Looking for ways to keep skin young and prevent wrinkles? Read on for science backed suggestions on how you can keep your skin looking healthy and fresh.
Karen Salmansohn, 59
I just turned 59 years young a few days ago.
I’m all about the positive aging movement – where you embrace getting older. Frankly, I’m loving life more each decade.
My 50’s so far have been a time I have felt the most confident about being my truest me.
I’m now more courageous about saying how I feel – and letting go of people, things, thoughts and habits which don’t make me happy.
At the same time, I’m still doing what I can to stay as young feeling and looking as youthful as possible!
As you might know, I wrote a bestselling longevity book – called Life is Long – with tips on being young from the inside out.
But in this article, I want to explore how to stay young looking – from the outside out!
The Truth About Keeping Skin Young
It’s a common refrain – once people reach a certain age, they start to look in the mirror and wonder, “What happened to my old me – which is really the young me? I still feel twenty on the inside! Who is this person in the mirror?”
Wrinkles, sagging, and dryness are all visible signs of aging. It is natural to wonder how you can firm and tighten your sagging skin.
With this in mind, I teamed up with Clarins – as an ambassador for them – to answer some important skin questions!
Why Does Skin Age, Sag and Wrinkle in the First Place?
The first thing you need to know is why your skin starts to sags.
Our skin produces a series of hormones and substances that are designed to keep it fresh, dewy, and plump. However, as we get older, these substances start to stall. As a result, our skin begins to sag. Add in our lifestyle choices – things like poor sleep quality, bad hygiene, alcohol use, smoking, pollution, and sun damage – and the sagging, dryness, and wrinkles really start to add up.
So, What Can You Do to Keep Skin Young?
There are plenty of myths and rumors out there that offer ‘too good to be true’ solutions to aging, wrinkles and sagging skin. But what does the actual science say? What can you actually do to prevent these signs of aging, and keep your skin looking and feeling its best?
1. Sunblock is your best friend
You might want to get a sun-kissed glow, but the only way to safely tan your face is with a spray tan or topical product. A strong sunblock is the most important tool in your arsenal against sagging skin, as sun damage will age you prematurely. Choose a broad spectrum sunblock of at least 50 SPF, and apply it religiously to your face, neck, décolleté, and hands.
2. Skip the cigarettes and cut back on alcohol
When stunning beauties in the entertainment industry, such as Halle Berry and Jennifer Lopez, list their anti-aging skincare secrets, it’s no wonder that they often cite lifestyle factors. It cannot be overstated – what you put (and don’t put) into your body will directly affect the health, appearance, and texture of your skin.
If you want your skin to look its very best, you should avoid smoking and alcohol at all costs. These toxins contain free radicals, which flood your body and pull atoms from your skin. The release of these atoms alters your DNA and speeds up the aging process in your skin.
Similarly, the more you can indulge in foods which are healthful and alkaline the better for your health and skin. Eat lots of blueberries, blackberries, spinach and kale. Cut back on sugar and dairy. Regularly drink green tea and matcha. Try my favorite Alkaline Smoothie – which is yummy – and has avocados as a key healthy ingredient.
3. Use a leave-on acid exfoliant
Some of the best topical products you can use on your face include lactic acid, glycolic acid (AHA), and salicylic acid (BHA). Use these on a daily basis, and you will start to see a noticeable and measurable difference in your skin. It will be more hydrated, smoother, and more resilient.
4. Drink plenty of water
You can try to smooth and hydrate your skin from the outside until the cows come home, but the best way to hydrate your body is by drinking plenty of water.
Dry skin is tight, showing every wrinkle and making you look much older than necessary. Dermatologists recommend that you drink at least half a gallon of water per day to stay hydrated.
I also personally recommend starting your day drinking water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
5. Get lots of rest and good quality sleep
Sure, we know that this one can be easier said than done, but one of the best ways to stave off wrinkles and sagging skin is to get a lot of good quality sleep. Sleep allows your body to rest and regenerate, resulting in fresher looking skin, and better overall health. I offer a range of helpful sleep meditations in my book Instant Calm.
6. Use retinol and/or niacinamide on your skin
When applied topically on your skin, retinol and niacinamide will dramatically approve nearly every aspect of your skin. These ‘superhero’ ingredients will smooth the look of wrinkles, firm up your skin, and correct uneven skin tone. By plumping and reviving your skin, they work to firm and tone your face, hands, and décolleté.
7. Cosmetic injectables and procedures
While the products and lifestyle changes listed above can help your skin look good, if you really want to reverse sagging skin, you might want to opt for a more serious cosmetic procedure.
You can explore popular treatments like Botox and fillers which will help to smooth and tighten sagging. Plus these days you can also try things like ultrasounds, radio frequency lasers, and chemical peels.
Please be sure to do these things in moderation – so you look natural – and don’t harm yourself!
I myself just got a red light therapy machine for my home – which I use for 10 minutes daily! Read my 30 day experience with red light on my skin – and see the photos which show the awesome improvements!
Important: Always speak with a cosmetic surgeon or medical dermatologist to discuss your options.
It’s Never Too Late to Care for Your Skin
Karen Salmansohn, 59
While prevention is key, it is never too late to start caring for your skin.
Try out some of the above advice to help your skin!
Soon you’ll notice you’re looking and feeling more at your youthful best.
You can age quickly or slowly
I’m choosing slowly.
Check out all my many science backed longevity tips in my bestselling book Life is Long.
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