How to best combat skin aging: routine, methods, products to help you keep your skin looking healthy and youthful today.
Everyone wants clear, beautiful, youthful-looking skin. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to achieve. There are so many factors that can impact the way your skin looks. From stress to the environment, it’s difficult to know what your skin really needs to thrive. This is made even more challenging with age, as wrinkles and fine lines start to appear. And while there’s nothing wrong with aging (in fact, it’s something to be celebrated), it can bring some unwanted signs.
Thankfully, there are ways you can slow down the aging process of your skin. From integrating the right skincare products to staying hydrated, the tips below are a great place to start. Keep reading for ways to combat aging skin, so you can love your complexion at any age.
1. Use An Anti-Aging Treatment
There’s a common misconception that younger people don’t need to use anti-aging products. The truth is, your skin starts to age as early as your 20s. While this change isn’t usually noticeable at first, not taking care of your skin can accelerate the process. Because of this, experts recommend starting an anti-aging treatment before 30.
You may be thinking, “Wow, that’s young.” But remember, the goal is prevention. Using an anti-aging product when you’re young can help you prevent signs of aging when you’re older. Luckily, there are many products available that can be easily added to your skincare routine. With that said, make sure you do your research before purchasing. Read the ingredients, take a look at the reviews, and ask your friends/family if they’re familiar with a product.
Make sure to test the product before using it. To do so, apply a small amount to your wrist and wait 24 hours. If you notice any redness, itching, or discomfort, that most likely means the product isn’t for you. If everything looks fine, go ahead and apply the product to your face.
2. Wear Sunscreen Regularly
Speaking of products, sunscreen is one you should never go without. Believe it or not, one of the main causes of skin aging is sun exposure. While the sun gives you vitamin D, too much sun exposure can cause photoaging. This is when the sun’s UV rays damage the skin and cause signs of aging, like wrinkles, dryness, and an uneven skin tone.
The best way to keep your skin protected from the sun is to wear sunscreen. Unfortunately, some people steer clear of sunscreen because they’re worried it causes breakouts. While some products can irritate sensitive, acne-prone skin, others shouldn’t have the same effect. When looking for sunscreen, focus on formulas that contain zinc, as they’re typically non-irritating.
Applying sunscreen on a daily basis is crucial to keeping your skin healthy. It can also keep you safe from skin cancer, which is caused by too much sun exposure. In addition to wearing sunscreen, make sure you’re protecting yourself with a hat and sun-resistant clothing on, especially sunny days.
3. Rethink Your Skin Routine
One of the best things you can do for your skin is to treat it with the right products. With that said, finding the “right” products isn’t always easy. With so many options available, it’s tricky to know what will actually work for your skin.
The best place to start is by identifying your skin type. Is your skin sensitive? Dry? Oily? A combination? Once you know your type of skin, double-check the products you’re using. A good trick is to read the labels and look for certain ingredients. For example, if you have sensitive skin you should avoid products with fragrances. If you have dry skin, you should avoid alcohol or salicylic acid. If you have oily skin, steer clear of mineral oil and petroleum.
Understanding your skin type is important. It keeps you from using products that could exacerbate certain skin conditions or make your skin look older.
4. Hydrate
Drinking water can also do wonders for your skin. Water keeps your body hydrated, which helps maintain your skin’s elasticity and helps it bounce back. If you struggle with water intake and are dehydrated, your skin could look saggy, wrinkly, or leathery.
On a related note, for those in the Windy City who have skin regrets, there’s always the option of tattoo removal in Chicago. Just as hydration can impact skin appearance, so can past decisions like getting a tattoo.
How much water you need to drink in order to stay hydrated varies. According to the Mayo Clinic, women should aim to consume about 12 cups a day and men should have about 16. While this is a good place to start, it’s important to consider other factors as well. For example, if you’re very active, you may need to consume more water than recommended.
Drinking water is an important step to keeping your skin healthy and signs of aging at bay. Unfortunately, many people struggle to drink enough water during the day. Whether they’re too busy running errands or prefer other drinks, like coffee or soda, it can be challenging. If this sounds like you, consider carrying a water bottle. That way, you’ll always have access to water. Maybe even set reminders on your phone to ensure you’re reaching your water intake goal.
Don’t let aging skin get you down! Instead, use the tips above to help you combat the signs of aging skin. And remember, aging is something that should be celebrated. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to erase a few wrinkles, don’t get too caught up in reversing the clock. Your skin is beautiful just the way it is.
