As you age, you may have begun to notice a few extra lines on your face or some gray in your hair. If skincare has not always been your priority due to the lack of time or energy, it should now take precedence in your life. Although it may seem daunting to start a whole new skincare routine from scratch, rest assured that you don’t need a 20-step skincare routine to care for aging skin. Skincare actually starts with your daily habits and routines, so don’t feel discouraged if you’re unsure of how to begin your new and improved skincare journey – we’re here to help and it’s never too late to start!
Back to the Basics
As your skin ages, it becomes more prone to dryness, bruising, spots and in the worst case, cancer. However, you don’t need to rush out to buy the latest skincare products that promise to be ‘anti-aging’. A simple skincare routine that consists of a gentle cleanser and moisturizer is more than enough to get you started. If you wish to spice things up, you may even consider products with vitamins E and C for supple skin. Additionally, select products that are unscented, or for sensitive skin, as they generally do not have additional ingredients that may irritate your skin. When you wash your face, remember to keep your water temperature cool or at room temperature as hot water can dry out your skin and cause damage to the skin’s epidermal layer.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
The sun can have dire impacts on your skin, so make sure to stock up on sunscreen! It is recommended that you use a sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 and apply it generously on any exposed skin area. Don’t forget to use sunscreen indoors as well, as harmful sun rays can enter through open windows and doors. A helpful tip would be to use a moisturizer that also has sun protection factor.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
Make sure to drink up! An average person needs about 57.5 fluid ounces per day. If you don’t drink enough water, it will affect your skin. To ensure that you are getting your recommended daily water intake, one tip would be to have a water bottle on hand at all times. If you get bored of water, try substituting it with healthy alternatives like fruit or citrus-infused water, unsweetened iced or hot tea, or coconut water. In addition to staying hydrated, make sure to maintain a healthy diet as well. Good nutrition helps with skin repair and regeneration, so don’t forget to include fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Visit Your Dermatologist Annually
Although keeping your skin healthy is simple enough in the comfort of your home, it is important to go for annual checkups with your dermatologist to ensure that you are getting advice that is tailored to your skin.
There is no one-size-fits-all method to skincare, but by ensuring that you maintain healthy daily habits, your skin will thank you in the long run.
