Are You Slowing Down the Signs of Aging — or Speeding them Up?
There’s a lot of hype about “anti-aging” products, and the debate rages on about the truth regarding some of these claims. However, you don’t need a counter full of anti-aging products to combat wrinkles, fine lines, and the other effects of aging.
The speed your skin ages can be a combination of both genetics and lifestyle choices. While you can’t change your genes, you can eliminate harmful lifestyle choices that may be speeding up the aging process.
If you’re noticing premature signs of aging, here’s what you should be doing for your skin… and what you absolutely must avoid in order to slow down the signs of aging.
Save your Skin
To help combat the signs of aging, there are a number of things you can do each day to take care of your skin.
- Eye Cream
Use a good-quality eye cream daily to protect the fragile skin around your eyes from premature lines and crows feet. Look for an eye cream that contains an SPF of at least 15.
- Moisturizer
Moisturize your face and neck daily to keep skin smooth and supple. Make sure you use a formula designed for your specific skin type. For extra anti-aging benefits, look for moisturizers that contain some combination of retinols, such as AHA or BHA (alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid). These potent compounds can do wonders for aging skin.
- Exfoliate
Even though I’m still young, I use an exfoliating scrub regularly (once a week). I have sensitive skin, so I use a gentler formulation. Use an exfoliating scrub that works for your skin type to help slough off dead skin cells and bring out the healthy new skin underneath.
- Take Vitamins
Vitamins are an important part of nutrition overall, especially if you are not getting your daily requirements from food sources. What’s more, vitamins that contain antioxidants can help promote healthy skin, hair and nails.
Avoid these Skin Saboteurs
- Smoking
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your skin (not to mention your overall health!). The chemicals found in cigarette smoke constrict blood vessels and decreases the amount of oxygen your skin gets. By quitting, you can help prevent additional damage from accumulating and avoid premature aging.
- Excess Sun Exposure
Lifelong beach bunnies wreak havoc on their skin, and it shows! To slow down the aging process, avoid over-exposure to sunlight. If you love the look of tanned skin, invest in a good quality self-tanner or bronzing powder for your face. You get the benefits of a golden glow without the skin-damaging effects of the sun.
- No Sunscreen
Even on cloudy days, the sun’s harsh rays can still penetrate the skin and cause damage. Don’t leave the house without a good sunscreen. I prefer natural sunscreens compared to chemical formulations, but use what works for you — just don’t leave home without it!
You can significantly lessen the signs of aging by taking care of your skin and avoiding skin-damaging lifestyle choices.
Are you doing everything you can to prevent looking older than your years? None of us are perfect, but it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin now. Trust me — your skin will thank you for it!
