Forget about Botox and plastic surgery; it’s possible to fight the signs of aging naturally if you start before the damage is done. But that means getting started early, years before you’re even thinking about the anti-aging process.
Collagen and elastic – the fibers that give skin its resilience and bounce – start to deteriorate in your 30s. Meanwhile, the muscles and bones in your face begin to slowly weaken, and other areas in your face begin to lose plumpness. And that’s when the sagging and wrinkling begin.
But don’t worry – there are plenty of easy and effective things you can do to fight it! Here are the basics, according to Health:
1. Start with the basics. Never leave the house without SPF on your face. Slather on a moisturizer with SPF in it – the higher the protection the better. Use a topical antioxidant on top to fight harmful free radicals.
2. Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol beverages. Smoking cuts off oxygen to the skin, wrecks collagen and elastic, and lowers levels of estrogen which are essential for keeping skin firm. It’s an aging nightmare! Alcohol increases insulin levels which creates some inflammation and can make sagging worse. Limit drinking to only one once or twice a week, and consume just one or two drinks.
3. Use retinoids and peptides at night. Both of these creams are key in the fight against aging, helping to boost collagen and accelerate cell renewal. Go with the strongest retinoid you can tolerate, says Health, but dilute the formula with moisturizer if you have irritation.
4. Exfoliate. Getting rid of old skin cells helps treatments like retinoids and peptides sink in more easily. Don’t get anything too rough, though, look for mild scrubs with ultra-fine beads.
5. Firm up eyes, chin, and neck. Believe it or not, most women start to notice crow’s feet and fine lines in their early 30s or sooner. Look for an eye cream that contain caffeine to help reduce dark circles and de-puff. Choose one with peptides or retinoids also in it to tighten and firm over time. Want a quick fix? Try frozen green tea bags! Place them over your lids for a few minutes for a temporary lift.
6. Don’t forget about your jawline. Saggy, soft jawline? No thanks! Apply over-the-counter retinoids and peptides to your chin and jawline to firm and tone the area. And don’t forget about your teeth. Poor teeth and bone loss in the gyms mean less support for the skin!
7. Don’t stop at your jawline. The skin is thinner on your neck than face, so aging shows up even earlier here. Make sure everything you use on your face goes on your neck too.
Of course, if you do opt for surgery, Botox, or fillers, make sure you take the time to do your research! And remember, a healthy balanced lifestyle will help you look and feel your best – so eat right, exercise, and manage stress the best you can!
