It is inevitable that, as our biological clocks tick by, our skin becomes more sensitive, dull and dry. Fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin start to give cause for concern each time we face a mirror. That, unfortunately, is life and that, consequently, is the reason why adopting an anti-aging skin care strategy is essential.
We are talking “skin care” which means all the things that we can do to slow the inevitable, not just what products to use. As a foundation, here are the top 10 “life” tips for that youthful skin which everyone desires:
1. Avoid sun, or more correctly UV exposure, it’s your skin’s number one enemy! Too much sun will prematurely age your skin, can burn your skin and may even cause skin cancer. If you really need to be outdoors, then apply a broad spectrum (UVA & UVB) protective cream twenty minutes before exposure, one with a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher. Re-apply as needed. Also, always be ready with an umbrella, hat, and sunglasses to shield your skin against the sun’s blazing rays.
2. Drink lots and lots of fluids. Keeping your skin regularly hydrated with water and fresh fruit juices will give you a healthier and firmer looking skin. Dehydrated skin cuases the fine lines which become wrinkles. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day also washes out harmful toxins from the body, these too can cause premature skin aging.
3. Eat healthy. Proper nutrition plays an important role in anti-aging skin care treatment. Focus more on fresh fruits and vegetables, and fiber rich foods. Avoid desserts, junk foods and fried foods as much as you can. Sweets and treats can cause skin breakouts, making your skin look old.
4. Take skin beneficial vitamins, anti-oxidants and supplements that are truly advantageous to skin. Vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene and lycopene are great anti-oxidants. They can protect your skin from harsh free radicals that will ultimately damage cells and cause diseases.
5. Exercise. Don’t you just love how your skin glows right after working out? Exercising at least 3x a week will guarantee a healthier and more toned skin. If you find the gym boring or scary, engage in sports that interest you. Or, do some brisk walking in the morning or walk the dog—anything that keeps your blood pumping! And, its good for your dog too!
6. Early to bed, early to rise and sleep like a baby. Depriving yourself of sleep or sleeping in late can ruin your skin and make it look old—not to mention it can also cause those panda-like dark circles and bags under your eyes. Plus, skin regenerates best while you are sleeping, so get that much needed beauty rest.
7. You know you really should, so give it up! Generally, smokers look older than their real age and have more wrinkles than non-smokers. Smoking dehydrates the skin, which leads to skin cracking and breaking. Quit smoking to not only prevent wrinkles and other signs of aging, but to also add more valuable years to your life.
8. Sometimes, less is more! Wearing too much cosmetics can clog up your pores and cause many skin problems, which can contribute to premature aging. Light make-up like blush-on, lip gloss, and sheer foundation should be fine. Don’t forget to remove make-up traces before going to bed. Otherwise, you’ll greet the morning with an impending pimple or blackhead.
9. Smile for an express face-lift, free of charge! People forget just how beneficial it is to smile—it effortlessly provides an instant blush to your face. Besides, it takes more muscles to frown than to smile.
10. Select your skin care products sensibly. Use a firming cream or moisturizer at night and a quality UV protective cream during the day. Choose anti-aging products that contain key ingredients, such as collagen, Vitamin A, retinoids, Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHAs and BHAs) to have a clearer and more youthful complexion. Exfoliate weekly to remove dead skin cells to reveal a fresh looking skin and further prevent wrinkles.
You can take off years and maintain a youthful complexion by following these tips.
Why would you not want to?
I believe the selection of skin care products is a central issue. Many people randomly choose them without being aware of the existent options in the market that can better serve their needs. Here, more expensive does not mean more effective. Effectiveness depends on your type of skin, existent skin condition and products’ components or ingredients. This is why sometimes is more cost and time effective to find a local aesthetician that can identify for you which are the products that better suit your skin needs. I personally live in the Boca Raton area and found the site below very useful:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boca-Facial-Fitness/189643917750218
I kind of agree. The most central issue is developing the desire to embark on an anti-aging strategy and then, more importantly sticking to it.
As far as the products are concerned, price and quality (efficacy) are the primary issues.
You are absolutely correct when you say that “expensive does not mean effective”!
I have several times opined on the incredible amounts of money that some folks will pay for an exclusive brand when it is no more effective than products which cost 10% or less.
I am also amazed that many people do not understand that “less is more”. Too many are persuaded to justify a price based on a high percentage of active ingredients (which tend to be the most expensive parts of a formulation), when the contrary is actually true. Yet many (European) companies still continue to con their client base. A formulation with a well selected excipient has no need for a high level of actives, 1.5%-2% may even be high.
One thing I do 100% agree with is that one of the most worthwhile investments is a visit to a skin care professional to seek advice. I am amazed at the number of times i hear that someone does not even know their own skin type.