There is absolutely no shame in getting older – we all get older, and we shouldn’t pay attention to any media outlet or person who tells us that we shouldn’t embrace ageing. After all, getting older means we have experienced more, have learned more, and are better people for it, surely! There are so many reasons to be proud of ageing. Not many people live long enough to get older.
However, you can be proud of ageing while simultaneously taking care of your skin. You shouldn’t obsess – after all, this is likely to cause stress, and stress can be a huge factor when it comes to ageing. However, you can use as many of the tips below as you like to get younger looking skin in one week. Whether you’re prepping for a big event or you simply want to look your best, the ideas below can help you:
- Get Hydrated
First off, get hydrated. Many people say that hydration doesn’t have all that much impact on your skin, but it does! Water flushes out the body, keeps us energized, and helps us to feel better. As a result of all of the great things water does for our bodies, our skin can glow.
You should be drinking a minimum of 2 liters of water per day. If you exercise, you should be drinking more. Carry a big bottle of water with you every day, and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink from it. Drink regularly, and have goals for certain times throughout the day. Soon enough, this will become a habit!
Unrelated side note: it’s a good idea to buy a water filter rather than bottled water, as plastic is one-use and terrible for the environment.
2. Protect Your Skin From The Sun
Every single day you should be protecting yourself from the sun. It doesn’t even matter if it’s cold and gloomy outside: SPF should be applied in order to protect the skin from the damaging things found in the environment. The amount of SPF you apply can depend on how sensitive your skin is and the other products you are using. For example, if you use acids, then you will need a stronger SPF to ensure you don’t burn.
You can apply your SPF separately or buy a moisturizer that includes it – whatever you prefer.
3. Sort Out Your Daily Skincare Routine
You should have a daily skincare routine that you stick to without fail. Usually this is carried out twice: once in the morning, and once before bed. Here’s an idea of what a simple daily skincare routine should consist of:
- Cleansing.
- Toning.
- Serum – optional, but can provide a deeper level of targeted treatment, depending on what you need.
- Day/night cream.
- Eye cream – it can be a good idea to prevent eye lines while you are young, rather than trying to get rid of them when you are older. Prevention is better than cure if this is something you are concerned about.
There are numerous other products and methods you can look into. Different things work for different people, so it’s important to experiment and see what you are comfortable with. Some people like to double cleanse to make sure the products really work, others like to use two different toners. Some people even enjoy applying an oil after night cream for amazing hydration and plumping. It all depends on how much you want to spend money and time wise, and how committed you are to your skin.
4. Apply A Mask
Treat your skin at least once a week to a mask. You can use most masks 2-3 times per week, so pamper yourself as you see fit. You could even use a couple of different masks, for example, a pink clay one at the start of the week to detox, and a homemade coconut oil mask after a few days for moisture. Overnight masks are especially popular these days and can be a great way to look plump and glowing in the morning.
5. Get Your Micronutrients
Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals found in the foods we eat. This means you should be getting plenty of green veg as well as fruits to nourish your body and enjoy fantastic skin! Many people get great results from eating healthy fats such as avocados and nuts. These foods can also be great for the hair and nails.
6. Exercise
Exercising a few times a week is not only a lot of fun and great for your mental and physical health, it can clear out your skin and give you that ‘straight out of yoga’ glow. However, if you do tend to sweat a lot, you should make sure that you wash your face as soon as possible after your workout. Leaving sweat on the skin can cause problems, like clogged pores.
7. Ensure You’re Getting Enough Sleep
Getting plenty of sleep is essential if you want younger looking skin. Most people just aren’t getting near enough sleep, and then wonder why they can’t be as productive as they’d like, why their appetite is all over the place, and why their skin looks dull. You should be getting around 8 hours of sleep per night – and it should be high quality! If you know you’re not getting this, then just try to add 30 minutes onto what you’re currently getting for now. You won’t be able to change your sleeping pattern in one go.
8. Look Into Specialist Products
Specialist products added to your skincare routine can work a treat, but they are only suited to certain skin types. If you have particularly sensitive skin, using a high dose of retinol probably isn’t a good idea – but you can find mixtures in oil that will help to take the edge off while your skin gets used to it. You can also do your own research on specialist treatments, like asking the internet What is hyaluronic acid? Using acids on the skin can be amazing and give fast results. Just make sure you follow the instructions to avoid overloading your skin and stressing it out!
9. Massage Your Face And Body
If you want the skin all over to look younger, massage is key. Always moisturize after a bath or shower, and massage your creams in with long, sweeping strokes. Facials and body massages can also be a great way to take care of the skin.
10. Use Cool Water
Instead of using hot water on the skin, use cool water where possible. It’ll stop you from drying out the skin, and will even leave your hair in better condition.
11. Take Your Makeup Off Properly
If you wear makeup: always, without fail, take it off properly. Your makeup should be removed by proper cleansing, not with makeup wipes alone. You can use a wipe to get off the excess, but for the most part, it will just move your makeup around your face. Double cleansing is great for those who wear makeup.
12. Give Your Skin A Breather
Try to go 1-2 days per week without wearing makeup at all. It’ll be a great break for your skin and make such a difference!
13. Avoid Bad Habits Like Smoking And Drinking
Smoking and drinking are great ways to fast track your skin to lines and wrinkles. Habits like smoking need to be avoided at all costs, and if you drink, try to stick to just one or two. Don’t drink every day, either!
14. Get A Special Pillow
There are pillows that are designed especially to stop you from creasing your face as you sleep if you’re a side sleeper. It can also be good to look at your pillowcases, as silkier pillowcases will stop the skin from pulling as you move in your sleep and help you to retain the products you have applied.
15. Stop Stressing
Stress will make your skin age right before your eyes. Find ways to relax. Practice deep breathing, read a book, do something you enjoy…just don’t worry about the things that don’t matter!
16. Spritz Your Face To Refresh
During the day if you notice your face looking dull or dry, or you simply want a cooling spray, use a face spray and spritz all over your face. You can find all kinds, such as oils to help you glow, and even sprays to stop you from getting too oily. Using one throughout the day can ensure you are looking your best.
17. Don’t Neglect Your Lips and Hands
Your lips and hands are important too, as people will notice them most of the time! Apply hand cream every day, and if you use acids on your face, use what’s left over on your hands before moisturizing them. This will keep them well exfoliated and looking younger. Exfoliate your lips regularly, and to keep them hydrated, top tip – apply nipple balm! That stuff is the best for dry, chapped lips.
Which of these ideas will you use to ensure your skin slays?
