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No matter what decade of life you’re traveling through, it’s never too late to have a more radiant complexion. While many of us would like to go back in time and start a healthy skincare regimen in our twenties, that doesn’t mean we should give up entirely. Try these good habits to get better skin now.
The easiest, cheapest, and best skincare product is… water. Drinking plenty of water will help keep your skin looking vibrant. Notice I recommended water, not any beverage. Caffeine, sugar, and alcohol can all have drying–and therefore ageing–effects.
Applying a good, lightweight moisturizer every morning is also a wise move. You can switch things up with a heavier, richer formula at night. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid for an extra moisturizing boost.
C’mon, we all know that baking in the sun is a bad idea. However, many of us are less than vigilant about wearing sunscreen. The truth is that you should apply a moisturizer with SPF every day–even when it’s overcast.
Aside from the skin cancer risk, sun damage causes uneven complexions, dark spots, and premature wrinkles.
True story: I once met a Spanish woman at a hostel in Amsterdam with the most amazing, clear skin. She looked two decades younger than her actual 40 years, and she said it was because of two things. One, she used Oil of Olay her whole life–and she kept her hands off her face.
Many of us have a tendency to touch our face throughout the day, bringing germs, oils, and dirt to our sensitive skin. And although we’d rather not admit it, many of us also can’t leave zits alone. Don’t squeeze, pop, or pick. And before you touch your face, wash your hands!
You don’t need a massively complicated, 26-step skincare routine. A good moisturizer with SPF, a cleanser that’s formulated for your skin type, and an optional night cream are all you really need.
Make sure that you’re buying products that make sense for the skin you have now. Just because you needed (or thought you needed) a harsh astringent when you were a teenager doesn’t mean that it’s good for your more mature skin.
Finally, don’t overdo it on the exfoliants, peels, and masks. Those at-home treatments aren’t meant to be used every day. Overusing them can lead to serious skin problems.
