If you’re worried about deep creases, wrinkles, age spots, bags under your eyes, and an overall duller complexion creeping in as you age…
I have good news for you!
It’s possible to turn back the clock on age-related skin deterioration and make yourself look years younger by using the right habits.
A radiant appearance is a result of proper habits and regular self-care. Creams and lotions might offer you a temporary, surface-level improvement, but lifestyle factors will make the biggest difference in how you look in your 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and beyond!
Here are five of our best habits you should focus on today to maintain your bright skin, youthful appearance, and pump the brakes on premature aging.
😴Get your beauty sleep
When you’re well-rested, people will notice your brighter skin, sharper mental function, and happier demeanor.
But sleep isn’t just about how you look–studies show that those who struggle with poor sleep are more likely to develop eczema, psoriasis, and show signs of early aging.
Sleep is your body’s time to regenerate and repair itself. So when you stay up late and get up early, you’re stealing from your body, depleting your energy reserves, and increasing your risk of serious illness and unsightly skin conditions.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night—it’s the single best thing you can do for your body.
🚰Drink plenty of water
Did you know that skin is your body’s biggest organ?
It actively protects you from the elements, regulates your body temperature, keeps out microscopic intruders, and much more. Your skin works hard, and just like any other organ, it requires hydration and nutrients for optimal function.
If your skin doesn’t get enough water, you’ll quickly notice dryness, dullness, and many other outward signs of dehydration.
Increasing your water intake is essential if you want to maintain firm skin and a radiant appearance. We recommend drinking at least eight glasses of water every day.
Don’t let your skin turn into a dry, barren desert!
☀️Block harmful UV rays
We all love sunshine, but too much exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can wreak havoc on your skin.
Not only do UV rays increase your risk of skin cancer, but they can also break down your collagen and rapidly accelerates the aging process, causing:
“Droopy” skin
Deepening wrinkles
Leathery, dry texture
Dark age spots
Using proper sunscreen is the best way to protect yourself outdoors.
So before you head outside today, apply your favorite high-quality sunscreen. Your skin will thank you!
🧴Moisturize in dry climates
Cold, dry climates pull moisture from your skin. This is where moisturizers can come in handy.
Moisturizers can act as a kind of external barrier, protecting you from all sorts of environmental factors. However, moisturizers won’t directly hydrate your skin.
Instead, proper hydration happens from the inside—by consuming the right nutrients and drinking plenty of water.
So nourish yourself from the inside, and add moisturizers as an additional tool in your skincare arsenal.
🥒Eat a well-rounded diet
Your body needs nutrients to properly repair and regenerate itself, and your skin is no different.
We recommend eating plenty of lean proteins, healthy fats, and of course, fruits and vegetables.
This will ensure your skin is getting as many nutrients as possible to properly regenerate itself every night.
Follow these five simple habits and you’ll enjoy wrinkle-free skin that glows, feels great, and helps you fight off the signs of aging.
To your health,
Sandra Wright
Assistant to Dr. Chasan
References:
Walia HK, Mehra R. Overview of Common Sleep Disorders and Intersection with Dermatologic Conditions. Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(5):654. Published 2016 Apr 30. doi:10.3390/ijms17050654
