Everyone will go through the aging process – that’s one of many inevitabilities of life. But this doesn’t mean you have to wait for wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines to show up before you do something for your skin.
Believe it or not, you can prevent these signs of aging if you start practicing the right skin care regimen at the right time. Men and women in their 50s, 60s, or even 70s can still look and feel younger.
Aside from undergoing anti-aging treatment from a trusted skin care facility, you can also try these top seven skin care best practices that can help maintain a younger, glowing appearance:
Cleanse, Cleanse, Cleanse!
Cleansing is probably the most underrated personal care regimen out there. Regular cleansing gets rid of dead skin cells that can make you look older.
When choosing cleansers, pick those that only get rid of dirt, not moisture. Products with natural exfoliators, like alpha-hydroxy acids, can help clear up acne and remove dead skin. They also promote collagen production, which helps with the skin’s elasticity.
Use Anti-Aging Serums in Your 20s
Most people think that anti-aging serums should only be used when wrinkles and fine lines are already present. However, these products actually yield better results in preventing signs of aging when used years before they appear.
Because of this, it is recommended that you use anti-aging serums, especially along the under-eye area, during your 20s. This will help prevent sagging and fine lines while keeping the area plump and youthful. You should also consider using products with vitamin C to promote collagen production to revitalize your skin.
Exfoliate Before Your First Pimple Shows Up
Like using anti-aging serums, exfoliation should also be done early. This time, however, it should be used before your first pimple even appears.
Exfoliating in your 20s may seem like a good idea at first, but the truth is that it actually is quite late. Exfoliants offer the best results when used during the teenage years. Since it works to cleanse the pores and get rid of dead skin cells, it can help prevent acne, which is a lot better than removing what is already there.
Of course, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to buy expensive products in your teens. You can simply use DIY exfoliants and masks made from commonly available household items like vinegar, banana, milk, oatmeal, yogurt, or mayonnaise.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
Extended exposure to UV rays is known to cause skin damage and speed up the skin aging process. This is the very reason why you should always seek shade and find ways to protect yourself from the sun.
Walking under shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. is most recommended as this is the period when the sun is at its hottest. Wearing wide-brimmed hats or using parasols would also work. If sun exposure cannot be avoided, remember to apply sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30 or higher on your bare skin.
Don’t Skimp on Moisture
With aging comes dry skin, and with dry skin come wrinkles and fine lines. To make sure you don’t look older than you actually are, you should never skimp on moisturizing your skin.
Moisturizers help trap water in the skin, making it look younger. Applying body oil as needed also helps keep it hydrated throughout the day. In addition, try to avoid cleansers, toners, and exfoliants that reduce skin moisture.
Skip the Straws and Cigarettes
Love sipping your daily latte using a straw? You might want to reconsider if you are after a more youthful look.
While it may seem like an insignificant and harmless habit, sipping beverages through a straw actually speeds up the emergence of wrinkles around the mouth. This is because the act of sipping accentuates facial muscles along that part of the face, causing wrinkles to appear. In short, the more you sip, the more lines appear around your mouth.
The same is true for smoking cigarettes. Aside from its well-known health risks, smoking can also cause skin aging, stained teeth, and an even higher risk of psoriasis.
Reconsider Your Sleeping Routine
Sleep is the body’s way of self-rejuvenation, which is why it is called “beauty rest.” Make sure to sleep at least eight hours a day to renew and refresh your skin.
Key Takeaway
Proper skin care is crucial in keeping you looking youthful and vibrant. Aside from peeling treatments and other age-reversing procedures, you can stay true to the old adage “age is just a number” by following the skin care tips mentioned in this article.
AUTHOR BIO
Vandana Luthra founded VLCC in New Delhi, India as a beauty and slimming services centre in 1989. Today, it is widely recognized for its comprehensive portfolio of beauty and wellness products and services and also enjoys a high level of consumer trust. The VLCC Group’s operations currently span 330 locations in over 150 cities and 14 countries across Asia and Africa.