There are many different factors that can cause our skin to age faster. Some, like whether or not you wear sunscreen, you can control, while others, like how stressful your life is, are more out of your hands. The truth of the matter is that we all age eventually, but you can take anti-aging steps to help your skin look younger through the years so that when Time starts to show, it’s in a more graceful manner.
Here are some of the most useful anti-aging methods you can use in order to slow the mark of time down and enjoy a more youthful appearance for longer.
#1. Wear Sunscreen Always
Yes, every day! It’s a common misconception that you only need to wear sunscreen when you’re going to the beach or on a hike. It’s another very common misconception that only people with light skin need to wear sunscreen. While those with darker skin tones may not burn in the sun, your skin can still be damaged by it in other ways.
The sun is reason #1 behind premature skin aging. This is because UV rays break down the elastin in your skin, making you more prone to early wrinkles, saggy skin, uneven skin tone, and more. You want to ensure that you wear sunscreen every day, even if it’s cold and gloomy outside, because UV rays can still get through clouds.
For maximum protection, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30. Mineral sunscreens, such as with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are best. Remember to reapply it throughout the day, especially if you take a dip in the pool or sweat it out at the gym.
#2. Pat Your Skincare In, Don’t Rub
Rubbing your skincare in pulls at your skin. While initially, this may not seem like a big deal, over time, it can take its toll, leading to saggier, less firm skin that is more prone to wrinkles. To keep your skin firm, pat-pat-pat, especially around your eyes, as the skin here is thinner. Many people notice crow’s feet as one of the first signs of aging, so take extra care to be gentle around the eyes.
This also helps you to avoid using too much product, which can cause adverse effects such as your skincare pilling on top of your skin, product waste, and rendering certain products ineffective, since they cannot seep into your skin and provide the desired anti-aging effects.
#3. Drink Plenty Of Water
We know, we know, you’re sick of being told to drink more water. There’s good reason for this though. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water. We need to stay hydrated in order to stay in good health, not just for anti-aging purposes (although that’s a definite bonus). Delicious as that coffee or soda may be, these dehydrate you. This doesn’t just impact your body, but also causes your skin to dry out and be duller.
The drier and duller your skin, the more evident wrinkles and other signs of aging are. How much water you will need will depend on your specific body. What is enough water for one person is way too much for someone else or isn’t anywhere near enough.
A good rule of thumb is to shoot for about 8 glasses of water a day, but of course, you can talk to your doctor for recommendations for your body’s specific needs. Having a water bottle on hand and sipping on it throughout the day makes staying hydrated easier, regardless.
#4. Try To Get Enough Sleep
This is easier said than done if you live a busy life and it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything that needs to be done. However, rest is crucial to maintaining a more youthful appearance. Have you ever pulled an all-nighter or had a sleepless night and noticed how dark your undereyes were, how pale and dull your skin was compared to normal, and how a previously very fine line in your forehead was more pronounced?
Sleep is our bodies’ superpower. While you sleep, your body releases hormones that encourage cell turnover, while can help with anti-aging. To make sleep even more beneficial, opt for anti-aging nighttime skincare, such as a retinoid moisturizer.
Try to avoid rougher pillowcases and sheets, such as those made out of cotton, as these can pull at your skin and make you more likely to develop wrinkles sooner. Instead, opt for a satin or sateern fabric that doesn’t aggravate your skin.
If sleep is something that you struggle with, exercise, meditation, and gentle aids, such as melatonin, can all help you get your Zs in.
Do You Want Help With Anti-Aging?
Regeneration Health Medical Spa is here for you! We provide multiple different anti-aging services, ranging from skincare to facials to injectables, like Botox. To learn more about our anti-aging services, please do not hesitate to contact us today!