We all want visibly younger skin. And while there’s no easy fix for damage that has already been done, there are a few things you can do to further prevent premature aging.
1. Don’t use bar soap.
Switch to a gentle cleanser. Soap dries the skin and strips the skin of all natural oils, which we need. Soap is also a detergent and may contain harsh agents like SLS which may not be gentle on your face. It makes the soap foamy with bubbles that clog up pores.
2. Don’t wait until bedtime to wash your face.
Wash your face as soon as you come home and follow up with a rich moisturizer. Even if you don’t wear makeup, you need to cleanse your skin of pollution, dust and recycled air from outside.
3. Wear sunscreen everyday.
Sunscreen is not just for the summer. Pick up a facial moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher. Choose one with a matte finish so makeup goes over it well. It will protect your skin from premature wrinkling, age spots and a leathery texture.
4. Drink plenty of water.
We must sound like a broken record by now, but we cannot stress enough the importance of water. Soda and alcohol dehydrates you; water re-hydrates you. Water helps solve your skin’s problems from the inside out and assists with circulation of vitamins and minerals. Women should drink at least 64 oz of water per day. More if you exercise a lot and we know you do!
5. Don’t use body moisturizers on your face.
The ingredients on those moisturizers may be good for your legs and elbows, but are too harsh for your face. Products formulated for the area around your eyes also give you more nutrients than your regular moisturizer. Look for something lightweight or water-based so that you won’t clog your pores.
6. Use natural skin care ingredients.
You already knew fruits and vegetables were the key to good health, but they’re important for great skin, too. Avocados are great for vitamin E, carrots are high in beta-carotene and antioxidants, ginger is energizing, the folic acid, vitamin C and nutrients in strawberries have been shown to fight acne and decrease the size of pores. Keep your kitchen stocked with these essentials to whip up on-the-spot masks, cleansers, and lotions.
