If you’re a beauty buff, chances are that you have an arsenal of moisturizers, eye creams, and serums that all promise to help erase signs of ageing. However, good skincare is more than buying tons of products—it starts, cliche aside, from within. Want to create an effective anti-ageing skincare plan? Develop these six healthy habits for younger-looking, more radiant skin:
Pile on the Sunscreen
The golden rule for anti-ageing is sun protection. The sun’s rays can age our skin prematurely—an effect called “photo-ageing.” Direct exposure to sunlight between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. will harm you the most, so make sure to seek shade during these hours. If you must go out, consider wearing clothes that will cover your skin. Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, pants, and sunglasses.
Even if you’re inside, however, harmful UV rays can still reach you. This is why it’s essential to apply sunscreen every morning. Dermatologists advise choosing a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection with at least SPF 30.
Skip Indoor Tanning
If you’re thinking of ditching the sun in favor of tanning beds, think again. Indoor tanning is often considered worse than sun exposure because the machines emit concentrated UV rays. Not only will this accelerate skin aging, but put you at risk of skin cancer.
Moisturize Every Day
Are you developing fine lines and wrinkles on your face? Put the blame on skin aging. As we age, our skin loses moisture and becomes drier. The secret to younger, plumper skin is moisture. Moisturizers trap water in our skin, leaving it more youthful-looking. Therefore, it’s crucial that you don’t omit this step from your anti-aging skin care plan. Remember—get rid of the dirt before moisturizing. Wash your face with warm water and a mild cleanser before applying your favorite moisturizer.
Kick the Butt
It is no secret that cigarettes contain toxins and chemicals that are bad for your skin. Smoking also decreases blood flow and limits the oxygen and nutrients that reach the surface. This is why a “smoker’s face” shows signs of dullness, dryness, and sagginess.
The good news is that it’s never too late to stop smoking. Once you quit, your skin will improve almost immediately. In just a few days, you’ll notice that your skin will become brighter and much, much healthier.
Eat the Good Stuff
A healthy diet isn’t just for your gut—it’s also good for your skin! Make sure to include lots of greens, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet. Your skin will thank you later!
Get Enough Rest
Sleep gives the cells and tissues in your body the chance to repair and renew. So go ahead, get some beauty rest! Experts suggest that adults get around seven to eight hours of sleep every night for a healthier glow in the morning.
Creating an effective anti-aging skin care plan means developing healthy skincare habits. It’s a daily commitment, but eventually, you’ll see results. Your complexion will be brighter, your skin will get firmer, and you may even lower your risk of skin cancer!