Jury’s out on the best anti-aging beauty tips. While some state that aging is just a state of mind the urban dictionary defines it as a battle of the mind against pollution. However we’ve taken the more pragmatic approach from simply drinking more water, here are seven tips to slow down aging and have a healthy young look.
1. Start with a clean slate
Before you can start fighting aging, you need to make sure your canvas is clean and prepped. That means using a gentle cleanser morning and night to remove dirt, oil, and makeup—all of which can lead to breakouts, uneven texture, and dullness. We love Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser because it’s non-irritating and effective at removing impurities without stripping away moisture.
2. Don’t forget sunscreen
We know, we know—you’ve been hearing it since you were a kid. But there’s a reason why dermatologists are so adamant about wearing SPF every day: It’s the number one way to prevent premature aging. UV rays cause everything from fine lines and wrinkles to dark spots and sun damage, so slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before heading outdoors. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours!
3. Incorporate retinol into your routine
Retinoids are powerful anti-aging ingredients that have been shown to improve everything from fine lines and wrinkles to dark spots and rough texture. If you’re new to the world of retinoids, start with a lower concentration formula like ROC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream before working your way up to something stronger like Differin Gel 0.1% Adapalene Gel acne treatment . Use it once or twice a week at first, then gradually increase frequency as your skin adjusts.
4. Get regular facials
Facials aren’t just for pampering—they’re also great for preventing and treating signs of aging. That’s because professional treatments can help stimulate collagen production, brighten dark spots, smooth out rough texture, and more. Look for an esthetician who offers LED light therapy or microdermabrasion , both of which can be very effective at combating aging skin concerns.
5. Drink plenty of water Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health—and that includes the health of your skin . When you’re dehydrated , your skin looks dry , dull , and wrinkled . So drink up! Aim for eight glasses of water per day , or more if you live in a hot climate or tend to sweat a lot . You can also get hydration from foods like cucumbers , tomatoes , watermelon , and leafy greens .
6. Eat antioxidant -rich foods Antioxidants are essential for fighting free radicals — those pesky molecules that cause cell damage and lead to premature aging . Luckily , there are plenty of delicious foods that are rich in antioxidants , including berries , dark chocolate , green tea , nuts , seeds , and fruits like oranges and tomatoes . So eat up!
7., Use hydrating products -In addition to drinking plenty of water throughout the day , make sure you’re using hydrating products on your skin as well . That means opting for formulas that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin , which help attract and retain moisture in the skin . We love Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel moisturizer because it’s super lightweight but still intensely hydrating .
For more, you may also want to check out Six things that age your appearance.