Aging is inevitable. As we grow older, our skin changes and you may notice signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and less elasticity. Fortunately, there are many ways we can combat these common signs and delay skin aging. One way to do this is with the use of natural skincare. Read on to learn more:
Be Picky About Ingredients
Not all skincare products are created equal. Many inexpensive skincare products that are readily available at the drugstore or supermarket contain overly harsh or potent ingredients that can damage your skin in the long run. These may also lead to early signs of skin aging. When choosing skincare products, go for organic beauty products like the ones by Well Within Beauty, which do not contain harsh sulfates, stripping alcohols or synthetic fragrances.
Sulfates are commonly found in cleansers. They are what cause your soap, shampoo and facial wash to sud, and can do a great job of washing away oil and dirt. However, they can also be very stripping and disrupt your natural skin barrier. A weakened skin barrier is more prone to skin concerns such as breakouts, irritation and flakiness, all of which can lead to making your skin look older.
Alcohols can be similarly stripping, and overly drying on your skin. Dry skin is much more prone to fine lines and wrinkles that well-hydrated skin, which stays plump and smooth longer. Lastly, synthetic fragrances may contain allergens and cause irritation, which may lead to dark spots or hyperpigmentation once healed. You should definitely be extra careful about reading the ingredients lists on your skincare products and skin supplements to maintain youthful-looking skin.
Stay Well Hydrated
As mentioned above, dry skin tends to look older than moisturized and balanced skin. Keep your skin well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water every day, eating fresh fruits and vegetables that have high water content, and moisturizing regularly.
What type of moisturizer you should get depends on your skin type. If you have oily skin, you might prefer a lightweight gel-type moisturizer versus a heavy cream. If you have dry or mature skin, you can get away with using something richer. Try to find a moisturizer with a good mix of humectant, emollient and occlusive ingredients to really seal in the moisture in your skin.
The best time to moisturize is right after cleansing, while your skin is still damp. Putting moisturizer on top of damp skin helps “trap” the water and keep it from evaporating from the surface of your skin, so it stays hydrated longer.
Never Skip Sun Protection
Forget the expensive serums and essences; simple sunscreen is one of the most effective anti-aging skincare products you can buy. Wearing sunscreen protects your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s powerful rays, which include sunburn, dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Be sure to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and broad spectrum protection to keep you shielded from both UVA and UVB rays.
With these three simple steps, you can delay the common signs of skin aging by decades. Do your skincare routine regularly and consistently, and you can enjoy healthy, youthful-looking skin for many more years to come. It’s never too early to start!
