As we age, our skin loses moisture and elasticity making it prone to wrinkles.

Dermatologists have many tools for tackling those little lines that mark the passage of time. They include prescription creams, chemical peels, and injections of the toxin Botox, which paralyses facial muscles temporarily so you can't wrinkle your skin when you frown, for example, or with other facial expressions.

But perhaps the best option is to protect your skin just as it is, and to do what you can to keep it healthy.

Lotions and creams. Use a lotion or cream that contains alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs. AHAs come from milk, fruit and sugar cane, and act by clearing away dead cells on the surface of your skin.

These products encourage collagen growth, which fills in wrinkles. They also couneract free radicals -- rogue oxygen molecules in your body that can damage your skin.

Since AHAs can sometimes cause irritation, try rubbing a little of the product on a small patch of skin first. If the patch doesn't turn red by the next day, the moisturizer is safe for you to use.!

Exfoliate your skin twice weekly. This eliminates dead, dry skin cells, and encourages the production of healthy new cells. Smooth, exfoliated skin absorbs moisturiser better, and so is better hydrated. Soak a clean flannel in milk and apply it to your skin. Milk contains alpha-hydroxy acids.

Apply fresh aloe vera gel, which contains malic acid. Cut off a leaf at the base. Slit it open. Scrape out the gel with a spoon, taking good care not to rupture the green rind, and apply.

Applying papayas will lessen the appearance of wrinkles because they contain enzymes that can etch away the top layer of your skin.

Wash and peel a papaya. Thoroughly mix 2 tablespoons of the pulp with 1 tablespoon of dry oatmeal to help exfoliate your skin. Apply it to your skin and leave it on for 10 minutes. Scrub off the mixture with a flannel.

Apply a moisturizer every morning after washing to help retain moisture and make your skin feel softer. Look for the moisturizers that also contain sunscreens to protect your skin from ultra-violet rays. Don't forget to apply moisturizer to your neck and hands as well as your face.

Try an avocado facial. This supplies moisture plus vitamin E, an antioxidant. Puree the pulp. Smooth it on your face. Leave it on for 20 minutes.

Watch your diet. Drink plenty of clean water, avoid excess sugar, and eat a balanced diet. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are essential for healthy skin cell structure. Eat nuts, oily fish, and avocado.

Exercise regularly to maintain general health and improve circulation to the skin - this will make you glow.

Don't smoke. It impedes all of your skin's functioning processes. You can never look good if you smoke. Do not be fooled by airbrushed photos of those chain-smoking catwalk models. Up close, they're disasters.

Avoid excessive use of your facial muscles. Repetitive facial movements cause the skin to crease into expression lines. Do not raise your eyebrows to ridiculous heights in order to express suprise; do not frown frequently or screw up your face every time something irritates you.