10 Tips for Younger-Looking Skin

How can you minimize the signs of aging and keep your skin looking young, even if you can’t turn back time? Use these 10 tips to look younger than your years.

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is one of the most important things you can do to help your skin. If you're not drinking at least eight glasses of water every day, you are likely not getting the benefits from it. When you don't drink enough water, your skin becomes dry and dull. Not only that, but dehydration can lead to irritability and headaches which will make it hard to sleep at night. Drinking plenty of fluids keeps you looking fresh and healthy.

2. Drink Lots of Water

The first and most important tip is to drink plenty of water. Hydration is key, and it's important to make sure your skin cells are well supplied with the liquid they need. You'll look more radiant and fresh if you drink lots of water, so put a reminder in your phone or on your fridge to help keep yourself on track. Drinking less than eight glasses of water per day will result in dryer skin that will show fine lines and wrinkles quicker. Stay Away from Sugary Drinks: Sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks, juice and sweetened coffee can lead to inflammation which may cause breakouts. Give Your Eyes a Break: If you're staring at screens all day long, make sure you give your eyes some time off by taking regular breaks from looking at them. Screen time has been linked to eye strain and blurry vision which both contribute to early signs of aging like crows feet around the eyes as well as dark circles under them Drink Green Tea: Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that help combat redness caused by sun exposure or other factors.

3. Floss

1. Floss daily. Plaque that builds up on your teeth can irritate your gums and lead to sores on the inside of your cheeks, which can increase the risk of gum disease or other oral health problems. If you're prone to dry mouth, try soaking a few sugar cubes in lemon juice and placing them under your tongue before bedtime to help with saliva production. 

2. Remove plaque daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste, paying close attention to hard-to-reach areas like between teeth and at the base of bristles.

4. Don't Touch your Face

1) Don't touch your face. Seriously, don't touch your face! Your hands are full of bacteria and you can cause breakouts by touching them to your skin. 2) Wear sunscreen! The sun is the number one source of premature aging in skin, so make sure you use SPF 30 or higher every day. 3) Moisturize! Dryness causes wrinkles and fine lines to appear earlier than they would have otherwise. 4) Drink lots of water! I know it sounds like an old cliche but hydration is crucial to youthful looking skin. 5) Eat healthy! Keep a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, but try to avoid too much sugar or greasy foods (which are terrible for your complexion). 6) Exercise regularly!

5. Exfoliate

Moisturize your skin in the morning and at night, following a simple routine. Moisturizing keeps your skin hydrated, which can help protect it from sun damage. It also restores lost lipids, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your face. Remember to use a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type to reduce irritation. The best time to moisturize is right after you shower or wash your face because this will lock in moisture from the water. Apply lotion liberally and make sure to get some on all of the dry patches that are prone to chapping such as around your lips or under the eyes. For more intense hydration, apply a thick layer of cream before bedtime so it can really sink in overnight!

6. Moisturize

Moisturizing is one of the most important parts of any skin care routine. Moisturized skin looks younger and healthier than dry, flaky skin. Just make sure to use a moisturizer that's right for your skin type. 

For those with oily skin, try a gel-based product that will soak in quickly and won't leave you feeling greasy. For those with sensitive or dry skin, look for moisturizers that are fragrance free and include soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile extract. And if you're looking to reduce dark spots or wrinkles, consider a heavy-duty anti-aging cream made specifically to work on these issues.

7. Use Sunscreen

A critical aspect of skin care is protecting your skin from the sun. The sun can cause premature aging, wrinkles, and sagging. However, it's not enough to just apply sunscreen when you go outside. You should also wear sunscreen in your house if the windows are without curtains or blinds that block sunlight. A recent study found that indoor tanning was almost as dangerous as outdoor tanning because both types of exposure increased the risk of cancer and premature aging. When applying sunscreen, make sure to apply a generous amount 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating excessively, or toweling off.

8. Eat Healthy Foods

A healthy diet is essential to maintaining a youthful appearance, so you should make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as lean protein sources. This will help your skin stay healthy and hydrated. Try to avoid foods that are high in sugar, salt, or saturated fat which can cause dryness and wrinkles. When you're cooking at home, use olive oil instead of butter or margarine since the former are healthier than the latter. If you find that cooking is too much work, try making salads with fresh vegetables instead of using heavy dressings or dips like ranch or ketchup. You can also add fruits like strawberries and oranges to get some sweetness without adding a lot of calories.

9. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is a critical aspect of any skin care regimen. When you sleep your body repairs itself and builds new cells, which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles. You can also use an overnight moisturizer that has ingredients like retinoids to help produce healthy skin cells. Try incorporating these 10 tips into your nightly routine: 

1) Use a night cream with retinoids at bedtime. 2) Drink lots of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and plump. 3) Avoid sun exposure during peak hours (10am-2pm). 4) Use sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days or when you're just running errands around town. 5) Apply facial masks once per week to unclog pores and improve circulation in the face area.

10. Try Acne Treatments

Over time, acne can lead to permanent scars and hyperpigmentation. It's important to treat acne as soon as possible so it doesn't get worse. Talk with your doctor about the best treatments for your skin type. Here are a few common treatments