Your anti-aging regimen is different during every decade. And while you may not realize it, it’s never too early to start using preventative measures to stop the early signs of skin aging like fine lines, creasing, and wrinkles. In fact, much of premature skin aging can be prevented beginning as early as your 20’s. That’s because exposure to ultra-violet rays from the sun is the leading cause of skin damage that causes wrinkles but it is impossible to avoid. UV (ultra-violet radiation) has been shown in clinical trials as a known to cause inflammation and degenerative aging of the skin. In order to reduce your risk of developing premature wrinkles and other signs of skin aging, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15 to defend against the suns harmful rays and resulting wrinkles.

10 Tips for an Anti-aging Regimen for Youthful Skin

You are born with dewy, soft skin. However, as you age the skin loses moisture, its springy texture and the youthful look that makes you feel beautiful.

1. Prevent UV Damage

A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF value of 15 or higher is the best way to avoid UVA/UVB damage from the sun. Your skin will respond to non-toxic formulas that offer protection designed for your skin type which may include dry, oily and acne-prone. It is ideal to use sunscreen protection any time you are outside, even if it is cloudy out or you are wearing makeup in order to prevent premature wrinkles.

2. Sun Exposure

Other ways to reduce skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation is to reduce your sun exposure by avoiding the outdoors between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Always use additional sun protection including protective clothing like hats, t-shirts, and sunglasses. This is highly recommended to prevent damage to the ultra-sensitive skin around the eye area.

3. Get Beauty Sleep

During sleep, your body does so much more than just rest. It is actually working (albeit quietly) to restore essential proteins, neurotransmitters, and hormones needed to keep your body healthy. Studies show that getting your beauty sleep is also an effective way to reduce moisture loss and prevent the signs of skin aging including wrinkles. 

4. Eat for Anti-Aging

It could shock you to learn how much an unhealthy diet can damage your skin. Refined carbohydrates, low-quality oils, and toxins in the food supply are just a few of the most harmful substances that can harm healthy skin and cause wrinkles. Eat for anti-aging with healthy skin foods like walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, avocado, berries, leafy green vegetables, fatty fish, and chocolate.

5. Try Vitamin C

Your skin acts as a barrier of protection against the elements. For this reason, it can lose elasticity, dewy texture and smooth tone due to a variety of factors. Restore aging skin structure by supporting the skin matrix made of collagen and elastin, with Vitamin C. Studies show that using Vitamin C in your anti-aging regimen may help to reduce deterioration of the skin matrix to smooth away wrinkles. Other benefits of Vitamin C in skincare include detoxification, cellular repair, and restoration of springy texture.

6. Ditch Soap

If you are using traditional bar soap on your face to clean away oil, grime, and makeup – STOP. Harsh on your skin, soap can also speed the aging process by stripping the epidermis (top layer of your skin) of essential oils known as sebum. Without this vital moisture, your skin may also suffer from redness, breakouts and try patches, not to mention wrinkles and creases.

7. Reach for Retinol

Aging skin in your 30’s is different from aging skin later in life. For your 40’s and 50’s, reach for a retinol product. Also known as pro-Vitamin A and beta-carotene, retinol is a nourishing ingredient shown in clinical trials as one of the most effective ways to remove wrinkles.⁵

8. Drink More Water

No matter what your dietary habits are, water is a must for everyone. Not only is water the most essential nutrient for detoxification but it is also found in every skin cell. Needed to keep your skin supple and hydrated from the inside out, water can help to slow the natural aging process throughout the body and ultimately limit the development of wrinkles.

9. Exfoliate

Don’t skip this step in your anti-aging regimen. Available in lotions, creams and gentle scrubs AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid) exfoliants work to reveal a younger looking complexion almost immediately. Dissolving grime and makeup while sloughing off dead skin cells, exfoliation techniques stimulate the production of new skin cells and leave your pores clean. Going beyond any cleanser, using a regular exfoliant as part of your anti-aging regimen is a luxurious way to resurface the skin for a younger-looking complexion.

10. Dietary Supplements

Your skin needs specific nutrients in the same amounts every day in order to maintain its youthful texture and appearance. These include carotenoids, polyphenol, and catechin antioxidants as well as vitamin antioxidants A, C and E. Other nutrients that oftentimes are not consumed in the recommended amounts through diet include collagen, probiotics, omega fats and others. Aim to get the right balance of all youthful skin nutrients by talking to your doctor about dietary supplements, also known as cosmeceuticals. They can give you proper dosage for your everyday anti-aging regimen.

Establishing an Anti-aging Regimen Around Your Skin Type

In addition to using these 10 tips for youthful skin in your everyday routine, check with your dermatologist for recommendations that fit your specific skin type. You may be surprised to find out just how much healthier and springy your skin could be when you consider using only the skincare products unique to your needs. This can include making small adjustments in your anti-aging regimen to address your distinct concerns like acne breakouts, deep lines, and creases or daily activities like going to the gym. Regardless of your skin type (dry, oily, acne-prone, aging, combination), there is an anti-aging regimen for you!

Check with your dermatologist and start using this aging regimen for youthful skin, today. You can also discuss anti-aging options including in-office procedures like chemical peels, laser rejuvenation resurfacing and tightening as well as more invasive options.