When it comes to maintaining a youthful appearance, much attention is given to the skin. It’s no surprise, given the age-related deterioration our skin undergoes over time.
If you’re concerned about wrinkles, crow’s feet, and other signs of aging, chances are you’re also interested in practical ways to achieve more youthful-looking skin. While cosmetic surgery and other extreme measures may prove effective, you’re probably more interested in the things you can do on your own. With this in mind, let’s look at seven keys to having more youthful-looking skin.
Staying Hydrated
Dry skin becomes cracked and leathery over time. While daily moisturizing goes a long way toward rejuvenating dry skin, it’s not enough. That’s because our skin is hydrated from within. With this in mind, make a point to drink plenty of water. Doing so keeps your entire body adequately hydrated, with skin receiving sufficient moisture at a constant pace. Drinking enough water won’t lead to physical immortality, but it will go a long way in keeping skin looking youthful for longer.
Better Sleep
Sleep deprivation leads to premature aging. That’s because blood flow to the skin is boosted while we sleep. The less sleep we get, the less blood flow our skin receives. With this in mind, consider tinkering with your sleep situation. Whether it’s making your bedroom more sleep-friendly or taking steps towards adopting a more consistent sleep schedule, any effort to improve sleep will lead to more youthful-looking skin. It’ll also help improve brain function and overall help. That’s an all-around win!
Skincare Routine
Sooner or later, those concerned about keeping their skin looking youthful will need to formulate and follow a specific skincare routine. Regular washing and moisturizing go a long way, but it’s not enough. Exfoliation and protection will be essential as well. You may also want to start taking skin care capsules that deliver antioxidants and other beneficial ingredients aimed at preventing accelerated aging. These capsules typically include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Astaxanthin, and Adaptogenic Schisandra, all proven to provide hydration and protection to human skin.
Stress Management
Studies show that acute and chronic stress results in negative effects on the skin. Stress can also make existing skin conditions worse, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. With this in mind, adequate stress management is critical for keeping skin looking youthful. Whether it’s meditation, mindfulness techniques, or weekly talks with a licensed therapist, whatever steps you take to manage stress will no doubt improve your skin’s appearance over time.
Proper Diet
It’s often said you are what you eat. Indeed, a diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals will no doubt lead to premature aging. The better your diet, the better your skin will look over time. Make a point to get plenty of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D through low-fat, low-sugar foods and beverages. When it comes to the best foods for healthy skin, the list includes avocadoes, bell peppers, broccoli, fatty fish, sweet potatoes, and sunflower seeds.
Limited Sun Exposure
One of the best ways to preserve the youthfulness of your skin is to avoid spending too much time in the sun. While moderate sun exposure is good for the skin, excessive exposure leads to wrinkles and other unwelcome developments. If you’re unable to avoid the sun due to work or other obligations, make a point to always apply an adequate amount of sunscreen before going outside. Doing so will be the easiest way to keep your skin looking youthful for as long as possible.
Avoiding Alcohol and Tobacco
Excessive consumption of alcohol leads to chronic skin dehydration. Nicotine results in narrowed blood vessels, limiting blood flow to the skin. With this in mind, those interested in keeping their skin looking youthful should avoid alcohol and tobacco products. Given the overall health benefits of avoiding alcohol and tobacco, everyone has an obligation to themselves to limit their consumption of either substance.
Who doesn’t want to look young? Doing so is easier said than done, especially as we continue to age. While there’s no way to evade Father Time, we can all do things to stave off aging as long as possible. This includes efforts to protect our skin.
Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys covering topics related to business, finance, and travel.