Aging skin is a natural part of life, and you can’t stop it completely. However, there are some great steps you can take to minimize your skin’s aging and keep yourself looking younger, longer.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Nearly every dermatologist agrees that UV exposure is the worst thing for your skin. It ages your skin and causes serious damage to elastin and collagen.
• Sunscreen – Putting sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on your face, ears and neck is the best way to protect the skin on your face from sun damage while outside.
• SPF Makeup – Choose makeup and moisturizers that have UV protection, so even if you forget the sunscreen, you still have some protection.
• Shade – When possible, always walk or sit in the shade to avoid direct sunlight.
• Exercise right – Consider using UV-protective clothing, and exercise in the early morning or late afternoon. UV rays are strongest between 10AM and 4PM.
Get a Good Retinoid
Retinoid products are great for helping to keep your skin looking young and healthy. They boost collagen production, unclog pores and stimulate blood vessels to reduce acne and oil. This leaves you with a brighter appearance.
• Follow directions – Since a sudden introduction to retinoids may cause irritation, always follow the instructions.
• Apply at night – The best time to use retinoid is at night on a clean face. Also, retinoids make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
• Talk to your doctor – Speak with your doctor about possible prescription-strength retinoids or to find out about good over-the-counter retinoids.
Focus on What Goes in Your Body
What goes in your body is just as important as what goes on your body. Skin is affected by the nutrients and vitamins you put in your body, so put all the good stuff in your body and avoid the bad.
• Vitamin D – Take a vitamin D supplement of about 1,000 IUs a day.
• Omega-3 – Adding omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from oil, flaxseed and fish helps give your skin a protective layer to keep in the moisture.
• Water – Drink water all day to keep your body hydrated from the inside. One liter a day is a good start!
• Avoid processed foods – Processed foods and sugars damage the production of dermal cells by causing inflammation.
Have a Routine
Have a thorough skin routine for morning and night. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to do this. Instead, just be smart.
• Sunscreen – Always apply sunscreen in the morning, even if you won’t be outside much.
• Wash your face – Wash your face every night to get rid of makeup and chemicals in the air.
• Apply retinoid and moisturizer – Always apply a retinoid and a moisturizer at night.
Help Skin Regenerate
When choosing cosmetic procedures, don’t just choose ones that make you look younger. Choose ones that actually help make your cells regenerate and slows the rate of aging signs.
• Peels – Peels do a great job of exfoliating your skin to remove dead cells while also stimulating collagen and making it grow.
• Resurfacing – This procedure uses lasers to help correct the damaging effects of sun damage, including texture, wrinkles and sun spots.
You can’t stop aging, but you can help slow the effects of aging. These tips will keep your skin looking brighter, healthier and younger longer.
