Many people neglect taking care of their skin until they start to see signs of growing older, such as fine lines, smile lines, and crow’s feet. Others spend a lot of money on fancy products that claim to reverse these signs. It’s common to start to notice little things around the age of 30 or a little bit later in life, usually during middle age. Though you really can’t control everything about how your skin matures—factors such as hormone levels, genetics, and bone structure are beyond your control—there are some things you can do to minimize further damage and improve the overall youthfulness of your skin.
No matter where you stand when it comes to your skin, you can use the following natural skincare tips and tricks to keep your skin looking youthful and rejuvenated while minimizing pores and wrinkles.
Watch what you put in your body.
Most people expect dermatologists and skincare experts to talk about topical skincare products, such as creams and toners. But what you put into your body matters just as much as what you put on the outside of your skin. Younger skin starts with the nutrients it receives from the body. After all, the skin is an organ. You can take extra care of your skin by ensuring you get enough vitamin D, drinking water, eating a healthy diet of natural foods, cutting back on alcohol, quitting smoking, and taking omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to protect against inflammation.
Cut your sun exposure in half.
Exposure to UV rays is one of the biggest sources of skin damage and aging out there. Ultraviolet rays can cause decreases in skin protein and damage elastin, two compounds which work to prevent drooping, a slack jawline, and wrinkles. Sun exposure also changes the texture and color of your skin. Finally, there’s also the risk of skin cancer.
You should use sunblock when you’re out in the sun. Use a cream with at least SPF 30, and be sure to spread it to easy-to-forget areas, such as your neck, ears, and hairline. Wearing UV-protective clothing or hats can help, as well.
When it comes to creams, try something with a retinoid.
Most people don’t know where to begin when it comes to skincare products. Not all skincare products and creams are effective, and many claim you’ll see changes that seem unrealistic. So which ones are most effective? Topical creams that contain retinoid, a vitamin A-like compound, are a proven way to boost skin protein production and cell turnover in your skin. This compound stimulates blood vessels, reduces oil buildup, targets acne, smooths skin, and gives you an overall healthier glow.
Practice a daily skincare routine.
Skincare shouldn’t be complicated, but there are some small things you can do to improve the appearance of your skin later on. Your daily routine should involve applying sunscreen, while your nightly routine is the time to focus on helping to boost skin regeneration. You should wash your face before you go to bed and remove makeup, if any. Apply a retinoid cream followed by a moisturizer. Make sure your pillow is clean—you will need to wash it frequently. Remember that you don’t need to spend a fortune on skincare products. Reputable companies should be good enough.