There is nothing wrong with wanting to look younger and prevent the aging process from affecting your physical appearance for as long as possible. For this purpose, protecting the skin and maintaining it healthy is an important step toward achieving this goal.
The good news is that a healthy lifestyle and a few important habits to include in our routine really can help you look youthful for longer. The online publication Eat This, Not That interviewed Dr. Tomi Mitchell, a board-certified family physician and mental health & wellness coach, who came with some advice on what exactly you can do to look younger.
Use a skin moisturizer
Healthy skin is also moisturized skin. Hydration is really important for the, as water gives it strength and elasticity, making it look and feel healthy. Dr. Mitchell emphasized that
When skin is moisturized correctly, it appears plumper and firmer, with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, moisturized skin is better able to protect itself from damage caused by sun exposure, pollution, and other environmental factors.
In order to maintain an optimal hydration level, you first have to make sure that you choose the right moisturizer for your type of skin.
Exfoliate on a regular basis
The aging process makes our skin cells dry faster and regenerate slower, which is why it is important to incorporate exfoliation into our skincare routine. According to Mitchell,
Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, giving the skin a refreshed and more youthful appearance. Additionally, exfoliating can help to unclog pores and prevent breakouts.
Choosing the right type of exfoliator is also important, as, just like the moisturizer, it has to be appropriate for your skin type.
Always use sunscreen
UV rays are known to be extremely damaging to your skin, reason for which it’s essential to always apply sunscreen before leaving the house, even when it’s cloudy outside. Dr. Mitchell stated that
In addition to protecting your health, sunscreen can help you look younger. Sun damage is a major cause of wrinkles and other signs of aging, so using sunscreen daily can help you keep your skin looking young and healthy.
Get enough quality sleep
Sleep is essential for the health and well-functioning of your body, but also for maintaining the good feel and appearance of your skin. Dr. Mitchell explains that
Getting enough rest helps to promote collagen production, which keeps skin looking firm and youthful. It also gives your skin a chance to recover from the day’s environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV exposure.
Eat healthily
Maintaining a healthy diet should be the first step in preserving the health of your body, but also of your skin. In order for the regeneration process to take place as it’s supposed to, you have to make sure that you are feeding your body the right nutrients, from which the skin also benefits. So eating healthy will also make your skin look younger and healthier. Mitchell stated that
A healthy diet helps nourish the body and provide the nutrients needed for cell growth and repair. In addition, foods like fruits and vegetables – packed with antioxidants – can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Quit smoking
Everybody knows how damaging and bad for health smoking is. Although most references address how smoking impacts the health of the lungs and the cardiovascular system, this habit is also very damaging for the skin. Dr. Mitchell explains that
Smoking decreases the blood flow to the skin, decreasing the production of collagen and elastin. These two proteins are essential for keeping the skin looking young and healthy.
