5 Tricks from the Pros to Keep Your Skin Looking Younger

Have you ever wondered how some older women retain a youthful looking complexion while others seem to show every year?

One of the first places to show aging is our skin. Good genes may have something to do with the way we age, but there are other factors you can control. You can keep your skin looking younger by adding a few simple steps to your daily routine.

Here are five of our favorite tricks for fooling Father Time and looking younger than your actual age.

#1 Use Proper Skin Care Products

You probably know about the benefits of moisturizing your skin, but not all skin care products are created equal. Look for products that contain beneficial vitamins and nutrients – especially Vitamin C and Vitamin A.

Vitamin C can help brighten your complexion and even out your skin tone while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Ascorbic acid; one of the beneficial forms of vitamin C, possesses antioxidant properties that help your skin look and feel more firm.

In addition, adding products with Vitamin C to your daily skin care routine can help protect your skin from the damaging effects of pollution and enhance your skin’s hydration.

Vitamin A is another tool to keep your skin looking younger. You can get Vitamin A by eating foods such as sweet potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, spinach, and eggs. You can also use skin care products that contain retinoids, which are a Vitamin A derivative.

Retinoids provide UV protection, help tighten the pores and help your skin have a smoother, firmer texture with a more even overall color.

#2 Apply Olive Oil After Time in the Sun

Olive oil has been praised for centuries for its healing properties for the skin.

 After a day at the beach, you can help reverse adverse effects of sun exposure by applying olive oil to your skin. The sun’s rays start the oxidization process that causes your skin cells to die more quickly, therefore making your skin feel dry and appear older. Olive oil can counteract some of that damage.

Olive oil contains linoleic acid, which helps the skin feel more moist and supple and look its best. Olive oil also has a combination of sebum and micro-flora that is similar to the natural oils on your skin. Therefore, your skin absorbs it quickly, so it does not feel oily or greasy – just refreshed and healthy.

To help keep your skin looking and feeling younger, you can apply olive oil directly to your face with a cotton ball or you can add several drops to your moisturizer to increase its effectiveness.

#3 Skip the Long, Hot Showers

Do you like to take a long, hot shower as a way to relax?  If so, it may be time to find a new form of relaxation.

Frequent long, hot showers can inflame and dry your skin, removing its protective oils and robbing it of its natural moisture. This exposure to hot water can contribute to itchy skin and rashes. If your skin is red following your shower or bath, the water is too hot.

Try to limit yourself to one 5-10 minute warm shower or bath a day. Use a gentle shower or bath gel with moisturizer. Depending on your activity level and the weather, you may be able to skip a shower or bath altogether.

 #4 Apply Foundations Sparingly

One of the secrets of looking younger is to pay close attention to everything you put in your body and on your body. For example, did you know that your makeup could be aging you?

Although you use foundation to look good, the contents of some makeup may actually be harming your skin. Here are a few tips:

• For a younger looking appearance, avoid oil-based foundations and creamy powders that can give your skin a slick sheen rather than a youthful glow. Instead, choose water-based foundations and loose powder.
• Some foundations and powders can dry your skin, causing a dull appearance and a flaky texture. These products may settle into any fine lines or wrinkles in your face, accentuating their appearance. You can counteract this effect by using a mineral-based powder and by applying a moisturizer a few minutes before you apply your makeup.
• Some foundations can block your pores, causing acne flare-ups or aggravating an existing breakout. You can avoid this problem by choosing using non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic makeup.
• For some people, the ingredients and/or fragrances in their makeup can trigger an allergic reaction such as contact dermatitis. Also, be on the lookout for alcohol in your skin care products. It can dry your skin, making it look prematurely old.
• Parabens, which are found in some foundations, may react adversely with the sun’s ultraviolet rays, accelerating the aging process. 

#5 Drink Plenty of Water

Staying well hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your skin.

Your skin quickly feels the effects of dehydration. Your body provides water to its most essential organs first, and your skin comes in the last place on that list.

Your skin needs water to do its job properly. Your skin is comprised of millions of cells that need water to survive. When your body lacks water, these cells become tight, dry, and flaky. Dry skin loses its natural resilience and is more likely to exhibit lines and wrinkles as a result.

Your body sheds water in large amounts each day, so it is essential to replace it by drinking water and by moisturizing your skin. The eight glasses of water a day rule may not apply to everyone. Instead, try this formula calculated by the team at Slender Kitchen to see how much water is right for you.

While the old eight glasses of water each day rule may not apply to everyone of all body shapes and sizes. However, you are already on your way to becoming dehydrated once you start to feel thirsty.

In addition, to keep your skin appearing fresh and youthful, apply a hydrating moisturizer as part of your morning and nighttime routine.  Apply a moisturizer after your bath or shower when your skin is porous and will absorb it efficiently.

By following these five tips, you can keep your skin looking younger and can enjoy the benefits of a healthier complexion. Yes, heredity and environment play a part in how you age, but you can put your best face forward by taking better care of your skin no matter what your age is.

There is no time like the present to get started. In the Denver area? Come learn about our skin care services and see how we can help you continue to be your most beautiful.

Grand Salon is a full-service beauty salon based in Denver, Colorado. We pride ourselves on outstanding customer service and offering the fabulous cuts, color and style services in Denver.