Get in the habit of exfoliating your skin at least once a week to remove all the dead skin that has accumulated.

Limit your sun exposure, and always use sunscreen.

A small amount of daily sunshine is beneficial because it stimulates your body to produce Vitamin D, but too much sun will damage your skin, causing premature wrinkles. Before going outside – even if it’s overcast – apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure the label reads “non-comedogenic,” which means it won’t clog your pores.

Use all-natural health and beauty products.

Many skin care products contain chemicals, fillers and artificial fragrances or colors – which can cause redness and breakouts or even strip your skin of its protective moisture barrier. When choosing cleansers, toners, moisturizers or makeup, research the ingredients in them diligently to confirm they’re safe and not likely to cause you to have an allergic reaction. Remember, natural makeup and skin care products work with your skin, instead of against it.

Get a massage.

Massages stimulate blood flow, and that’s why regular gentle rubbing and stretching keeps your skin looking healthy and radiant. Massages plump loose skin, move toxins out of your cells and help revitalize a dull complexion. So indulge yourself – book a therapeutic massage today!

Relieve stress.

We live in a stressful world. Many of us feel constantly pressured by work, school or family life. Have you ever stopped to think about how high levels of stress are affecting your body and skin? Stress causes your body to produce cortisol, which can imbalance all of your other hormones and lead to frequent breakouts.

Consider the following stress-beating activities:

Schedule a social activity with friends. Invite a close friend or two to lunch and conversation.
Go to a comedy show. Laughter is one of the best ways to reduce stress from your life.
Dance. Put on your favorite music and have a dance party in your living room. You’ll be amazed how good it makes you feel.
Practice healthy stress management techniques. Breathing exercises, yoga and meditation can all lower stress levels. Set aside a few minutes every day to close your eyes, open your mind and let go of what’s stressing you out.
Get enough sleep.
While you’re asleep, your skin and body go into high gear repairing any damage that occurred during the day. When you don’t experience the deeper phases of sleep, these repairs won’t occur, and small daily breakdowns will add up, instead of being reversed overnight. This results in more noticeable signs of aging.

If you don’t get enough ZZZZs, your skin gets tired just like you. Lack of sleep results in puffy eyes or dark under-eye circles, as well as dryness and more noticeable wrinkles. Make sure you’re not only getting at least eight hours of sleep a night, but that it is quality sleep.

Sweat it out.

Have you ever noticed a glow on your face after working out? Regular aerobic exercise will stimulate your circulation and release toxins through sweat, which results in clearer, firmer skin. If you’re short on time, just take a brisk walk around the block. And don’t forget to smile – it’s the best type of exercise for your face.