Like it or not, one of the most common and visible signs of aging happens to your skin. You can have the most youthful attitude ever and insist that age is just a number (which is definitely true), but as you age, your skin will likely develop some wrinkles, become thinner, bruise more easily and perhaps even sag a bit.
But there is some great news: there are tips you can try that may slow down and even reverse some of these common skin changes. Here they are:
1. Wear Sunscreen, No Matter What the Weather
Many of the changes you are seeing in your skin are due to sun exposure. Fortunately, it is never too late to take steps to protect your skin from harmful rays. Use a quality sunscreen every day, even if it’s cloudy or rainy. On really bright and sunny days, wear a hat and protective clothing and stay in the shade as much as possible.
2. Avoid Repetitive Expressions
When you frown, squint, purse your lips or smile, you are contracting the underlying muscles in your face. When you constantly contract these muscles over and over for years, the lines will become permanent, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. While smiling and laughing are wonderful things and should not be discouraged, do your best to avoid other repetitive facial expressions like frowning and squinting. To prevent the latter as much as you can, wear sunglasses when outside and if you need glasses to read a menu at a restaurant, by all means put them on.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
The old phrase “you are what you eat” definitely applies to the way your skin will age. If you drink a lot of alcohol and consume fast food on a regular basis, your skin will be more likely to look older, puffier and less healthy. Boost your intake of fresh fruits and veggies and also skip sugary desserts as often as you can; you will probably be pleasantly surprised at what a difference this will make.
4. Invest in a Great Skincare Cleansing System
If you typically lather up your face with the same soap you use on the rest of your body, your skin will probably be clean but also dry and itchy. The skin on your face doesn’t need deodorant or added perfumes, so to keep your face as youthful as possible, consider buying a skincare cleansing system that is formulated with anti-aging ingredients. For example, the Redefine Regimen from Rodan + Fields is designed to soften, exfoliate and moisturize the skin, which in turn can minimize pores, smooth lines and wrinkles and help promote firmer skin that looks younger.
5. Please Stop Smoking
Smoking can really hasten how quickly the skin will age. People who smoke tend to have dry and dull skin as well as more wrinkles. Granted, it can be difficult to stop smoking but it is so worth the effort—both for your skin and your overall health. Put the money you’d spend on cigarettes in a jar and spend it on something really fun and rewarding for yourself. Then take notice as your skin starts to look less sallow and healthier in very little time.
You Can Slow Down the Aging Process
There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting older, but that does not mean you have to accept dry and wrinkly-looking skin. Although the skin will naturally change in certain ways over the years, there are definitely steps you can take to still look as youthful on the outside as you feel on the inside.