However, good skincare isn’t all about buying expensive products–it’s also about simple lifestyle choices that many people can make. Read our guide to learn the top ten tips to keep your skin looking young.
1. Take Collagen Supplements
One of the most important ingredients to add to your routine to keep your skin looking young is collagen.
Collagen is a protein that plays an essential role in protecting your skin and your body. In fact, it’s the most abundant protein in the human body, and it can be found in muscles, bones, skin, and tendons.
While collagen plays a lot of different roles in the body, one of its most important roles has to do with the skin. In the dermis, which is the middle layer of skin, collagen forms a fibrous network of cells. This binding together of collagen proteins is what helps keep your skin looking young and supple.
While our bodies produce collagen naturally, unfortunately, as we age, we start to produce less and less collagen. When our bodies produce less collagen, the structural integrity of our skin declines, and this can lead to wrinkles and other signs of aging.
This is where collagen supplements come in. While you can’t force your body to produce more collagen, you can take supplements to increase the level of collagen in your body. You can take collagen in either pill or powder form, making for easy consumption.
Studies show that taking collagen supplements reduces wrinkles and dryness while also improving the skin’s elasticity and hydration.
2. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Sun damage can be very difficult to reverse, which is why protecting your skin from sun damage is vital.
Wearing sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from the sun. And, you shouldn’t just apply sunscreen when you go to the beach. You should wear sunscreen every day, regardless of the weather or how long you’ll be outside.
Even if it’s cloudy outside, the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can still cause damage to your skin, so don’t skimp on the sunscreen! Opt for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and make sure to reapply it every few hours.
When you’re spending time in the sun, you can protect your skin by wearing sun-protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. We also recommend seeking shade whenever possible.
3. Apply Moisturizer Daily
Moisturizer traps water in the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance. Apply moisturizer in the morning and at night to keep your skin looking young.
Also, make sure you’re using a high-quality moisturizer on your skin. And don’t worry—the most expensive moisturizers aren’t always the best. Some ingredients to look out for include:
- Hyaluronic acid: This ingredient hydrates skin, smooths the skin’s texture, and even heals wounds. It can also decrease the depth of wrinkles and enhance the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
- Glycerin: This is an ingredient that draws water into your skin.
- Shea butter: This ingredient comes from the seeds of shea trees. It smooths out your skin, keeps moisture contained, and helps soothe symptoms of inflammation.
Don’t forget to apply moisturizer to your neck, as it’s often the first part of the body to show signs of aging.
4. Use Retinoid Products
Retinoids are another essential ingredient to add to your skincare routine. Retinoids are a topical vitamin A-based chemical compound that can be very beneficial for skin health and appearance.
Certain types of retinoids encourage cell turnover, soften wrinkles, stimulate collagen, fade pigmentation, and help treat acne. All of these benefits can lead to a more youthful glow.
It’s important to note that retinoids are a huge family of compounds, and not all retinoids are the same. The easiest retinoid product to get your hands on is retinol, which is an over-the-counter product with minimal side effects. However, it can take a few months or even up to a year to see visible results with retinol.
Other over-the-counter retinoid options include retinoid esters and adapalene (which can be purchased over-the-counter as Differin). Prescription-only retinoids include isotretinoin (better known as Accutane) and retinoic acid (also known as retina-A or tretinoin).
Isotretinoin is only prescribed for severe forms of acne, and it requires close doctor supervision. Tretinoin works significantly faster than retinol, but it can be hard to get covered by insurance.
5. Eat a Healthy Diet
Keeping your skin looking young starts from the inside.
Make sure you’re eating plenty of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. Some foods that are particularly good for your skin include:
- Avocados
- Fatty fish
- Walnuts
- Sweet potatoes
- Broccoli
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
You should also try to avoid processed and sugary foods.
6. Drink Plenty of Water
In addition to eating a healthy diet, make sure you drink plenty of water. Keeping your body hydrated on the inside will lead to more moisturized and youthful-looking skin on the outside.
Drinking water consistently can be tough. The best way to form a habit is to keep a water bottle with you at all times and sip from it throughout the day. If plain water doesn’t tickle your fancy, add some lemon or cucumber to your water.
7. Get Plenty of Sleep
There’s a reason they say you need to “get your beauty sleep.” Sleep plays an essential role in the look of your skin! Sleeping helps prevent dark circles under the eyes, puffy eyes, and pale skin.
Sleep also plays a long-term role in the appearance of your skin. Research published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that skin cell growth and repair occur in the evening. By getting plenty of sleep, you give your skin time to repair itself.
Additionally, your skin is more receptive to certain products at night, especially retinoids. Getting enough sleep will ensure your skin has enough time to absorb these products fully.
Sleeping also gives your skin a break from stress, and stress is definitely something that can show up on the skin. Everyone’s sleep needs are different, but generally, you should aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night.
You may also want to consider switching up your sleeping position. Sleeping on your side and pushing your face into the pillow year after year can manifest on your skin in the form of wrinkles and fine lines. Try alternating sides or sleeping on your back without your skin touching the pillow.
And make sure you’re using the right pillowcases. We recommend pillowcases made from satin or silk, as they’re less abrasive on the skin. Softer pillowcases can minimize inflammation, which is one of the root causes of skin aging.
8. Sweat it Out
It’s no secret that working out is good for your overall health. But many people don’t realize that working out is also great for your skin.
Exercising increases your blood flow, which helps nourish your skin cells and keep them vital. Blood flow also helps eliminate waste products from your skin, including free radicals. Eliminating these free radicals will keep your skin glowing and young-looking.
Sweating while you exercise can also clear out your pores. Just make sure to remove makeup from your skin before exercising, as this can lead to clogged pores.
9. Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine, and Smoking
While there’s nothing wrong with indulging in a good latte or martini every once in a while, excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption can wreak havoc on your skin. Both beverages dehydrate your skin and rob your body of key nutrients.
And while smoking is bad for you for many reasons, it’s especially bad for your skin. Nicotine causes your blood vessels to contract, leading to reduced oxygen flow and nutrients to the skin.
10. Exfoliate Your Skin
While we don’t recommend using harsh products on your skin regularly, a good exfoliator can do wonders for your skin.
Lightly exfoliating your skin with a non-irritating acid cleanser will dissolve dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. Exfoliators remove the outer layer of skin to reveal a smooth layer of skin underneath. This new layer of skin will better absorb your skincare products, brightening your complexion and giving your skin a youthful glow.
Conclusion
Keeping your skin young-looking doesn’t require pouring thousands of dollars into expensive spa treatments. By taking care of your body from the inside out and feeding it the right products, you can have glowing skin that others will envy.
Now, it’s time to get started on your new skincare routine!
