First impressions matter. And for many of us, the way our face looks – or the way it is showing our age – matters as well. While aging is a natural process that none of us can escape, there are very specific steps we can take to dramatically slow it down and keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant. These tips aren't complicated and can be done by everyone to ensure your skin remains in its prime condition.
1. Prioritize Face Care
It may sound straightforward, but many people overlook the importance of proper skin care. This doesn’t have to include anything exotic or expensive. Using high-quality skin care products – for both men and women – can make a huge difference in the appearance of beautiful skin. The best way to start is to establish a good skincare routine before bedtime. Just as our bodies need rest at night, our skin requires it too. This nightly toxin-free cleansing routine will not only remove makeup but will clear out any environmental pollutants and daily grime. Follow up with a toner to restore a healthy pH balance and apply a moisturizer to nourish and shield your skin while you sleep.
2. Stress Management
Chronic stress can speed up the aging process by elevating cortisol levels, which break down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to wrinkles and creases. One of the best ways to counteract this stress/aging process is to incorporate adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha or Rhodiola into your daily routine. These will not only make you feel better but they will improve your stress response and slow down excessive cortisol release.
3. Blood Sugar Control
Studies show that consistently high blood sugar and insulin levels can accelerate the aging process, making a person appear much older than they are. Too much blood glucose, otherwise known as hyperglycemia, can not only accelerate skin aging and weaken collagen fibers but may lead to insulin resistance or even diabetes. The best way to maintain healthy blood sugar levels is to consume foods that are rich in fiber, chromium, and other health-promoting nutrients which help to stabilize glucose levels and keep your skin in great shape.
4. Quality Sleep
Getting enough quality sleep is not just an old wives' tale. Poor sleep can dramatically accelerate the natural aging process in the skin and prevent it from healing correctly. When sleep becomes erratic, interrupted (for whatever reason), or is not quality sleep, the skin around the eyes can become thin and show more fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and reduced elasticity. A few considerations to promote a good night’s sleep include kava, valerian, or ashwagandha.
5. Tremella Mushrooms
Even though you may have never heard of tremella, this remarkable 'anti-aging' mushroom is known for its unique ability to repair damaged skin. Not only does it promote natural collagen production, but it also has an almost miraculous ability to reduce scarring and strengthen, heal, and rejuvenate skin cells. Many supplement and skincare companies are beginning to include tremella in their products because of its incredible benefits for the skin. Think of tremella as being 'a facelift in a bottle.'
6. Calcium: The Skin’s Protector
We’ve been conditioned to believe that exposure to the sun is the worst thing we can do for our skin. But what if there was more to the story? It turns out that when the skin has sufficient amounts of calcium, it can easily protect itself from the harsh rays of the sun by forming a strong barrier of protection, along with sufficient fatty acids. So not only do we need plenty of calcium to maintain healthy skin, muscles, and bones, but we actually need it for skin health as well. Consider including wheat germ or flaxseed oil in your daily supplement routine to help shuttle calcium from the bloodstream to your skin, protecting it from sun damage and keeping it in tip-top shape.
7. Water and More Water
Our bodies are made of 70%-80% water so it stands to reason that we need LOTS of water to keep things running smoothly. When we become dehydrated, one of the first places it shows up is in the skin. Not only does the skin become dehydrated from lack of internal water but harsh outside elements such as dry winter air can dry it out as well. To keep your skin barrier resilient against the elements, consider using shea butter, lanolin, or coconut oil to provide some much needed protection. And then, to keep your internal environment well-hydrated, consume half your weight in ounces of water every day.
8. A Nutrient-Rich Diet
Certain nutrients can naturally boost collagen production and improve the way your skin looks. Berries, citrus fruits, eggs, bone broth, garlic, leafy greens, fish, and chicken are among the top choices. If possible, look for the highest quality options you can find including organic, wild-caught, and grass-fed. This is one of the best ways to ensure you are getting the most benefit from the food you eat. Not only will your skin love it but the rest of your body will too.
If you're looking to improve the youthful appearance of your skin and push back the natural aging timeline, these 8 strategies can make a significant difference. You’ll feel more confident about the way you look, wowing others with your ageless beauty and flawless skin!