I get asked about this subject on a regular basis. To be honest, I don’t like the perception that certain media put on our teens and children to ‘look and behave a certain way or there is something wrong with you’ - but that is just my personal opinion… I have seen too often the end result of a person so obsessed with how others should perceive their looks! Let’s leave that debate for another day…
Each individual person is unique, we have different genes and molecular levels so varied results can be achieved. We can’t stop the skin from developing and causing us issues in the future, but we can absolutely slow down the process & out-smart it for as long as possible by following a few simple steps & making a few adjustments to our lifestyle.
Similar to other organs in our body, our skin undergoes progressive functional decline due to the accumulation of molecular damage, external environmental stressors & lifestyle stressors.
Maybe you have noticed some wrinkles, sun spots, uneven skin tone, sagging skin, loss of elasticity, dry/dull looking skin or a combination of these. Maybe you look into the mirror and see something you’d like to change or improve.
Here I thought I would put a quick guide together for you so you too can benefit from youthful skin for as long as your skin allows you to:
1 - Protect your skin from the sun every day...
Whether spending a day at the beach or going about your normal daily routine, sun protection is essential. You can protect your skin by seeking shade, covering up with sun-protective clothing, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, wearing sunglasses with UV protection — and using sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 (or higher), that protects you from UVA & UVB rays (and is water-resistant if you plan on being in the water a lot). You should apply sunscreen every day to all skin that is not covered by clothing. For more effective protection, look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label.
2 - Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet....
Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will help to protect skin from the cellular damage caused by free radicals. Fruit and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants that prevent damage that leads to early maturing of the skin. Free radicals, smoking, pollution and sunlight can cause wrinkling and age spots. Ditch foods containing lots of sugar or other refined carbohydrates which can result in more mature skin in a quicker time frame. We suggest eating a rainbow of colourful fruit and vegetables and aim for at least five portions a day can really help with maintaining youthful skin.
3 - Drink less alcohol....
Alcohol is tough on our skin. It dehydrates the skin, and in time, damages the skin. This can make us more mature looking than we actually are.
4 - Wash your face twice a day (and after sweating heavily)....
We have discussed this previously - you must clean your skin to help get rid of the dead skin cells, dirt, pollution, make up, grease and such that we collect on our facial skin daily. If we don’t then this can lead to many skin conditions. By cleaning the skin properly and allowing serums/moisturisers to do their job, then you are helping the rejuvenation process of your skin cells which all helps maintain youthful looking skin. In addition, perspiration (especially when wearing a hat or helmet), can irritate the skin, so you want to wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.
5 - Apply moisturiser every day...
Moisturiser’s trap water in our skin, giving it a more youthful appearance. Serums containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid are a great tool to have in your skincare bag… Hyaluronic acid is known for its moisture absorbing powers which in turn help keep skin hydrated and plumped looking.
6 - If you smoke, stop....
Smoking greatly affects our youthful skin.. It leads to an increased production of an enzyme that breaks down collagen, so it reduces your skin's elasticity which then causes wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion.
7 - Exercise 2-3 times a week...
If you are able to do so, then moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system. This, in turn, can give the skin a more-youthful appearance.
The key to preventing dry skin is to keep the moisture locked in. There are several things you can do to avoid dry, itchy winter skin and maintain soft moist skin during the cold season.
It’s never too late to help our skin to repair and rejuvenate! Our skin cells renew on a regular basis & this means if we start to look after, clean and protect our skin more than we are doing now, that in time we can start to see the benefits of that.
We can undo the majority of damage done to our skin that has been caused by external and environmental factors, but knowing what to do, how to do it & where to start can be overwhelming.
I work with clients on a daily basis to ensure their skin goals have a plan of action and some top tips to help them achieve and maintain those goals.
Need help with your skincare goals?
Book a Free Consultation with me today via https://calendly.com/naturalskinbylynne
For more information, help or advice on your skin please get in touch –
Your skin will thank you!