7 Anti-Aging Skin Care Tips
EXFOLIATE:
Just beneath the surface of your skin is a healthier, more radiant complexion. Exfoliating rids your skin of dead skin cells as well as impurities. You will want to use a mild exfoliate since it is a micro-abrasive substance. A spa treatment usually includes exfoliating. Although it’s very relaxing, and the feeling of being pampered just adds to the experience, it can be a bit pricey. There are excellent skin care kits available making it easy and convenient to achieve a healthy and more youthful glow to your skin.
SUN BLOCK:
I don’t think the importance of using a sunblock can be stressed enough. The sun’s harmful UV rays are damaging to the skin in so many ways. It attributes to dry, rough, wrinkled and leathery looking skin. I notice with my own skin that any discolorations seem to be made darker by exposure to the sun. It’s also a leading cause of skin cancer. A sun block with no less than SPF15 is recommended. Apply before being out in the sun and reapplied as the manufacturer recommends. Several, if not most, make-ups and moisturizers contain sunblock.
MOISTURIZE:
A quality moisturizer is imperative for soft, supple skin. Our skin is subjected to numerous factors that contribute to dull, dry, rough skin. The wind robs the skin of moisture that is essential in fighting wrinkles. A quality moisturizer will help replenish the skin of lost moisture and fight against the dreadful fine lines and wrinkles caused not only by the environment but by repeated facial expressions.
HYDRATE:
Keeping the skin internally hydrated is as important, if not more so, as hydrating with a moisturizer. Water is the most plentiful substance in the body so it stands to reason it should be replenished on a regular basis. An equivalent of 8 to 10 glasses of pure water is recommended daily. Distilled water is discouraged since the minerals have been removed. Some authorities say sipping water instead of drinking a glass quickly is more beneficial to the body. Having water available in the rooms you are most frequently in seem to make it easier to consume the amount needed on a daily basis. Needless to say, since water helps keep the skin soft and supple, it should be the first plan of attack in protecting delicate skin.
SLEEP:
Do you look in the mirror and wonder why your eyes are puffy and unattractive? Make-up may help conceal the problem but won’t help the root cause. It can be said “A restful night’s sleep is our best friend.” This is so true because as we sleep our bodies are busy repairing the skin from the damaging conditions it was exposed to as well as preparing it for the day ahead. A full eight hours of sleep is advised – ten hours if possible. This seems impossible to most with the busy schedules we keep. I guess, in some cases, it boils down to……do we want another hour or two of TV or do we want to wake up with a more youthful appearance to our eyes? Try waiting to read the next chapter in that book you can hardly put down. Turn the TV off a couple of hours early. Plan a way to get that extra work done tomorrow instead of burning the midnight oil. Your eyes will thank you for it!
STRESS:
Stress ages our physical appearance as well as paying a toll on our health and mental attitude. My guess is that everyone has experienced the effects of stress on their bodies in one way or the other.
Stress can make your face seem haggard and drawn. You may develop dark circles under your eyes – your skin looses its luster and glow. Sounds like a horror movie doesn’t it? But it is just a sample of how stress can affect the body. Combating stress and fatigue (they seem to go hand in hand) is imperative, not only for your outward appearance, but for your physical health and well being as well. Try a long, warm bubble bath with lots of candles and aromatherapy. Lavender is excellent to help you unwind after a busy day. Give yourself a facial. Gently massage your face and neck with a “good” moisturizer. It helps stress melt away when you feel the tight muscles relaxing and see the soft, velvety look to your skin. Put on your favorite PJ’s and curl up with a good book. Soft music is a stress breaker for many. These suggestions are definitely not a cure all. Stress, when left unchecked, can be very serious.
NUTRITION:
The saying, “You are what you eat” is so true. A diet high in vitamins and antioxidants can help reduce and in some cases, reverse the signs of aging. Some skin damage is caused by free radicals. Antioxidants help protect from the effects of free radicals. Supplements can be taken but a diet high in antioxidants is best. Some authorities say you should consume at least 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables. When shopping for produce, preferably organic, select deep colored fruits and vegetables. Dark leafy greens, red tomatoes and green peppers are an excellent source for antioxidants as are most berries, especially blueberries.
We may not be able to stop the natural process of aging but by properly caring for our skin we can minimize the process. With a good skin care regiment and proper care of our bodies we need not dread the effects of time.