Simple Strategies for Keeping Your Complexion Younger Looking
We all want to maintain a fresh, healthy glow well into our later years. While factors like genetics and lifestyle play a role in skin aging, there are small tweaks you can make to your skincare routine that can help preserve your complexion over time. Implementing these simple strategies will have you looking years younger in no time.
Exfoliate Regularly
As we age, the rate at which our body sheds dead skin cells slows down dramatically. This build up of dead cells on the surface leaves skin looking dull and accentuates fine lines. Getting into the habit of exfoliating 2-3 times per week will slough off this debris, unveiling the radiant new skin underneath. Look for gentle scrubs with round beads or a chemical exfoliant containing alpha hydroxy acids. Be careful not to overdo it though, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Upgrade Your Sun Protection
Exposure to UV light is the number one cause of skin ageing, causing discolouration, wrinkles and even skin cancer. Ensure you apply an SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen to your face whenever you go outside during the daytime, even when it’s overcast. Reapply every few hours when spending extended time outdoors. In addition to sunscreen, don protective clothing and seek shade between peak sun hours of 10am-2pm.
Keep Hydrated
Dehydration sucks the moisture from skin, exacerbating the appearance of fine lines and dullness. Be diligent about drinking plenty of water throughout the day and consider incorporating hydrating, antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens and avocado into your diet. When it comes to skincare, look for lightweight serums and moisturisers packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides. Your skin will look plumper and more youthful in no time.
Consider Retinol
Retinol is the gold standard anti-ageing ingredient. This vitamin A derivative works its magic by accelerating skin cell turnover and boosting collagen. It also helps fade pigmentation and enlarge pores. Because retinol can be quite irritating when you first start using it, begin by applying a pea-sized amount to cleansed skin every third night and gradually build up tolerance. Always follow with moisturiser. Other products like rose serum from Rena Roots can also rejuvenate the skin and diminish the signs of aging.
Don’t Smoke
If you do smoke, it’s never too late to reap the anti-ageing effects of quitting. Smoking severely depletes nutrients like vitamin C in skin, restricts blood vessels and releases enzymes that degrade collagen. This leaves skin looking sallow and wrinkled before its time. Kicking the habit restores blood flow and nutrient transport to skin cells, preserving your youthful glow.
Stress Less
This is easier said than done when juggling work, family and other obligations. But uncontrolled stress can accelerate ageing due to the cascade of inflammatory hormones like cortisol released in the body. Over time this leads to collagen breakdown and oxidative cell damage. While avoiding all stress is impossible, carving out time for relaxation through yoga, meditation or whatever activities help you decompress can offset these effects. Getting sufficient sleep is also key.
By being diligent with sun protection, keeping skin well hydrated, exfoliating regularly and implementing powerful anti-ageing actives like retinol and antioxidants, maintaining a youthful complexion well into middle age and beyond is achievable. Couple these simple skincare strategies with a healthy lifestyle and you’ll be looking years younger in no time.
