It’s never too early or too late to start thinking about younger-looking skin, but if you’re new to the skincare world, you might not know where to start. To help you out, we’ve created a beginner’s guide to younger-looking skin that can be used by anyone one of any age. From anti-aging sunscreen to drinking water, here are 12 things that you should be doing to get younger-looking skin:
Table of Contents
Remove your Makeup Completely Each Night.
Old makeup residue can settle into fine lines on your face, making your skin look dull and aging you overnight. It can also clog your pores and lead to blemishes, and nobody wants that. To stop this from happening, completely remove all of your makeup at night as the first step of your skincare routine. You can use a makeup wipe, cleansing oil, or cleansing balm — whatever works better for you.
Cleanse your Skin Gently.
After removing your makeup completely, it’s time to wash your face with a second cleanser. While cleansing is an essential part of any skincare routine, it can be very harsh and stripping if you pick the wrong product, making you look older. Instead, choose a gentle face wash that leaves your face feeling fresh and clean, not dry and flaky.
Exfoliate often, but not too Much.
Exfoliation is key for removing dead skin cells and flaky patches that can make your skin look older, and they can sometimes help with dark spot removal as well. However, you don’t want to exfoliate too often or use products that are too powerful for your face since they can dry out your skin and compromise your skin barrier. Instead, choose a gentle yet effective product that removes the dead skin cells without hurting your skin.
Use vitamin C in the morning.
Taking antioxidants such as vitamin C protects your skin from free radical damage caused by environmental factors such as UV rays and pollution, which contribute to signs of premature aging. For best results, you should apply vitamin C products in the morning before leaving your house. Vitamin C can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to follow it up with sunscreen.
Apply a Retinol at Night
Retinol is another amazing ingredient that can help you achieve younger-looking skin. Retinol promotes the production of collagen and elastin, which help your skin to stay firm and plump. For best results, we recommend applying retinol at night; the ingredient is sensitive to the sun and can also be irritating when applied at the same time as vitamin C.
Keep your Skin Hydrated.
Keeping your skin hydrated is key for smoothing out the appearance of fine lines and making your skin look younger. Look for ingredients with hydrating properties such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide. Choose a toner or facial spray if you have oily skin and want a product that soaks in quickly. If you have dry skin, a thicker serum may be a better choice for your skin type.
Nourish your Skin with Creams.
Skin-tightening creams also help to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines while promoting a healthy balance of oils in the skin. Many people like to wear a lighter lotion during the day so their face doesn’t look shiny, and then switch to a thicker cream at night. If you have very dry skin, you might want to mix a few drops of facial oil into your cream for an even greater nourishing effect.
Wear Sunscreen Every day.
Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the most effective things that you can do to prevent premature signs of aging and protect your face from UV damage. Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection and put it on as the last step in your morning skincare routine. Apply the sunscreen to all exposed skin, not just your face but also your neck, chest, ears, arms, and hands.
Eat a Healthy Diet.
You can achieve younger-looking skin from the inside out as well as the outside in! Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet ensures that your skin is getting the nutrients that it needs to repair itself. Prioritize lean proteins, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. Try to limit your consumption of processed foods and other items that are high in sugar and sodium.
Drink Plenty of Water.
If you don’t drink enough water, your skin will look dull and lose elasticity, which makes you look older. How much water you need each day varies based on a lot of factors, but most adults need between three to four liters, depending on how much they sweat. While you’re at it, try to limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol, both of which have a dehydrating effect.
Establish an Exercise Routine.
Exercise gets your blood pumping and increases your oxygen intake, which helps your veins deliver nutrients to your skin faster. Having a regular exercise routine that combines cardio and strength training will also help to keep your entire body looking young, not only your skin. If you’re new to exercise, even just walking around the neighborhood or on a treadmill can be a great place to start.
Get Enough Sleep.
Your body repairs itself while you sleep, which is why getting at least seven to nine hours a night is essential for younger-looking skin. If you have trouble falling asleep, don’t drink caffeine after lunch and try to avoid screens for at least two hours before bed. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day (including weekends) will also help your body get into a sleep routine.
Follow these 12 steps to get younger-looking skin no matter your age. Got any other tips for younger-looking skin? Let us know in the comments below!