Lifestyle choices that can reduce the signs of aging include sun protection, quitting smoking and using gentle cleanser and moisturizer each day as part of an anti-ageing regime.
Eat a balanced diet free from refined and processed carbohydrates. Rest and physical activity are also great ways to promote skin health.
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Anti-Aging Diet Habit: Eating healthily The single most essential anti-aging habit is eating healthily – eating foods rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients can help your skin look younger, fresher and supple. Avoiding sugar (which hastens aging) while eating colorful vegetables, fruits, whole grains and nuts/fish as sources of healthy fats is key.
Water is essential in keeping skin hydrated and prevents dryness, while makeup should never clog your pores or be applied directly onto damp skin. Look for lightweight formulas containing ingredients such as vitamin C, retinoids or peptides; consult a dermatologist about tailoring a regimen tailored specifically for you.
At 25 years of age, our skin begins to lose its ability to regenerate itself and the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid decreases, leading to thinner and less elastic skin. Supplementing these substances through collagen powder or other skincare products may help bind moisture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and slow the aging process of our complexions.
Stress has been shown to hasten cell aging by shortening DNA’s protective caps called telomeres. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises and regular physical activity may all help reduce levels of stress.
Squinting and frowning can leave permanent lines around the mouth and eyes. A simple solution is relaxing these muscles with facial exercises such as “face yoga”, which strengthens facial muscle structure while encouraging cell renewal. For more dramatic effects, Botox or dermal fillers such as Restylane(r) may also soften deep lines and wrinkles.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Skin is our largest organ and needs plenty of water to remain supple, healthy and smooth. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps to hydrate from within, slowing the aging process. Consuming foods rich in water such as cucumbers, strawberries and watermelons may also aid in keeping skin hydrated; avoid dehydrating substances such as caffeine and alcohol that deplete hydration and hasten skin deterioration and speed aging processes.
Consuming warm water on an empty stomach every morning can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity, while regularly applying moisturizer helps absorb lost moisture and keep skin soft. Sleep is crucial as lack of sleep is known to hasten skin aging by restricting cell turnover and breaking down collagen. Avoiding stress, smoking and UV exposure can all also be effective ways of slowing the signs of age on our complexions.
4. Exfoliate Your Skin Regularly
Even with daily cleansing of face and body with cleanser, dead skin cells may still accumulate on the surface of your skin and become trapped within pores causing blackheads and whiteheads. Exfoliation helps reduce these instances while stimulating collagen production as well as providing benefits in terms of both appearance and health.
Physical exfoliation can be achieved using a cleansing scrub, body brush or loofah; chemical exfoliants include products containing alpha or beta hydroxy acids (or salicylic acid) or retinoids. For best results, physical exfoliation should only occur twice weekly using gentle techniques; when using products containing exfoliating ingredients make sure to follow directions closely as overexfoliation can lead to raw and irritated skin.
To further slow the aging process, apply moisturizer daily, especially after sweating heavily or wearing a hat or helmet. Hyaluronic acid contained within moisturizer will trap moisture into your skin’s cells to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while sunscreen will safeguard it against sun damage.
