Most women can remember the exact moment they spotted their first gray hair or found the first sign of a dreaded wrinkle. Growing older – especially in a youth-obsessed culture – can be overwhelming and even stressful at times.
Fortunately, a variety of simple methods can assist you in maintaining healthy skin as you age. Read on to learn five natural anti aging techniques to consider adding to your beauty routine today.
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1. Regular Retinoid Use
Retinoids are scientifically proven, anti aging powerhouses. First discovered and used as an effective acne treatment, it was soon found that retinoids also provided remarkable anti aging benefits. Retinoids – and their similar but less potent relative, retinol – work by increasing the rate at which the skin renews itself as well as encouraging the production of collagen.
Usually, retinoids are only available by prescription. If needed, retinol can be used as well although it will take longer to see results. Products containing retinol are readily found in almost any drugstore or on Amazon.
2. Fuel Yourself Properly
Although the products you use on your skin are extremely crucial, it is easy to forget the importance of a healthy, nutrient dense diet. Fueling your cells with the antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and bioflavonoids found in fresh fruits and vegetables can assist your skin in repairing itself, staying youthful, and preserving its elastin and collagen – substances that contribute to skin’s elasticity and resiliency – content. Consider filling your diet with the following foods:
- High-quality protein found in eggs, grass-fed beef, and chicken
- Healthy Fats such as those found in virgin coconut oil, fatty fish, and nuts
- Omega 3s found in salmon, sardines, tuna, chia seeds, and flax seeds
- Leafy Greens including spinach, romaine lettuce, arugula, and kale
- Vegetables such as asparagus, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, and beans
- Brigthly Colored Vegetables including Squash, pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets
- Antioxidant-rich fruits such as berries (blueberries, raspberries, goji berries, strawberries, and blackberries), oranges and other citrus fruits (full of collagen-preserving Vitamin C), grapes, and more
In addition to cramming your diet full of nutrients and non-processed foods, it is just as essential to avoid or minimize intake of certain foods. Sugar, in particular, is one of the most detrimental substances in terms of aging the body and damaging the appearance of the skin. When consumed, sugar binds to proteins in an irreversible process called glycation. Glycation leads to stiff, sagging skin due to the damage it causes to skin’s underlying structures and supportive proteins. Important foods to avoid or limit include:
- Soda – This drink is loaded with sugar and chemicals that can damage skin as well as overall health.
- Sweet Treats – Obviously, cakes, cookies, ice cream, cupcakes, and muffins are often loaded with sugar and other unhealthy substances.
- Hidden Sources – Breads, pasta sauces, and other unsuspecting foods can often contain alarming amounts of added sugar. Be sure to always check ingredient labels carefully.
- Hydrogenated Oils – These chemically-produced oils cause inflammation (which promotes aging) and are linked to a variety of diseases and health conditions
Focusing on healthy foods and avoiding inflammatory foods will assist your skin in remaining youthful and help preserve your overall health.
3. Get to Know Vitamin C
In terms of anti aging techniques, few things are as powerful as Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid. This potent antioxidant is capable of fighting free radicals, encouraging collagen production, and contributing to an overall glow.
Be sure to look for a product containing a 10 to 15 percent concentration of L-Ascorbic Acid – this form of Vitamin C is easily utilized and readily absorbed by the skin. Also, considering Vitamin C is easily degraded by light and air, look for a product with opaque packaging and a pump system such as this one.
4. Exfoliate Properly
Exfoliating is one of the biggest keys to anti aging. This process gently removes old skin cells to reveal fresh, healthy, new cells underneath. Regularly exfoliating will lead to brighter, more radiant skin and a healthy glow.
It is important to use a gentle exfoliant and to avoid using it too often. The key is to assist the skin in revealing new cells, not strip it raw and cause irritation. Aim to exfoliate about once per week with a gentle formula featuring glycolic or lactic acids – like this one – along with soothing ingredients such as green tea or aloe.
Avoid physical scrubs containing walnut pieces – these can be sharp, jagged, and irregular and cause tiny micro-tears in the skin. Chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic acid, work by dissolving the old skin cells rather than scrubbing them away.
5. Get Moving
Aging gracefully is not just about looking the part, it is about feeling youthful as well. Exercise is one of the anti aging techniques proven to slow down the clock and increase lifespan.
Staying active helps boost circulation, maintain flexibility, and preserve muscle tone. Working out is a proven, powerful way to stay both looking and feeling younger.
Final Words
All in all, it is possible to grow older with grace and even enjoy the aging process. By incorporating the natural anti aging techniques mentioned above into your regimen, your skin will remain more youthful, your body will be healthier, and your lifespan will likely be increased.