4 Essential Skin Care Steps for Healthy Aging

No one likes getting older, but more candles on your birthday cake doesn’t have to mean more wrinkles on your face. Taking care of your skin is essential for looking and feeling younger as you age, but you don’t have to be genetically gifted or spend a fortune on fancy products and spa visits to maintain your youthful good looks. Here are four simple skincare tips to keep you glowing well into your golden years.
Don’t Skip Sunscreen
Nothing ages your skin like exposure to the sun’s rays. Ultraviolet light damages the skin’s fibers over time, which leads to common signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging and loss of elasticity. Wearing an SPF every day is important not only for staving off lines and wrinkles but also for preventing skin cancer, so start your morning routine with a layer of sunscreen before going outdoors.
Exfoliate Dead Skin Cells
Do you want to make your skin smoother and younger looking in just a few minutes? Exfoliating removes all the dead skin cells that dull your complexion and make you look older. Physical exfoliants like scrubs and brushes are harsh and can damage your skin’s moisture barrier, while chemical exfoliants like lactic acid serums smooth your skin gently without harming healthy cells. You can also get a professional exfoliating treatment at a spa or salon.
Hydrate Under Eyes
Your eyes are the part of your face that tends to show signs of aging first, so keeping them hydrated and plump can take years off your look. Look for eye products with active ingredients that provide additional benefits beyond moisturizing. A vitamin C eye cream can help reduce dark circles, while a vegan CBD eye serum decreases puffiness and inflammation. Even if you’re not concerned about aging, a good eye treatment can make you look fresh and awake when you skip out on sleep.
Use Mild Products
Skin becomes thinner and more sensitive with age, which means you have to be more careful about the products you use. Look for milder versions of products like cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments, and consider adding anti-aging ingredients like collagen, antioxidants and retinol to your routine.
Although skincare can help slow down the aging clock, visiting a dermatologist regularly is just as important for keeping your skin healthy and youthful. An annual checkup can help detect skin cancer and other problems early, so consider asking your primary care physician for a referral if you don’t currently have a dermatologist.