You may think that the Fountain of Youth is just a myth, but it’s closer to reality than you may think. Your lifestyle choices and skincare techniques make a world of a difference and keep you looking younger for years. The following are just a few small steps you can take to ensure you are on the path to ageing gracefully.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your skin looking beautiful. You should stay hydrated by both drinking water and applying moisturiser. Collagen is a protein that connects tissue, which means it gives your skin elasticity and replaces dead cells. When collagen does not have the necessary moisture, it is more likely to break down, causing wrinkles.
The amount of water you need to drink to stay hydrated depends on your body and lifestyle. However, a general rule for women is to drink about nine cups of fluids per day, according to Mayo Clinic. If you exercise or live in a hot climate, drink extra water to help replenish your body.
Moisturiser should be applied twice a day to maintain youthful and radiant skin. Astringents and certain soaps can be harsh and drying to your skin, so be careful when choosing your products. Specially formulated lines, such as HYDRA-V, are made to add moisture back into your skin while still getting you clean.
Protect Yourself From the Sun
You probably already know that you need to protect yourself from the sun because the burns are painful, it leads to skin cancer and it speeds up the ageing process. Thankfully, there are many ways to protect yourself.
- First and foremost, always wear sunscreen. A broad spectrum formula of at least 30 SPF keeps you protected. Remember to reapply often, and check the label for proper usage.
- Choose clothing that covers your skin. While you may not be able to wear long sleeves in the heat of summer, put on a wide hat that shades your face.
- Don’t forget sunglasses. The skin around your eyes is thin and sensitive, so it is one of the most important areas to protect from dangerous rays.
Avoid Dangerous Behaviours
While some habits are widely known to be harmful to your skin, such as smoking, there are many others that you have no idea are dangerous. For example, your diet is a hugely important factor to ageing. Drinking a lot of alcohol dehydrates your skin and eating sugary or processed foods causes inflammation in your body, both of which lead to more wrinkles. Sleep deprivation and stress also make it harder for your body’s cells to regenerate and stay youthful.
Start by identifying these behaviours, and then fix them one by one. If you aren’t eating well, add more vitamin C and zinc to your diet because they are great for collagen production. Start a plan to quit smoking as soon as possible. Try yoga or meditation to reduce your stress. If you tackle these habits individually, you’ll be looking more youthful before you know it.