With each passing day, your skin is getting older—but it doesn’t have to look that way. Experts say that by creating a skincare routine of daily habits that slow the outward signs of aging you can keep your skin looking young and radiant for longer. The key is to target both the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that can cause your skin to age prematurely, says Natalie M. Curcio, MD, MPH, a Nashville-based dermatologist.
“Extrinsic aging mainly refers to external or environmental causes of aging, the most prominent one being sun damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation,” Curcio explains. “Intrinsic aging, or chronological aging, is a genetically determined process that leads to loss of collagen and elastin in the skin, and changes to muscle, fat, and bone. Of course, both types of aging lead to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of maturity.”
Though experts concede that it’s impossible to turn back the clock completely, there are plenty of interventions that can reduce the appearance of aging. Read on to learn which daily habits will keep your skin looking young at any age.
Using an LED red light mask may help you reduce the appearance of acne, redness, wrinkles, and scars. Fawn Bowe, founder of Skincare Stacy recommends doing 10 minutes of daily red light therapy to help your skin stay young.
“Red light therapy is a newer innovation in skincare, but it’s taken the world by storm,” Bowe says. “Treatment with red light can help boost collagen production, reduce inflammation, and even improve your skin texture. When I first started using red light therapy I was amazed at the results: A blister on my face healed in just 48 hours, and my acne breakouts cleared up much more quickly!”
Falling asleep with your makeup on can clog your pores, cause acne, and dull your complexion. Therefore, Elina Fedotova, a cosmetic chemist, celebrity and esthetician. recommends using a gentle cleanser at the end of the day to remove all makeup and other residue before you go to bed.
“When you cleanse your skin, ensure the cleansing product you use is natural and not overly stripping your skin with conventional surfactants like sulfates,” she tells Best Life. “It is essential to cleanse your skin in the morning, but the most critical time is at night.”
Getting a good night’s rest is another way to ensure your skin stays young in both appearance and health. That’s why experts recommend establishing a consistent bedtime routine and getting seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
“Beauty sleep is real!” says Bowe. “During deep sleep, your body undergoes crucial repair and rejuvenation processes which include restoring your skin cells.”
She adds that without adequate sleep, you’ll be more prone to skin conditions such as dark circles around your eyes and acne, which can disrupt your complexion.
Keeping hydrated can help your skin stay smoother, more supple, and free of blemishes—all of which contribute to a healthier and more youthful appearance.
“Dehydration leads to wrinkles, dryness, and decreased cellular turnover,” adds Ciara Dimou, MSN, a nurse practitioner. She notes that people often underestimate how much water they need to drink to maintain radiant skin, and suggests drinking at least 90 ounces or 11.5 cups of fluid daily.
According to the Mayo Clinic, this number is ideal for women, but men need even more: at least 15.5 cups of fluid daily.
Different areas of skin on your face may have different needs—and each may require different treatment products, Fedotova says.
“Very often, people think if we cleanse and moisturize, that is enough. Still, most of us have a combination complexion, which usually consists of some dry and sensitive areas, like around the eyes or neck,” she explains. “Some areas could be oily and prone to breakouts, like your t-zone, so make sure you are addressing each area of your face with the correct treatment product that it needs. Then after that, use a hydrating cream with sunblock.”
Your diet can also determine whether your skin looks young or old for its age.
“Remember that sugary, starchy, processed foods… are very unhealthy and can lead to skin inflammation, congested pores, and premature wrinkles,” says Fedotova. “Colorful fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, and healthy fats help improve skin immunity and protect against environmental UV damage.”
