With over 900,000 videos on TikTok tagged with #antiageing, it’s clear that looking youthful is a priority for many. While aging is inevitable, the pursuit of youthful skin has led to a surge in popularity for expensive skincare products. However, maintaining a youthful appearance might be simpler than you think. Yelena Budovskaya, CEO of epigenetic health company TruMe Labs, shares five expert tips that are both affordable and effective for achieving a healthy glow and youthful-looking skin.
1. Wear Sunscreen Daily and Understand Its Importance
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of any skincare routine, regardless of the season. Yelena emphasizes the importance of checking the UV index daily, as even on cloudy days, harmful UV radiation can damage your skin. Apply sunscreen whenever the UV index is three or above, and always wear sunscreen if you’re outdoors for extended periods (two hours or more). Remember that chemical sunscreens take about 20 minutes to become fully effective.
Daily sunscreen use protects your collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for maintaining skin’s elasticity and softness. This protection helps prevent photoaging, the premature aging caused by sun exposure. The NHS recommends an SPF of 30 or higher, but SPF 50+ offers more comprehensive protection. Ensure your sunscreen is labeled “broad-spectrum” to shield against both UVB (burning rays) and UVA (penetrating rays that accelerate aging). While a higher SPF extends the time it takes for your skin to burn, it’s crucial to limit your time under the sun’s rays, regardless of your SPF.
2. Cut Down on Processed Sugar
While sugary treats can be tempting, Budovskaya warns that high sugar intake accelerates aging through a process called glycation. This process involves molecules attaching to proteins, causing damage to collagen and elastin. This damage hinders the skin’s ability to repair itself, leading to faster aging.
While not all sugars are created equal, it’s best to choose fruits over processed sugars when seeking a sweet treat. Fruits offer additional nutritional benefits that boost overall health. A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods, such as berries, nuts, and beans, helps neutralize free radicals – unstable molecules that damage cells. Anti-inflammatory foods reduce puffiness and chronic inflammation, giving your skin a healthy, radiant appearance.
3. Avoid Chasing Every Skincare Trend
Consistency is key when it comes to skincare. Stick to a routine that works for you and avoid succumbing to the temptation of every new fad. Many trending skincare products lack scientific evidence to support their claims. While collagen supplements are popular, research on their effectiveness in humans is limited. Similarly, the “slugging” trend, which involves applying a layer of Vaseline to the face, may have benefited some but could worsen skin conditions like acne, rosacea, or oily skin.
It’s essential to research any new trend and check if it has been effective for others with similar skin types before trying it. While it’s okay to experiment with new products occasionally, constantly switching products can confuse your skin and strip it of its protective barrier. Focus on what works for you, and remember that skincare is a long-term commitment.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Your skin’s natural barrier is delicate. Overusing harsh ingredients like alcohol-based products or abrasive exfoliants can damage and dry out your skin. Opt for gentler, skin-friendly alternatives. Be mindful of the effects of non-skincare chemicals you encounter throughout the day, such as those found in the workplace. For instance, typing on your laptop and then touching your face can spread germs that are best avoided. Germs from everyday items like phones, keys, and TV remotes can transfer bacteria to your face, clogging pores and leading to breakouts.
Look for hydrating ingredients like niacinamide (Vitamin B3), ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, which help retain moisture. Remember to moisturize the rest of your body as well. If you use multiple harsh products, limit their frequency and always follow up with a good moisturizer. Don’t forget that your hands, legs, and chest can also show signs of aging. Prioritize hydration for these areas too.
5. Prioritize Hydration and Quality Sleep
Sleep and hydration are non-negotiable for maintaining youthful skin. While you sleep, your skin has time to repair and regenerate. Lack of sleep increases stress, raising cortisol levels which break down collagen and elastin, causing a loss of skin’s youthful appearance. Stress also damages DNA, shortening cell lifespan and accelerating aging.
When it comes to hydration, it’s not just about drinking water. Eating water-rich fruits and vegetables like kiwis and cucumbers helps keep your body hydrated. Use moisturizing products, like hyaluronic acid, to prevent dehydration lines, which are often mistaken for wrinkles. Investing in a humidifier and reducing the frequency of hot showers can also help maintain skin hydration.
Beyond the Basics: Boosting Collagen Production
Tania Zahoor Rashid, a skincare expert at Aesthetics Labs, shares her tricks for maintaining youthful skin for those aged 60 or over. She recommends treatments that boost collagen production, such as Radiofrequency with microneedling, HIFU, and Thermage. These treatments stimulate collagen production, plumping and smoothing lines while lifting sagging skin. They can be applied to any area of the body, from the face and neck to the décolletage, knees, elbows, and abdomen.
In addition to these treatments, Rashid recommends a diet rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C. Antioxidants slow down collagen breakdown, and vitamin C specifically supports collagen production. She suggests taking vitamin C supplements (which also boost immunity) and incorporating vitamin C-rich skincare products into your daily routine.
By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can maintain a youthful glow and achieve healthy, vibrant skin for years to come. Remember, a healthy lifestyle, including proper skincare, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, is the key to achieving your desired results.
