7 Tips for Skin Care in the Aging Female
The effects of aging aren’t just limited to your joints and bones; you can also expect some changes in your skin. While it’s true that no one over the age of 40 is exempt from the dreaded fountain of youth fairy tale, you can take steps to make your skin look and feel younger, longer. This guide offers seven tips for taking care of your skin as you age, whether it’s through anti-aging products or maintaining a healthy lifestyle, like eating right and exercising regularly.
1) Slow Down Your Skin's Aging Process
As we age, our skin loses its natural elasticity. When combined with exposure to UV light and free radicals, wrinkles form much faster than they used to. Below are some simple ways to slow down your skin’s aging process.
2) Moisturize Twice a Day
Moisturizing keeps skin hydrated and young-looking. It’s best to moisturize twice a day, once in the morning and again at night before bed.
3) Use Sunscreen Every Day
Sun damage is cumulative, so protect your skin by using sunscreen every day. This may seem obvious, but many people only apply sunblock when they plan to be outside for long periods of time. Unfortunately, sun exposure accumulates over time, so if you want to maintain healthy-looking skin later in life it’s critical that you use sunscreen every day. You can help prevent premature aging by wearing protective clothing and hats whenever possible.
4) Do Not Over Exfoliate
When you’re younger, your skin’s natural elasticity can help bounce back from damage. Over time, however, it becomes more difficult to recover from day-to-day wear and tear.
5) Avoid Heat (Saunas, Etc.)
Hot water and hot saunas are great places to go when you’re feeling tense, but they’re not always great for aging skin.
6) Eat Anti-Aging Foods
Anti-aging foods are rich in antioxidants, which fight free radicals to protect skin cells from sun damage. Anti-aging foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, nuts and fish. For optimal skin health, eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. To ensure your body is absorbing all that antioxidants provide, pair anti-aging foods with healthy fats like avocado or nuts to create high-density food combinations.
7) Get Enough Rest
It’s common to sleep less when you get older, so it’s important to realize that skipping on shut-eye is an enemy of healthy skin. In fact, a lack of sleep can age your skin faster than just about anything else you do. Be sure to follow a regular schedule and get plenty of rest. This will keep your skin fresh and moisturized—and looking its best.
