Regardless of your age, you can take steps to keep your skin younger looking. While no one should expect to have a 20-year-old skin in her forties, there is absolutely no reason to allow your skin to look “tired” and old. Even if you have decided to just grow old gracefully (and we applaud that decision!) you would probably feel better about yourself if you take the following steps to take care of your skin and make it look as smooth and healthy as possible.
Use Sunscreen Religiously and Avoid the Sun
The most important step for younger skin is using sunscreen. Many dermatologists say that if they had to pick just one anti-aging treatment, they would pick the daily application of a good sunscreen. You should wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more, wear it every single day of the year, and apply it liberally. Don’t rely on foundation that contains SPF – you won’t wear enough of it to provide adequate protection.
Even with sunscreen, some damage to skin will happen, so try to avoid the sun as much as you can and wear a wide-brimmed hat and good sunglasses (to protect your eyes and the skin around them) if you must be in the sun.
Don’t Smoke!
Want younger looking skin? Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoke attacks skin with free radicals that break down collagen. Being regularly exposed to second-hand smoke is just as bad.
Use Alpha Hydroxy Acids Every Night
AHAs help you achieve a younger looking skin by removing the top layer of dead skin cells and revealing a fresh layer underneath. While AHAs will make skin look less dull and give it more glow, they won’t get rid of fine lines – you need a prescription retinoid for that.
Get a Retinoid Prescription from Your Doctor
Retinoids help the skin to renew itself. Regular use of a prescription retinoid such as Retin-A or Renova can smooth fine lines and help to repair sun damage, which means you’ll get younger looking skin. Retinoids also make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so sun avoidance and wearing sunscreen become even more important if you use them.
Apply an Anti-Oxidant-Rich Serum or Cream Nightly
Antioxidants help skin stay younger and healthier by neutralizing damaging free radicals. Proven anti oxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea.
Moisturize
Moisturizing alone will not affect aging, but it will help your skin stay hydrated, and hydrated skin looks plumper and smoother – in other words, younger.
While following these steps will result in a healthier, younger-looking skin, don’t expect miracles. Deep wrinkles or significant sagging can only be addressed by more drastic measures such as injectable fillers or surgery.