We all wish we could turn back the clock and reverse the signs of ageing. Unfortunately that is not possible, but we can give you some tips to slow down the process.
Protect yourself from the sun
Whether you are spending the day indoors or outdoors, sunscreen is essential. Ensure that it is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 (or higher), and water-resistant. You should apply sunscreen every day as the last step of your morning skincare routine to any exposed skin. If you are in direct sunlight the whole day ensure you reapply every 3-4 hours, depending on if you are also swimming/sweating.
Stop smoking and drinking alcohol
Did you know that smoking greatly speeds up how quickly skin ages. It causes wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion. Alcohol also has the same effect as it leaves your skin feeling dehydrated and thins it over time, making us look older.
Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Eating plenty of fresh, colourful fruits and veggies help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging. Whilst diets that contain lots of sugar or other refined carbohydrates can accelerate aging. A general rule of thumb is to eat: healthy sources of protein, healthy fats, foods that are rich in antioxidants. These include: green tea, fatty fish, dark chocolate, flax seeds, pomegranates, avocados, tomatoes.
Exercise most days of the week.
Moderate exercise 3-4 times a week can improve circulation and boost the immune system. This, in turn, may give the skin a more-youthful appearance.
Cleanse your skin gently.
Scrubbing your skin clean can irritate your skin. Irritating your skin accelerates skin aging. Alongside this, rubbing your face with a towel to dry it also ages your skin. Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without irritating your skin. Ensure you use circular motions and cleanse for 60 seconds before rinsing off with lukewarm water and patting your skin dry with a cloth.
Apply a facial moisturizer every day.
Moisturizer traps water in our skin, giving it a more youthful, hydrated appearance as well as maintains and strengthens your skin barrier. Do not forget your neck when you moisturise! Try to look for moisturisers with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Sleep habits
Sleep gives your body an opportunity to refresh and regenerate cells. Poor sleep quality is connected to increased signs of aging and a diminished skin barrier function. So, make sure you get your 8 hours of uninterrupted beauty sleep! Catching up on sleep is not a thing- just because you sleep 2 hours here and 2 hours there and it all adds up to 8 does not mean it is quality deep sleep.
Incorporate retinol into your routine
Retinol helps to improve your skin’s appearance and rejuvenate it by increasing skin cell turnover, or how quickly your body makes new layers and sheds old dead skin cells. They can also boost your collagen production. Overall, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and even out your skin tone, all of which can make your skin look younger.
Get enough Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant used to help reverse aging as itworks against free radicals, which can cause all kinds of damage in our bodies. Vitamin C may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by protecting your skin against oxidative damage. It may also improve skin elasticity and firmness by helping your body make more collagen.
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