Healthy, younger looking skin is the goal of many and often includes elaborate skin care routines. In fact, a recent survey found that more than 1 million Americans spent $500 or more on skin care products in a three-month period.
While skin care products play an important role in keeping your skin looking its best, your lifestyle choices can impact your skin’s health – both positively and negatively.
Sun exposure and poor nutrition can leave your skin feeling dull and dried out, while staying hydrated and eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can help your skin glow.
Learn more about what causes aging skin and discover simple ways you can promote healthy skin.
Everyday Causes of Aging Skin
Your genetics play a large role in the way your skin looks and feels as you age. Other environmental factors, like smoking, UV light exposure, and air pollution have also been shown to harm your skin.
According to Men’s Health, there are several lifestyle factors that negatively impact your skin’s health. They include:
- Not getting enough sleep. When we’re asleep, our skin works to repair itself. Chronic sleep deprivation can cause skin to look older than it really is.
- An unhealthy diet. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals that promote healthy skin, but many Americans don’t get enough of either each day. A diet high in sugar can have a negative impact, too.
- Overindulging in alcohol. Drinking too much can cause skin inflammation as well as put you at risk for other health problems.
- Chronic dehydration. Water helps keep skin plump. Not drinking enough can cause your body to pull necessary water from your skin, contributing to an aged look.
- Constant stress. High levels of stress over time can cause the body to age more quickly.
Natural Ways to Keep Your Skin Looking Younger
No matter what stage of life you are in, taking care of your skin is important. It is possible to keep your skin looking its best without surgery or other medical procedures. Here are three simple changes you can make:
Eat a healthy diet
Some foods contain antioxidants and other nutrients that can benefit your skin. Drop these superfoods into your grocery basket on a regular basis for healthier-looking skin.- Oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can help keep skin moisturized.
- Colorful vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots are great sources of beta carotene, which can act as a natural sunscreen.
- Tomatoes are full of lycopene, another nutrient that can help prevent sun damage and wrinkling.
- Dark chocolate and green tea are full of antioxidants that may help your skin look healthier. Be sure to choose low-sugar varieties for the healthiest impact.
In addition to what you eat, make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. The amount needed varies depending on your fitness level, age, gender, and more - so listen to your body.
Protect yourself from the sun
By now, most know the perils of prolonged sun exposure. If you are planning to spend time in the sun, try to avoid the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are the most damaging.When you’re outside, wear a hat, a lightweight long-sleeve shirt, and sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 that you reapply regularly. Wearing sunscreen even on cloudy days is vital, and don’t forget to protect your lips with a sunscreen lip balm.
Follow a skin care regimen
Your skin care regimen doesn’t need to include expensive products to be effective. The following are some basic building blocks of a skin care routine.- Use a gentle cleanser on both your face and body. Avoid products that contain alcohol, feel dry on your skin, or are gritty.
- Keep your shower water temperature warm but not hot, which can over-dry skin.
- Apply face moisturizer and body lotion in the morning and in the evening.
- Wash your makeup off every night before going to bed.
While genetics play a large role in skin health, simple changes to your physical and lifestyle choices can help alleviate common skin problems.
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