It’s no secret that aging is inevitable. But why not do everything in your power to put it off as long as possible?
Youthful, glowing skin doesn’t happen by chance. It takes consistency and patience. And just because your parents had bad skin, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed as well (this is a common misconception).
So here are a few simple ways you can help slow down aging and prevent damage to your skin.
Use a retinoid
Easily the most widely studied chemical for anti-aging are retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A. Retinoids — the core ingredient in the best retinol serums on the market — can amp up your collagen production and help plump up the skin.
Retinoids also encourage skin regeneration and promote the creation of new blood vessels, which improves the overall texture and appearance of your skin.
There are four main types of retinoids — retinyl esters, retinaldehyde, retinol, and retinoic acid. And they all have slightly different degrees of potency. You can buy the low potency retinoids over-the-counter as creams and gel. However, the stronger retinoid — tretinoin — is only available via a prescription.
Always start with the least potent retinoids to test your skin’s tolerance to the product. Also, use it every other day to avoid peeling. You can gradually move on to a stronger product as your skin adjusts to retinoids.
Make sure to consult a dermatologist to discuss the retinoid options suitable for your skin type. If you’re pregnant (or can become pregnant), you must avoid tretinoin at all costs because it can lead to severe abnormalities in the fetus.
Wear sunscreen every day
An essential part of a good anti-aging regimen is wearing sunscreen every day. Whether it is rain or shine, winter or summer, you must wear your sunscreen daily (just like brushing your teeth).
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should wear sunscreen that has a minimum SPF of 30 and says “broad-spectrum” on the label. Meaning that it will protect you from both UV-A and UV-B rays from the sun. It’s also a good idea to check for the following ingredients when buying sunscreen:
- Avobenzone
- Mexoryl
- Zinc Oxide
- Titanium Dioxide
A mistake most people make when wearing sunscreen is that they don’t use enough of it. You need to be liberal when applying your sunscreen. What’s more, reapply it every few hours, depending on the amount of sun exposure you’re getting. And don’t forget your neck, hands, and arms. They are often overlooked but are the parts most vulnerable to sun damage.
Use a moisturizer religiously
Think of using moisturizer as drinking a large jug of water just for your face.
As you age, your skin gradually loses its moisture. Applying a moisturizer traps the water in your skin and keeps it hydrated and plump. Since hydration gives your face a fuller appearance, it significantly reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Try getting a moisturizer infused with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, or vitamin A because they prevent wrinkles from getting deeper. You can read Beverly Hills MD reviews for more information.
Also, look for moisturizers that come with SPF since that’s what’s responsible for most of the anti-aging effects.
Using a moisturizer is particularly important in the winter when your skin requires extra hydration. Here are some more ways to keep your skin hydrated in the winter.
Watch what you eat (and drink)
Growing up, you may have been able to get by on a diet of junk food and sugary drinks. However, an unhealthy lifestyle will begin to show as you age (and your skin experiences the brunt of it).
From fine lines to adult acne to dullness, a bad diet can wreak havoc on your skin. This is why eating a balanced diet is important for maintaining youthful and glowing skin.
Start with incorporating foods that are full of anti-ageing properties and nutrients essential for a glowing complexion. These include:
- Foods high in omega-3 — fatty fish like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts
- Vitamin C-rich foods — blueberries, broccoli, oranges, and sweet potatoes
- Rich sources of vitamin E — brazil nuts, almonds, and avocado
- High-zinc food sources — fish, lean red meat, whole grains, and poultry
It’s also important to quit smoking for youthful skin, which is probably the most important step you can take to improve your overall health. Moreover, try limiting your alcohol, caffeine, and sugar intake as much as possible. They are the primary contributors to toxins and inflammation in your body, which will make you age faster.
Drink plenty of water
Believe it or not, the key to anti-aging is upping your water intake.
For starters, your body requires water for almost every function it does. Besides flushing toxins, aiding metabolism, and regulating your body temperature, water also keeps your skin glowing and healthy.
In addition to maintaining good skin texture and providing essential nutrients to skin cells, water enhances its elasticity, leading to a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines.
Although we’re born with a body water content as high as 78%, we tend to dry up with age. If you want to combat the signs of aging effectively, you need to hydrate your way to good skin by ensuring you drink enough water.