The path to younger looking skin starts with your dedication to taking a proactive approach to skincare. Through regular skin cleansing, yearly visits to a dermatologist, and a commitment to improving your diet, you can enhance the condition and appearance of your skin. Below are a dozen affordable ways to help you achieve healthier, more youthful looking skin.
1) Start with a New Year’s resolution to take better care of your skin.
The anti-aging process will not unfold on its own. Transforming your skin from dull to radiant requires your dedication and regular attention. Instead of tackling skincare problems as they emerge, make a personal commitment to always be on the hunt for cost-effective treatments and practices that will improve your skin. In short, you must develop a proactive approach to skincare.
2) Develop a daily skin cleansing routine and follow it without fail.
A regular skin cleansing routine is the cornerstone of healthy skin. You should plan to spend at least 30 seconds per day cleansing your skin with a cleanser that is formulated for the type of skin you have. Keep a spare supply of cleanser on hand in case you exhaust your supply or if you plan to travel.
“You can tell if you didn’t wash your face thoroughly enough when you dry your face on a white towel, and you can still see makeup residue left over. In order to make sure the makeup on your face is completely off, make sure to use makeup remover on your entire face, to gently remove any residue that can sit in your pores.” – Dr. David Bank, Dermatologist, New York
3) Always incorporate sunscreen into your morning skincare routine.
Shielding your skin from the sun’s damaging rays is essential to achieving youthful-looking skin. Some people make the mistake of going without sunscreen because they assume that their youth or dark skin makes them immune to skin cancer. Unfortunately, skin cancer affects people of all ages and skin types. Applying a broadband sunscreen every morning is the best step you can take to protect your skin from premature aging and skin cancer.
4) Visit your dermatologist at least once each year.
A yearly visit to a skincare specialist plays a key role in your proactive approach to the anti-aging process. An experienced dermatologist can diagnose skin conditions and recommend effective products and treatments to rejuvenate your skin. If you have never been to a dermatologist, it is not too late to schedule an appointment. Your primary care provider can provide you with a referral if necessary.
5) Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Keeping your body well-hydrated is just as important as keeping your skin well-hydrated. Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day helps prevent skin from becoming tight, dry, and flaky. Most important, water can help you look more refreshed and can help prevent wrinkles.
6) Give your diet a makeover.
Many people fail to recognize that there is a connection between their dietary habits and their skin condition. For instance, foods with a high sodium content can lead to puffiness around your eye area while foods with a high concentration of vitamins C, E, D, and A are known for their age-fighting power.
7) Refrain from smoking.
If you currently smoke, make it a priority to stop. Results of studies of twins show the negative effects that smoking can have on your skin and face. In particular, twins who smoke were judged to be older than their non-smoking twins because they had more pronounced wrinkles in addition to bags around the eyes.
8) If you wear foundation, use it sparingly.
Overapplying foundation or choosing a shade that is significantly darker or lighter than your skin color can give you an aged appearance. You can avoid these common foundation mistakes by applying your foundation conservatively with a brush. Also, make sure that you test foundation before purchasing it to ensure that you are choosing a shade that is compatible with your skin tone.
9) Wear your sunglasses regularly.
Wearing your sunglasses can aid in the prevention of wrinkles around the eye area by helping you refrain from squinting. Make sure that the sunglasses you are wearing have UV400 protection to provide 100% UV protection. Also, avoid dated styles that can add years to your appearance. Instead, opt for a style that gives you a more youthful appearance.
10) See an esthetician on a regular basis.
Visiting an esthetician regularly is an excellent way to relax while maintaining your skin’s health and vitality. An accomplished esthetician can introduce you to facial treatments designed to protect your skin from environmental damage. Additionally, an esthetician can help you manage common skin conditions that can exacerbate fine lines and wrinkles.
11) Beware of scams.
The market is full of products that promise to transform your appearance overnight. Resist the urge to fall for costly miracle creams that offer no proven results. Remember that there are no quick fixes in skincare and remain focused on your commitment to take better care of your skin.
12) Get plenty of sleep.
A lack of sleep can cause water to accumulate in the body, leading to dark circles and bags in the eye area. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. You can help enhance the quality of your sleep by sticking to a regular sleep schedule and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
The Bottom Line
Developing a proactive approach to skincare is essential to a successful anti-aging campaign. You can kick off your anti-aging campaign by resolving to thoroughly cleanse your skin and apply sunscreen every day. You can also improve the appearance of your skin through proper hydration, dietary changes, and makeup techniques. By following the twelve tips above, you will be well on your way to youthful looking skin.