The quest for an eternal fountain of youth is a journey traversed by humans since the beginning of time. Now, with modern technology and scientific breakthroughs to helps us innovate within the beauty sphere, navigating through the process of aging has a promising future marked by wide-spread access to information about ingredients and the various skincare procedures offered that promise to take years off your face.
For now, let’s stick to the skincare products you can incorporate into your everyday routine that help prevent or delay the onset or fine lines, wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging. Read on for tips and tricks on keeping your complexion youthful and vibrant.
Add Vitamin C to Your Regimen
Vitamin C is an all-around immune system booster, thanks to its high antioxidant content, but did you know that Vitamin C is also good for your skin? Using a Vitamin C serum is a great way to boost antioxidant protection to your skin and fight off environmental stressors that contribute to free-radical damage and premature aging resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin c is also proven to support healthy collagen production in skin, helping skin remain bouncy and vibrant.
Pro-Tip for Vitamin C: To get the most out of your Vitamin C products, make sure you’re using it on dry skin and allowing it to fully absorb before applying your moisturizer and sunscreen. Look for a product that uses stabilized Vitamin C for optimal results.
We Recommend:
Use Daily Sun Protection
Sun exposure without protection is a leading cause of extrinsic aging, also known as photoaging. UVA radiation penetrates deep into skin and can break down collagen, which is what makes skin look youthful and plump. Make sure to protect your skin by sitting in the shade, using sun-protective (UPF) clothing, wearing a wide-brimmed hat with large sunglasses, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30. If you're going to be swimming or diving, use a water-resistant, mineral-based sunscreen rather than a chemical one. If you work outdoors, look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor label.
Pro-Tip for Sunscreens:
Reapply sunscreen for every two hours your skin is exposed to the sun in order to keep your skin adequately protected from UV damage. UVA is what causes photoaging, so look for a sunscreen that has a high PA++ rating. If you really cannot live without a sun-kissed complexion, opt for a self-tanner system rather than a tanning bed, as it uses UV light directly and is as damaging as the sun.
We Recommend:
Hydrating Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 50+
Use Retinol
Retinol has been proven to be an anti-aging ingredient that works in preventing premature aging by increasing cell turnover rate and supporting collagen production, resulting in reduced fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to exfoliate your skin and unclog pores to give a skin a clearer, more refined texture. Consider a retinol serum that contains green tea for added antioxidant protection and skin-soothing properties for thosed with sensitive or reactive complexions.
Pro-Tip with Retinol:
Retinol works gradually over a longer period of time and with consistent use, so make sure to keep using even if it doesn’t appear to be doing anything. It's already working, but because of how it works you need to give your skin time to respond. Always apply Retinol to complete dry skin and wait until it’s absorbed before applying your moisturizer.
Only use Retinol products during the evening, as that is when your skin is repairing itself and optimized for cellular turnover.
We Recommend:
Retinol 5x Regenerate Dry Serum
Or
Retinol + Bakuchiol Concentrated Serum
Moisturize Regularly
Use a high-quality moisturizer every day to maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier. If you have drier skin you might want to look into using products that contain Ceramides, Squalane, and Peptides to naturally enhance your skin’s moisture levels. A good moisturizer will also help your skin look brighter as well as improve firmness and texture. If your skin is still feeling dry and tight, slugging at night can help with preventing transdermal water loss.
Pro-Tip for Moisturizing:
If using a product that contains Hyaluronic Acid, make sure you are applying the product directly onto damp skin so that the Hyaluronic Acid doesn’t draw water from your skin’s surface.
We Recommend:
Quit Smoking and Reduce Drinking
Smoking ages your skin rapidly. If you smoke, quit. If you are having difficulty quitting, talk to your healthcare provider about a referral to a cessation program. Switching to vaping will not help your skin, as the issues are caused by nicotine itself.
Excessive alcohol use can also impact your skin by drying it out. Stay within the recommended limits of 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink a day for women, and ideally don't drink every day.
Get an Adequate Amount of Sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for anti-aging as it plays a significant role in skin regeneration and repair. During sleep, the body produces collagen, a protein that keeps the skin firm and elastic, while also releasing growth hormones that aid in cell turnover and renewal. Additionally, adequate sleep helps reduce inflammation, which is linked to premature aging and skin conditions like acne and eczema. Without enough rest, the skin's ability to recover from daily damage diminishes, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and a dull complexion. Prioritizing quality sleep is essential for maintaining youthful skin and overall well-being.
Exercise
Exercise increases blood flow to your skin, which helps keep it healthy. That is on top of all of the other health benefits of regular exercise. Try to get moving at least a little bit most days. Look for an exercise routine that you enjoy. (Remember to wear your sunscreen if exercising outdoors).
Don't forget to wash your face afterward, especially if you are engaged in an activity that requires a helmet (Helmets hold perspiration and dump it on your face, irritating your skin). Be gentle with your face, don't scrub.
Avoid Skin Care Products That Cause Irritation
If you're using a product and it causes stinging or burning, stop using it. Skin irritation can make your skin look older and negate whatever benefits you might get. Consider talking to your doctor about a scratch test so you can identify ingredients you might be allergic to.
