We all want to stop the clock and stay young forever. Ever looked at a celebrity in their 50s and thought, ‘oh my, I wonder what their beauty secret is?’. We know you have at some point. Ageing is a natural process and is inevitable. However, there are ways you can end up ageing like fine wine and retain your youthfulness in the long run.
While botox and cosmetic surgery may be an option, not everyone can afford those. And let’s be honest… There are less invasive ways out there. So for those of you willing to try and slow down the ageing process, you’re at the right place. Here are our top anti ageing beauty tips to look young:
1. Use gentle products
Did you know that your skin’s natural pH level (also known as the skin’s level of acidity or alkalinity) is around 5.5 – This means it’s always a good idea to opt for products that can keep the skin’s barrier intact without upsetting the natural pH level. Avoid using products with harsh ingredients (like sulphates) and instead invest in quality skincare. Always read the label before purchasing a product and look for natural ingredients rather than synthetic ingredients, which can confuse your skin’s natural oil-to-water ratio.
2. Know your skin type
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to your skin. Your skin type is as unique as you are, and something that may work for someone else may not work for you. This again may involve reading the ingredients list behind every product you choose to lather over your skin, but it’s well worth it when the results begin to show. From normal skin, oily skin to combination skin, the skincare market today offers myriad options targeting all skin types. If you aren’t able to figure out your skin type on your own, a trip to the dermatologist may solve the concern.
3. Don’t forget your SPF
The most crucial step in your anti-ageing skincare routine is SPF. According to a study, people who use broad-spectrum sunscreen experience 24% less skin ageing than those who don’t. How does that work? It’s simply because SPF protects skin from harmful UV filters and prevents sun damage. If you think you spend more time indoors and probably don’t need sunscreen, think again. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher even while you remain indoors.
Read More: 10 SPF makeup products you need for sun protection
4. Cleanse your face twice a day
It is important to use a gentle cleanser twice daily from AM to PM. This removes excess dirt and prep your skin for the products to follow. Avoiding this step could lead to your pores being clogged which in turn triggers breakouts. It’s also a great way to keep your skin looking radiant and rejuvenated at all times.
5. Use facial serums
Up your skin care game with facial serums. They are lightweight, easy to apply, packed with active ingredients and effective on the skin. They are often used to target specific skin concerns, and in the case of ageing, they are known to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Make sure to keep an eye out for serums containing vitamin C!
6. Moisturize your skin
The real MVP of skincare – moisturiser is one of the most important ‘look younger secrets’. It hydrates the skin and leaves it well-nourished to banish wrinkles, dry skin and other signs of ageing. It is the cornerstone of every skincare regimen and should never be skipped, no matter your skin type!
Tip: If you’ve got oily skin, opt for a lightweight moisturiser with hydrating ingredients.
7. Apply face masks
Despite moisturising, your skin can be stripped of all its moisture, giving it that dull look. This eventually contributes to ageing and makes your skin look way older than you actually are. So now, when the weather’s working against you (chilly temperatures), you’ve got face masks to fall back on for that extra bit of hydration. Carve out some much-needed “me” time and get that mask on.
8. Eat skin-loving foods
Typing ‘how to look young’ in your Google search bar will always bring you back to one thing – your diet. It won’t come as a surprise that what you eat is perhaps the most important factor in slowing down signs of ageing. Of course, that doesn’t mean giving up on doughnuts and pizza. What you can do instead is add more skin-friendly foods to your diet. When we say skin-friendly foods, we mean foods that are full of vitamins (A, C, E, K, B1 & B2) and other nutrients. Try including fruits and nuts in your daily diet, and never skip the leafy greens!
The bottom line is that it’s not just the products you use but also your diet that plays a vital role in how your skin ages. With a holistic approach, you’re sure to slow down the process and enjoy healthy and youthful skin for much longer.
