As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity. Luckily, there are some preventative measures you can easily add to your daily skin care routine to slow the signs of aging.

Read on to learn about five skin care essentials to help your skin look and feel its best.

1.    Sunscreen

Be it 90 degrees or 30, sunscreen is an absolute must year-round. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day.

Exposure to UV radiation is linked to premature aging. If you have already noticed signs of sun damage, using sunscreen daily may help offset any future damage.

For those who prefer multi-taskers in their daily regimen, sunscreens that include anti-aging benefits are available.

2.    Moisturizer

Skin often becomes drier as we age, so a moisturizer is a beneficial step in any skin care routine. Moisturizers can also temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles because they fill in spaces between skin cells.

Harvard Health also recommends taking shorter baths and showers (lukewarm water only), using a humidifier, and avoiding excess fragrances that may irritate your skin.

Tip: Apply moisturizer after washing your face to help seal in moisture while your skin is still damp.

3.    Serum

Serums are pricey, but a little goes a long way with a wide variety of benefits. Each drop of serum is loaded with more moisture, nutrients, and anti-aging ingredients than a typical face cream. Select the serum based on your skin care needs -- they can replenish moisture, reduce brown spots, or brighten your complexion.

Living in an area with pollution also takes a toll on your skin -- accelerating the signs of aging and skin damage. Serums may be able to help improve your skin’s appearance by creating a barrier between the pollutants and your skin.

4.    Cleanser

From cleansing oils to gels and micellar waters , cleansers are a mainstay of any skin care routine. Select a cleanser that will clean your face without stripping away natural oils. Perfumes and dyes may irritate skin -- or even accelerate aging and affect your indoor air quality -- so look for one that is fragrance-free.

5.    Night Treatment

Enhance your beauty sleep by adding a night treatment to your routine. It’s another way to boost your skin’s moisture level and help with collagen production.

While we sleep, our skin naturally repairs itself, but it’s important to choose a treatment with the right skin care ingredients.

On Your Way to Looking (and Feeling) Younger

As we age, we don’t just notice changes in our skin -- our energy levels also may not be what they once were.

The good thing is, there are steps we can take to feel years younger.

Click below to read more about exercises you can incorporate that may help you regain that youthful energy -- just don’t forget to apply your sunscreen.