Give Your Complexion A Helping Hand As You Age

September 25, 2016

Alexandra Ross,

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No miracle cream can turn back the clock and keep your skin looking eternally youthful, however, that’s not to say that you have to accept ever-increasing numbers of wrinkles and lines as the years pass. Taking good care of your skin and using a few techniques to slow down the effects of aging will let your natural beauty shine through, whatever your age.

Be Careful Of Ultraviolet

While a suntan can make you look healthy and vibrant, the ultraviolet light which leads to tanning will have damaging long-term effects if your skin is overexposed. This can lead to brown, leathery spots forming, and will also damage collagen, the substance responsible for skin toning and suppleness. Get the healthy benefits of enjoying daily sunshine, but limit your sun to small doses at a time so you can avoid the hazards of applying toxic sunscreen ingredients to your skin. Avoid using salon tanning facilities completely.

Keep Hydrated

The body’s production of natural oils slows down with age, which leads to dryer skin that’s more prone to lines and wrinkles. While a good moisturizer will help reduce drying effects, prevention is better than cure, and so make sure that you stay well hydrated at all times. Drink plenty of water, but don’t forget that fruits, vegetables, and many other foods can play a role in hydration, too.

Avoid drinking too much coffee or alcohol, and try adopting the European habit of taking a small glass of water —alkaline, if possible — with your coffee or wine to stave off dryness.

Alkaline water is known for its ultra-hydrating ability for the body and is available both bottled and through do-it-yourself home machines. Consult this Review & Comparison Guide for some important information about alkaline water ionizers before making your purchase.

Exfoliate Regularly

Older sin is drier skin, so it’s essential to keep on top of an exfoliation routine to remove flakes and dead skin cells. Using a natural, fragrance-free exfoliant oil will help keep your skin looking fresh, and will also reduce the chances of spots, rashes, and even fungal infections.

Go Easy On Make-Up

A daily application of cosmetics is tiring for your skin, as it tends to trap grease and impurities in your pores, stopping them from breathing. Even worse, the removal process can strip your skin of oils very easily, especially if you use harsh chemical removers. Try to limit the amount of make-up you wear, keep it to products designed for sensitive skin, use gentle hypoallergenic removers, and always apply moisturizer to your skin afterward.

Use Natural Skincare Products

Many people prefer to avoid chemicals in skincare products, but this is even more important as you age. Your skin is less resilient, and allergic reactions to irritants are more common. Wherever possible, stick to natural oils, fragrance-free cosmetics, and products that are specifically formulated to be kind to your skin, such as goat milk soap.

Prepare Your Face For Sleep

It’s easy for your skin to dry out while you sleep, especially in winter months when heating systems are turned high. Adopting a consistent bedtime routine will keep this to a minimum. Gently wash your face, either without soap or using an extremely mild formula, and then apply moisturizer liberally to lock in your natural oils overnight.

Don’t Obsess Over Your Weight

You may think that being thinner will always make you look younger, but this isn’t necessarily the case. There’s a balance to be struck. Being overweight isn’t ideal for overall health, but if you’re a little plump then your skin will tend to look younger and firmer. In contrast, being overly thin can emphasize any wrinkles, lines, and sags you have. In terms of your skin, being healthy and happy is more important than the numbers on the scales.

Look After Your General Health

Lastly, your skin can be one of your body’s first signs of poor general health, and this becomes even more so as the years pass. Give your skin a healthy foundation by eating well with plenty of vitamins, while cutting down on fats, refined sugars, and artificial ingredients. If you smoke, consider stopping or at least cutting down, and ensure you get a good night’s sleep whenever you can.

It’s no surprise that years of exposure to the elements can leave your skin with more lines and less supple as you age, but following these tips will give your skin a healthy foundation to help it fight off the damage the passing years can cause.

Alexandra Ross is a freelance writer, food lover and healthy lifestyle writer.