Having youthful skin means more than just using skincare products. It also includes exercise, drinking enough water and getting enough sleep.
Upgrade your cleanser to one that doesn’t strip your complexion of its natural oils (and skip the harsh astringents and cleansers with scrubbing beads). Start exfoliating regularly, and use a serum or moisturizer with Vitamin C.
1. Exfoliate Regularly
A quality exfoliant is a must for healthy-looking skin of any age. Younger skin naturally sheds its dead cells regularly, so exfoliation is less of a priority than it will become as we age.
In your 20s, we suggest you experiment with skincare products and develop a regular routine to help you find the right combination of ingredients for your skin. Try to avoid anything too harsh, and look for formulas designed for daily use – so you can exfoliate without irritation.
At this stage, we also recommend you begin to introduce anti-aging products into your regime, like retinol and a vitamin C serum. These can help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, as well as boost collagen production to improve elasticity. Aim to start using these at night, as they are likely to be more effective.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Hydration is non-negotiable, whatever your skin type. Drinking water flushes out toxins and enhances blood flow to help the skin look clear and fresh. It can also reduce the appearance of puffiness, redness and rashes.
If you have dry skin, try drinking water infused with basil leaves or a mint tea. These herbs are anti-inflammatory and boost collagen for younger looking skin.
By your thirties, the skin starts to lose its ability to produce hyaluronic acid and lipids that keep it hydrated. To combat this, use a serum that contains hyaluronic acid. Look for a medical grade product, which requires more rigorous testing and is 99% pure. A little body oil can also help hydrate the skin, especially on areas of the skin that tend to be rough or cracked (like elbows and knees). This can make them look tighter and more youthful.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
It’s not just skincare products that are important to keep your skin looking youthful, it’s also the food you eat. Avoid processed foods, sugary treats, fried foods and alcohol which can all cause inflammation in the skin and lead to aging.
Try to eat a diet rich in antioxidants, including those found in green tea and camellia sinensis extract. These ingredients help to reduce the signs of aging such as dark spots and wrinkles.
You should also try to eat plenty of Vitamin C which is great for your skin. It promotes healthy cells, boosts collagen and helps fade dark spots. Try incorporating blackcurrants, blueberries, oranges and papaya into your meals. Also, eat plenty of vegetables such as broccoli and kale, these contain lutein which protects your skin from sun damage.
4. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
The skin is most vulnerable to damage from UV rays in the 20s and 30s. It is recommended to begin quality maintenance based skincare in this decade as it will help prevent the appearance of lines, dark spots, dullness and sagginess later in life.
Use sunscreen daily, even on cloudy or cool days, reapplying every two hours especially when sweating or swimming. Protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with 99% or higher UV absorption rating are also helpful.
A serum containing Vitamin C is a great addition to the routine to brighten the complexion, protect from free radical damage and to reverse existing signs of sun damage. Apply this after cleansing and moisturizing in the morning.
5. Get Enough Sleep
One of the best ways to keep skin young is to get enough sleep. During sleep, your body repairs and renews itself. This is why people who get plenty of rest often have smooth, vibrant looking skin in the morning.
Insufficient sleep also contributes to dark under-eye circles and dry skin. It can even cause a lack of collagen in the skin, which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles.
Try to get at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep every night. This can be difficult for some people, but it’s important to make it a priority. In addition, exercising regularly can help to reduce stress and promote good sleep habits. And, it’s important to remove all makeup before going to bed. This will help to prevent clogged pores and acne blemishes.
