7 Anti-Aging Tips for Your Skin
Using the right skin-care products and techniques can keep your skin healthy, make a big difference in your complexion, and help avoid signs of aging, like wrinkles. Your skin is a living organ that changes over time.
Adjusting your skincare to accommodate these changes will help your skin stay healthy and look its best. Here are some tips that can age-proof your skin:
1. Use a Gentler Face Wash
When you cleanse your skin, use a gentle touch and formula. Skin tends to get less oily and more sensitive as we mature. Be sure to use a light hand, cleansing in gentle, circular motions. Aggressive scrubbing could irritate already sensitive skin and accelerate aging.
2. Start Using Retinoids
Over time, the skin will begin losing collagen, the protein responsible for keeping it looking smooth and lifted. This loss can result in a creased look. Experts agree that the best line of defense is to use a retinoid.
I start recommending retinoids for anti-aging to my clients in their thirties. I suggest easing into this active ingredient with an application two to three times a week, and working up to nightly as your skin gets used to it.
3. Upgrade Your SPF Routine
Regular use of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher is a great way to keep your skin healthy and prevent age spots and discoloration. Not all sunscreens are alike when it comes to ensuring supple skin. Switch to a more moisturizing sunscreen cream, and avoid alcohol-containing sprays and gels that can dry out your skin. Also, look for sunscreens that contain antioxidants to protect the collagen in your skin.
4. Use a Richer Face Cream
Because oil glands can become less active as you age, I recommend moisturizing properly to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. The simple act of switching your normal face cream for a richer one will help trap water against the skin, pumping up those deep crevices. As an added bonus, smooth the formula down to your neck and décolleté to treat those areas as well.
5. Watch What You Eat
Much of what happens on the outside of your body is the result of what you put in it. It’s important to eat foods that nourish the skin over the years. Avoid anything that can dehydrate, like alcohol. Foods high in sugar and white carbohydrates can actually age you faster by breaking down glucose. Opt instead for more protein in your diet, including foods like fish, lean meats, beans, and legumes to help build strong collagen.
6. Consider Supplements
Can a pill restore dewiness in aging skin? Maybe. Omega 3s found in certain seafood, like salmon, can help keep your skin moist and may even delay its maturing process by preventing wrinkles.
7. Exfoliate Weekly
Our skin sheds dead cells regularly, creating a new layer every 28 days. That process can slow over time, leading to a dull-looking complexion and rough patches. To help remove that buildup, exfoliate weekly for brighter skin.
