When you’re 16, having a youthful glow is natural. But as you grow older, you slowly but surely collect signs of aging. A few fine wrinkles on the corners of your eyes show up when you smile. Maybe some lines have appeared as evidence of the jokes you’ve cracked up at. And there’s nothing wrong with any of it.
However, there’s a reason a chunk of the beauty industry is dedicated to slowing the aging process. Not everyone wants to embrace the signs of aging, and that’s fine too. Yet, with countless products available to help you maintain or regain a youthful glow, it can be overwhelming to know what’s best. Read on for some of the most effective tips for looking your best no matter your age.
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Use Products that Pack a Punch
When choosing products to include in your anti-aging routine, there are more options than you can count. Naturally, that makes narrowing down your perfect lineup more difficult. One good rule of thumb is to invest in fewer products that deliver better results.
That logic can be applied in several ways. For one, you could choose options with higher percentages of active ingredients. While it’s possible these products could be irritating, they will be more effective. If you need to, slowly incorporate them into your routine so your skin has time to adjust.
Another could be going the anti-aging prescription route for access to the most potent products available. While over-the-counter options can be great, there’s a reason they’re widely available. If your aging concerns are more pronounced or you’re just committed to preventing aging, getting a prescription is worth your time. Plus, it’s easier than ever with online resources.
Even if you need to gradually work more intense versions of your favorite anti-aging products into your regimen, it’s worthwhile. You’ll get the best of what’s available and be able to streamline your routine, boosting efficiency and effectiveness.
Stay Out of the Sun
You’ve probably heard how damaging the sun can be for your skin. It can increase your chance of skin cancer, create deep-set wrinkles, and lead to discoloration. So, it’s only natural that baking in the sunlight is a no-no for your anti-aging routine.
Instead, opt for daily sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it at the start of every day and reapply when you will be outside for two hours or longer. If you’re sweating or swimming, you’ll need to reapply more frequently to maintain protection.
Don’t forget about car rides either. Before you run errands or commute to work, lather your exposed skin with sunscreen. Or even better, invest in sun protection clothing to avoid the potential mess of spray or lotion altogether.
No matter what you do, make sure your skin is protected from the sun as much as possible. Even one or two bad sunburns in your life could lead to advanced aging and a higher likelihood of skin cancer. That alone makes prioritizing SPF an easy sell.
Eat Your Veggies
While topical products can be incredibly effective, they’re not the end-all-be-all for anti-aging. Your diet can also play a major role in how you age. That makes consuming enough fruits and vegetables much more important when pursuing a youthful glow.
Despite most fruits and vegetables offering health benefits, a few are standouts for anti-aging purposes. Get your fill of antioxidants with berries, namely blueberries and strawberries, to help reduce inflammation. Turn to papayas and citrus for a vitamin C boost that can help protect your skin from free radicals.
You can’t forget about your greens either. Add spinach to your meals for ample vitamin A, which can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Eat more broccoli too, which contains a significant amount of sulforaphane, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Your diet isn’t always going to be perfect and healthy, and that’s OK. You should continue to enjoy your desserts occasionally and eat local cuisine on vacation. However, incorporating more skin-healthy foods can help ensure you get the anti-aging benefits you’re after.
Find Movement You Enjoy
It’s no secret that exercise is important for your well-being. But it can also be incredibly important if you want to look younger. So, establishing a workout routine may be the missing piece to your anti-aging strategy.
Try to get 30 minutes of exercise that raises your heartbeat a few times a week. Go for a hike or take your dog on a long walk. Give weightlifting a go to see how much muscle you can build. Or opt for yoga or pilates for a slow, but effective, burn.
Sweating can help clear out toxins, dirt, and bacteria from your skin to boost elasticity. Plus, an active lifestyle can help your body maintain collagen levels. This protein is vital to ensuring your skin doesn’t wrinkle or sag.
No matter what you do, keep your body moving. Ideally, complete three or four workouts per week and at least a few thousand steps each day. You’ll be doing something good for your health and your skin simultaneously.
Be Consistent
Remember that anti-aging is a marathon, not a sprint. You won’t apply anything topically that will transform your skin overnight. And there isn’t a food you can eat that will erase evidence of aging in an instant. You have to slowly build up your anti-aging efforts to see results and make sure they last.
So, invest in powerful products, apply sunscreen, and drink water. While it likely won’t be your favorite thing to do every day, it’s the best route for an ageless glow. Decades from now, you’ll be happy you did.