Aging is natural. Cell turnover slows down, collagen production slows down, and your skin starts to dry out. External factors like too much sunlight and exposure to pollutants can speed up the aging process. Here are some tips to help your skin look younger.
You might have heard some of these before, but they bear repeating:
- Avoid direct sunlight. Wear SPF 30 sunscreen and cover up to protect yourself against UV rays.
- Get your beauty sleep — it isn’t just a clever name. Skin cells regenerate more quickly while you are sleeping!
- Drink plenty of water! The more you drink, the more supple your skin will feel.
- Use a moisturizer. Overnight use is a little better — your skin heats up while you sleep, so you’ll absorb lotion better.
- Make sure your diet includes plenty of antioxidants. Antioxidants can help clear free radicals out of your body and clear up damage the unstable oxygen molecules caused.
- Smile. Studies have shown that a broad smile can make women look younger and more appealing.
- Exercise. Cardio exercise, especially. A good workout carries oxygen and nutrients to the skin.
- Reduce stress. Do what it takes — yoga, meditation, or a vacation. Internal and external stress can both deprive your skin of moisture, making you look dull and dry. Stress can also make you more vulnerable to irritants and allergens!
Want to fight wrinkles? There are three different things you can use.
- Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A. It helps accelerate dead skin cell removal and stimulate new cell growth.
- Alpha hydroxyl acids are exfoliants that attract moisture to the skin. Alternate AHA with retinols in your nightly skin care regimen. There are five types of AHA: glycolic acid (from sugar cane), lactic acid (from milk), malic acid (from apples and pears), citric acid (from citrus fruits), and tartaric acid (from grapes).
- Peptides are molecules that contain hydroxyproline, which helps repair the collagen and elastin between the dermis and the epidermis.