Been bit by the plastic surgery bug? Before you sign up for an under-the-knife session, follow these 10 tips for avoiding the cosmetic surgeon and keeping your skin looking great.

1. Top up on sunscreen
If there’s one thing dermatologists and beauty moguls agree on, it’s that wearing sunscreen everyday is a must for keeping skin younger-looking. “It cannot be emphasized enough,” says dermatologist Dr. Paul Cohen. “Using sunscreen year-round will prevent wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, fine lines, age spots, not to mention sun cancer.” So how do you choose the right sunscreen? Look for one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, although the higher the SPF, the better your skin will be protected. TIP: Keep in mind that most sunscreens can take up to 30 minutes to start working, so slather it on well in advance of heading outside.

2. Stay active
By regularly incorporating physical activity into your life, your heart rate gets a boost, which promotes blood flow to the surface of the skin, resulting in a fresh, healthy glow.

3. Take your vitamins
Not only do they do the body good, recent studies suggest that ingesting vitamins A, C and E allow our bodies to fight acne, minimize cellulite formation and slow the signs of aging.

4. Pay attention to your genes
If you want an idea of how you’ll age, look to the women in your family. Chances are if they experienced wrinkles, age spots or uneven pigmentation early on, without preventative measures, you’re likely to follow in their footsteps.

5. Quit smoking once and for all
Not only can lighting up cause cancer, it depletes moisture levels, leaves skin looking sallow and dull, and is responsible for the crackled wrinkling effect that often appears around the lips of many smokers.

6. Go for non-surgical procedures
Micro-dermabrasion, botox, restylane and juvaderm are all non-invasive procedures available for those who want a dramatic change without visiting a plastic surgeon. Talk to your dermatologist about whether these options are right for you.

7. Invest in wrinkle cream
According to Cohen, many surgeons believe that the secret to slowing the aging process lies in treating wrinkles once you hit age 30. The best age-fighting ingredient? glycolic acid, which, when used at a young age, can give skin a healthy glow while helping to prevent fine lines before they start.

8. Stick to a skincare routine
If there were a beauty bible, one of the commandments would be to cleanse, moisturize and exfoliate at least twice a week, says makeup artist Giancarlo Intini. TIP: For a natural way to treat wrinkles, Intini suggests spreading the contents of a pierced vitamin E capsule around areas that experience a lot of muscle movement, such as the eyes and mouth.

9. Eat your vegetables
If you aren’t already munching on at least five daily servings of fruit or vegetables – which are full of free radical-fighting antioxidants – hit the produce aisle. Look for brightly coloured and leafy green vegetable varieties (which tend to pack the most vitamins and nutrients), and antioxidant-rich fruits like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and raisins.

10. Choose non-comedogenic products
Skin that’s subjected to harsh ingredients can suffer from clogged pores and blemishes. When buying makeup or skincare products, Intini suggests looking for oil-free varieties that will be gentler on skin.