Premature aging is a common skin complaint among men and women of all ages. From wrinkles and fine lines to dryness and irritation, there’s no shortage of aging signs that can leave your skin looking less than youthful.
Fighting these and other signs of aging can feel like a guessing game. You try a (pricey) new product, only to find that your once calm skin is now red and irritated. Or, you wind up using too many products, leaving your skin dry and rough, and your wrinkles just as bad as they were before.
But with a few simple tips, you can take back control and get youthful, beautiful skin at any age. Keep reading to learn a few easy tips for fighting signs of aging on your skin.
1. Rethink Your Skin Care Routine
If you’ve been suffering from fine lines and wrinkles, a dull skin tone, or dry, itchy skin for a while, you’ve likely tried no shortage of masks, creams, and other skincare products. But all of those different products touting big promises could actually be aging your skin even faster.
Many standard skincare products on the market today feature harsh ingredients that dry or irritate your skin or even clog your pores, leading to breakouts. For instance, sodium lauryl sulfate is a common ingredient in many cleansing products, as well as shampoos and body washes. This harsh ingredient is known for causing skin irritation. If you don’t wash it off completely, this ingredient will stay on your skin and can dry it out throughout the day.
Some ingredients aren’t inherently dangerous—they just shouldn’t be used on your skin! Coconut oil is one such ingredient. While it’s true that it delivers a powerful punch of hydration, it can also clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
If you’re ready to start fighting the signs of aging the right way, start with your skincare. Take a close look at the ingredients to avoid the wrong ones, and instead look for ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and green tea instead.
2. Never Skip Your SPF
Another big mistake that can cause skin aging regardless of your age is skipping your SPF. UV rays wreak havoc on your skin. While that glowing tan might be flattering today, within just a few years or less, it can lead to wrinkles and sunspots, and even change the texture of your skin, leaving it feeling leathery and tough.
Applying sunscreen should be a part of your daily morning skincare routine all year round, including on days when you don’t plan to spend much time outdoors. Keep in mind that all sunscreens are not created equal; some lack adequate protection to prevent sun damage, while others feature ingredients that can dry or irritate your skin.
Opt for a sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage and an SPF of at least 30. Avoid sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, as it can irritate your skin. And keep in mind that sweat and water will wash away your sun protection, so a waterproof version is a good choice.
3. Great Skin Start From Within
What you put on your skin is important. But what goes into your body also has a big effect on your skin’s appearance, texture, and overall health.
Fueling your body with plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals can actually help to keep your skin youthful and healthy. Foods with healthy fats are some of the best choices for boosting your skin’s health. Fatty fish like salmon, avocados, sweet potatoes, and walnuts are all great additions to your diet.
4. Put an End to Habits That Hurt Your Skin
Whether your skincare routine and diet are perfectly honed or not, a few simple habits could be wrecking any progress you’ve made with putting a stop to the signs of aging.
Smoking, drinking alcohol, and even sleeping in your makeup are all habits that are bad for your skin. Putting a stop to these habits or cutting back on them can go a long way towards stopping any additional damage from occurring. Other habits you should aim to avoid or give up completely include:
- Consuming too much sugar
- Using dirty makeup brushes
- Popping pimples or picking at your skin
- Not getting enough sleep
- Exfoliating too often or with too harsh an exfoliant
5. Get Moving
Regular exercise is one great habit that you can add to your routine to give your skin a boost. You don’t have to train for a marathon or even hit the gym daily to enjoy the benefits of exercise for your skin. Walking, yoga or other low-impact exercises are also great for your skin and your overall health.
6. Listen to Your Skin
Not all skincare products and routines are right for everyone. Even if a product is considered healthy or is free from harmful ingredients, if you find that it irritates your skin, stop using it right away. Skin irritation, redness, itchiness, or dryness can all indicate that a skincare product is a wrong choice for your skin.
Fighting Signs of Aging on Your Skin
From rethinking your skincare routine to eating right to relying on the right professional treatments to take care of fine lines and wrinkles, these tips can help you stop and even reverse the signs of aging on your skin.