If you're 30+ years old, it's almost certain that you've noticed your skin is starting to look older. Of course, it's not just you—that's normal. But don't worry! We can do things to delay the signs of aging and keep our skin looking young for longer than ever before. Here are my top 10 tips for younger-looking skin:
1. Stop smoking
Smoking is bad news for your skin and can cause wrinkles, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
Smoking causes yellowing of the skin by creating a buildup of nicotine residue in your body that gets deposited in the tissue around blood vessels. This damages collagen production, which affects the elasticity of your skin. The less elasticity you have in your skin, the more likely you will develop lines and wrinkles when you're older (or as soon as today). That wasn't enough reason not to pick up that next cigarette!
2. Eat healthier
- Eating healthier can have a profound effect on your skin. Eat more fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in these foods help reduce oxidative stress, damaging your skin over time.
- Eat more whole grains. They're high in fiber and help keep you fuller for longer, so eating them regularly will help prevent overeating. Maintaining a healthy weight also requires avoiding processed foods, which have more sugar and fat than whole foods. Sugars and fats can contribute to aging skin by causing inflammation and making damaged cells more inflamed over time (in the case of sugar) or by building up under the skin's surface (in the case of fats).
- Fish or seafood twice a week: Fish oil's omega-3 fatty acids make connective tissue more flexible, reducing eye dryness. This makes it less likely that fine lines will form near your eyes when you smile or squint. Also, while nuts contain omega-6 fatty acids and some omega-3 fatty acids, they don't have nearly as many anti-inflammatory properties as salmon!
3. Increase collagen intake
The first step to getting younger-looking skin is to increase your collagen intake. Collagen is the main protein in the body that helps maintain skin elasticity, and it's found in foods like fish, chicken, beef, and seafood. It can also be taken as a supplement in pill form. Collagen has an essential role in the structure of your skin: it makes up 90% of its protein content!
4. Use sun protection
The first step to looking younger is using sun protection. Wearing sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from aging, damage, and cancer.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for at least 30 minutes before going outside, whether it's sunny or cloudy. Be sure to reapply every two hours while you're in the sun and don't forget to apply it on top of makeup or moisturizer.
- Don't be fooled by the fact that there are "safe" times of day when you can go out without sunscreen; even early morning sunlight can cause wrinkles and age spots if you're not careful! If possible, try not to spend more than 10 minutes in direct sunlight at any time during the day—especially between 10 am and 4 pm when ultraviolet rays are strongest (and also avoid being outdoors between May and September).
5. Use a medically cleared LED mask!
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Use an FDA-cleared and Health Canada-approved LED Mask like the Kandyway Eternal Glow MD
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LED masks are a great way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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LED masks are a great way to reduce the appearance of dark circles.
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LED masks are a great way to reduce the appearance of puffiness.
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Our Kandyway Eternal Glow MD has a red light and infrared light that work together within the mask to penetrate deep into your skin’s layers, providing nourishment that can help repair damaged cells and promote new cell growth—which means younger-looking skin! It also helps with inflammation caused by acne, rosacea, or psoriasis by stimulating collagen production and increasing blood flow through microcirculation (AKA it helps get rid of those nasty red marks!). And did we mention it’s FDA-cleared and Health Canada-approved? That means you can relax knowing that this isn’t some snake oil being sold on Amazon but rather an actual medical device that can be used in medical clinics)
6. Don't over-wash your face
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Don't over-wash your face.
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Use warm, not hot water to wash off makeup and dirt. Hot water can dry out the skin, causing it to age faster.
- Don't use harsh soaps that can strip away natural oils from the face's surface. This can cause inflammation and result in acne breakouts or flaky patches of dry skin.
- Avoid scrubbing or massaging your face; these actions can irritate sensitive skin and lead to further irritation as well as premature aging of the outer layer of skin (the epidermis). Additionally, these practices will make you more prone to wrinkles than if you just used gentle cleansing motions with a soft cloth or sponge instead!
- If you are going to wash with soap at all, choose one that is specifically designed for sensitive skin types like yours—you'll find them at your local pharmacy.
7. Choose a non-toxic moisturizer and products
Take a look at the ingredients list and make sure there are no toxins in the product. Also, check for an EWG rating (Environmental Working Group) to ensure it is non-toxic. Try to avoid harsh chemicals that can irritate skin and cause breakouts like parabens and phthalates, which are found in many cosmetics.
In addition to choosing a natural moisturizer with safe ingredients, look for one that has specific benefits for your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin or large pores choose an oil-free moisturizer that will help keep your skin balanced without making it feel greasy or slick later on.
8. Get enough sleep for better skin
A good night's sleep is essential for your skin. When you get enough sleep, it allows your body to repair cells, which leads to younger-looking skin.
The amount of sleep that's best for you depends on many factors, including your age and how active you are during the day. But on average, adults should aim for 7-8 hours of shut-eye per night. You may feel like a short nap would give you an energy boost, but studies show that napping less than 10 minutes can interfere with the quality of your nighttime sleep by delaying REM (rapid eye movement) cycles that help restore mental clarity and physical health after a busy day. So stick with getting those full eight hours each night if possible - it’s one of our top tips for looking younger!
9. Don't skip vitamins and supplements for skin health
You should be taking vitamins D, C, E and K for better looking skin. Vitamins and supplements are important for your skin health. Having the right dose of vitamins can help reduce dark spots, redness, wrinkles, patches and dryness
You can't afford to skimp on vitamins for optimal skin health!
10. Take time to relax and de-stress
Taking the time to relax and de-stress is a must for younger-looking skin. Our bodies, minds, and spirits all benefit from having moments of peace. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, massage therapy, and exercise are all great ways to help you relax and rejuvenate.
Another way to pamper yourself is by getting enough sleep, sunshine (good vitamin D), good food (especially lots of leafy greens), and enough exercise so that your body can maintain its energy levels without running on stress hormones like cortisol which can cause aging effects on the skin such as wrinkles or sagging skin.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you’ve learned a thing or two about how to take care of your skin. If you follow these tips and use the right products, you can prevent some of the signs of aging. Remember that it goes beyond just using makeup and moisturizers: lifestyle habits like sleeping well, eating healthy food, and exercising regularly are also important factors in maintaining good skin health.