Aging is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to slow down the signs of aging on your skin. And no, we’re not suggesting surgery or spending hundreds of dollars on skincare products. You can maintain youthful-looking skin by making a few, simple lifestyle changes. From putting on sunscreen to getting a good night’s rest, here are a few tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing:
1. Use Products With Anti-Aging Ingredients
There are several benefits to anti-aging treatments. For one, they restore your skin’s natural supply of collagen. Collagen is a protein that plays a crucial role in keeping your skin plump and full. As you age, your body’s collagen supply deteriorates, which is why anti-aging treatments can be so beneficial. Another perk of using anti-aging treatments is they help relax your facial muscles, which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Thankfully, there are several anti-aging treatments available. You could take a surgical route and get Botox, or you could get prescribed an anti-aging product, like tretinoin or adapalene. These anti-aging prescriptions use retinoids to erase signs of aging. They can also treat acne, clear pores, increase cellular turnover, and help even skin tone. Needless to say, incorporating anti-aging treatments can go a long way to helping you achieve younger-looking skin.
2. Wear Sunscreen
As a kid, your parents probably lathered you up with sunscreen before you went outside to play. They did this because they knew how dangerous the sun could be, and didn’t want you to get a sunburn. But there’s a good chance you didn’t take this habit with you into adulthood. Did you?
There’s a common misconception that sunscreen isn’t something you have to apply daily. Because of this, many people only use sunscreen when spending the day at the beach. The truth is, you should wear sunscreen every time you step outside, even if you’re just running errands or driving to the office.
The UV rays from the sun cause serious damage to your skin. Not only do they speed up the aging process, causing wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, but too much exposure can cause skin cancer. The best way to protect yourself is to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. Even when it’s cloudy outside, make sure you apply sunscreen, so you can keep your youthful look.
3. Invest In The Right Pillowcase
Do you want glowy, youthful-looking skin? The answer to achieving this may be more simple than you think — use a different pillowcase. Certain pillowcases can be harsh on the skin. That’s why many experts recommend buying softer pillowcases, ones made with silk or satin.
Silk and satin pillowcases don’t harshly rub against your skin like pillowcases made from other materials. Because of this, they can help prevent wrinkles and fine lines. These pillowcases can even help keep your complexion clear. That’s because they allow your skin to breathe, which helps minimize pores, reduces irritation, and keeps your skin firm. Silk and satin pillowcases can also do wonders for your hair, keeping frizziness at bay. If you haven’t already, go ahead and invest in a new pillowcase.
Speaking of pillowcases, you also want to make sure you’re changing your pillowcase, and your bed sheets, on a regular basis. You may not realize it, but your sheets come into contact with oil, sweat, dust mites, bacteria, etc. All of which can irritate your skin. That’s why experts suggest changing your pillowcase at least once a week.
4. Get Your Beauty Sleep
Believe it or not, beauty sleep is a real thing. During the night, your skin naturally regenerates. Meaning, your skin essentially heals itself while you’re sleeping. Not getting enough sleep can interfere with that process, resulting in dull-looking skin. You don’t want that, right? That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough rest every single night.
According to studies, adults should aim to get between seven to nine hours of sleep every night. If that sounds impossible, it’s time to make a few lifestyle changes. For instance, instead of winding the night down and scrolling through Instagram, put your phone away. Blue light exposure, like the light from your phone, affects your brain and hormones, keeping you from falling asleep. As a rule of thumb, put your electronics away before you settle in for the night.
It’s also a good idea to optimize your bedroom environment. That might mean upgrading to a more comfortable mattress and sheets or dropping your bedroom temperature to a cooler setting. Remember, the more comfortable you feel in your bedroom, the better you’ll sleep.
5. Adopt a Healthy Diet
Have you ever heard the phrase, “you are what you eat?” Well, there’s a lot of truth to that. Food can have a huge impact on your overall health, including your skin. If your diet is rich in sugar, carbohydrates, and fried food, that can speed up your body’s aging process. Not only will your physical health decline, but you’ll notice signs of aging on your skin like wrinkles.
To maintain youthful-looking skin, make sure you’re consuming a lot of fruits and vegetables. Both provide key nutrients that keep your body healthy from the inside and out. Fatty fish is another nutritious food that can promote healthy-looking skin, as it’s high in omega-3.
You also want to make sure you’re drinking enough water during the day. Water helps maintain your skin’s elasticity, helping you avoid wrinkles and fine lines. Staying hydrated is essential to keeping your skin healthy.
The best thing you can do to maintain youthful-looking skin is to take care of your skin. And luckily, the tips above are a great place to start.
