We all wish we had a fountain of youth that could make us young forever, but did you know that there are factors in our everyday lives that can cause us to age prematurely?

One of the leading causes for premature aging is sun exposure. Without protection from the sun’s rays, just a few minutes of exposure each day over the years can cause noticeable changes to the skin. Deep wrinkles, age spots and leathery skin indicate premature aging caused by years of unprotected exposure to the sun.

Those who are constantly frowning might have trouble with keeping their youthful appearance as well. Repetitive facial movements actually lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Each time we use a facial muscle, a groove forms beneath the surface of the skin, which is why we see lines form with each facial expression. As skin ages, the skin stops springing back to its line-free state, and these grooves become permanently etched on the face as wrinkles.

If you need another reason to quit smoking, look no further than your skin. Research shows that a person who smokes 10 or more cigarettes a day for a minimum of 10 years is statistically more likely to develop deeply wrinkled skin than a nonsmoker. It has also been shown that people who smoke for a number of years tend to develop an unhealthy yellowish hue to their complexion. Additionally, a study conducted in 2002 showed that facial wrinkling, while not yet visible, can be seen under a microscope in smokers as young as 20.

Even if you are a smoker and want to stop, the effects of smoking can disappear once you stop.