Thousands of women wish they looked younger than they do. The first signs of aging in women often shows in their skin. Wrinkles, sagging skin, and fine lines are some of women’s top complaints in terms of looking and feeling older. Aside from botox and other cosmetic procedures, there are countless anti-aging techniques that are inexpensive and easy to perform at home. And some that have little to do with skin care and all to do with living a well-rounded, healthy life. Here is a list of the 8 anti-aging tips every woman needs to know.
1. Accessorize and Protect
One of the best defenses against harsh sunlight, which increases the rate at which the skin on your face ages, is protection. This can come in many forms but the most common are sunscreen, and wearing sunglasses and hats. Did you know that many anti-aging wrinkles come from squinting? And one of the main reasons we squint is due to bright sunlight. To reduce these lines between your eyebrows, wear sunglasses whenever you go out. With so many fashionable pairs, the options are endless. Sunglasses will also reduce wrinkles around your eyes, which is often the first place they form. Hats offer sun protection for both your face and neck as well.
Sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin against damage and wrinkles. It’s been reported that 90% of the visible signs of aging women experience are attributed to sun damage. This includes wrinkles, rough patches, sagging skin, and discoloration. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply every one to two hours. This is especially important if you’re spending time on or near the water where the sun’s rays reflect off the water and create additional exposure.
2. Indulge
Have you heard that dark chocolate might actually be part of a healthy, well-balanced diet? It’s true. This dark cocoa actually offers a long list of health benefits, including anti-aging elements. Dark chocolate can lead to clearer arteries and increased blood flow to the skin and brain. But be sure to stick to the dark variety. Neither milk nor white chocolate offer the same antioxidants. Why not pair your dark chocolate with a glass of red wine? Red wine has its own list of antioxidants known as polyphenols. These antioxidants, like many others on this list, help prevent and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Not only is a little indulgence a healthy part of anyone’s life, but splurging on these two decadent items can actually keep you looking younger, longer. Just remember to enjoy these items in moderation.
3. Try Supplements and Oils
Multivitamins offer your body the vitamins and nutrients that you may not get through diet alone. Specific vitamins and supplements can offer specific benefits. You can purchase supplements for calcium, iron, folic acid, and protein, just to name a few. Other vitamins offer anti-aging benefits. For example, vitamin C serum can moisturize the skin, heal blemishes, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and fade dark spots. Looking for a healthy collagen production? Vitamin C can help achieve this too. Vitamin E oil and B3 can help moisturize skin, while vitamin A reduces wrinkles and vitamin K can help diminish dark circles near and around the eyes. Check with your physician to determine if a multivitamin or a specific supplement will work best for your needs.
4. Quit Smoking and Drinking
It’s no secret that drinking excess alcohol and smoking cigarettes are both bad for your health. Alcoholism can lead to liver damage, while nicotine causes a variety of cancers, respiratory and heart complications. But both of these unhealthy habits can also wreak havoc on your skin and the aging process. Drinking and smoking tend to dry out your skin and make you look old, tired, and worn. Drinking can lead to age-related grey rings around the cornea of the eyes, as well as ear lobe creases. Smoking yellows skin and teeth, making a person appear much older than they actually are. Kicking these nasty habits is beneficial for all aspects of your health and will keep you looking younger, longer.
5. Eat Your Fruits and Veggies
We already know that eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for overall health but did you know that certain foods have anti-aging affects? Berries, including strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, are packed with antioxidants that offer anti-aging benefits. Raspberries, specifically, offer vitamin C and help fight wrinkles, giving your skin a youthful glow. Beans are the newest craze in antioxidant foods with anti-aging benefits. Beans are packed with folic acid which is known to repair damaged cells. Spinach is a popular and delicious vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. And when you get your daily serving of this versatile green, you’re also helping fight against sun damage. Spinach contains lutein and zeaxanthin, two plant compounds that protect skin and prevent the appearance of wrinkles and aging, especially around the eyes.
6. Embrace Your Natural Beauty
All too often women pile on the make-up in hopes of appearing younger. What you may not realize is that wearing excessive amounts of makeup can actually lead to clogged pores and intensify the look of wrinkles and fine lines. Foundations are one of the worst types of makeup to use when it comes to hiding the wrinkles and lines around your mouth and eyes. Why? Because cream and powder foundations actually seep into these grooves and lines, making them more noticable. Instead, opt for a freshly washed face that is clean and moisturized. Throughout the day, foundations can crack and flake, bringing more attention to your face. It’s also difficult to find the exact shade to match your skin tone, which leads to uneven and obvious makeup lines. The more you wear, the more it looks like you’re trying to cover something up. Ditch the makeup and reclaim your youthful, natural glow.
7. Hit the Gym
Exercising is an important part of maintaining a healthy weight. But did you know that a sweat sesh can actually help your skin look more radiant and youthful? Exercise gets the blood flowing through your body and to your skin. This can easily be achieved through moderate exercise, running or even walking. Yoga, pilates, and any form of cardio training can offer anti-aging benefits. Exercise will not only make you look younger but you’ll feel years younger with newfound energy and stamina. Exercising helps keep your muscles and bones strong, as well as improves flexibility, balance, and boosts energy levels. Another positive side effect is increased confidence, which will clearly show on your youthful looking face!
8. Moisturize and Hydrate
You already know that hydrating your body by drinking plenty of water is important, but did you know that your skin needs hydration also? Drinking water can actually help your skin look younger, healthier, and more beautiful. Water hydrates and smoothes fine lines. It’s recommended you drink 8 glasses of water per day, which will benefit all areas of your body. Topical moisturizers are another way to help keep skin smooth and hydrated. When purchasing moisturizers, search for ones that contain retinol. This ingredient is proven to fade brown spots and reduce fine lines as well.
Aging is a natural part of life but it’s also one that can be done gracefully, when done right. By eating the right foods, hydrating your body, and protecting your skin, you’ll see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and discover newfound energy. So embrace your age. Realize it’s just a number. And practice some of these anti-aging tricks that will help you look as great as you feel.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
