BEAUTY

SMOOTHING

THE WAVES OF AGE

WRITTEN BY SOPHIE OSWALD

As much as we enjoy living life, most of us hate the gray hair and wrinkles that come with each passing year. Although this is a natural thing that everyone has to face, our culture makes people feel insecure about it. This is especially true for women. There is a lot of pressure to look youthful as you age, and people will do just about anything to achieve this.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look young if it makes you happy. Doing so requires consistent maintenance and self-love, but it doesn’t mean you should sign up for any invasive procedures or try unhealthy trends. Aging can’t be avoided, but you can achieve the look you want with proper care and healthy habits. One big thing that impacts how youthful you appear is participating in plenty of physical activity. Exercise is known to help you look and feel younger. It increases blood flow, which nourishes skin cells. When you sweat your pores open, releasing any buildup inside. Research suggests that regular exercise even slows aging when it comes to skin. “The skin is the largest organ in the body, so it’s no surprise that caring for it is essential to its overall health, as that directly impacts our appearance,” says Holly Reynolds of Holly Reynolds Esthetics. “A good skincare routine includes not only quality products, but also plenty of water, and clean, antioxidative/ anti-inflammatory nutrition.”

Skincare starts on the inside. Make sure you are getting plenty of water and keeping up with your vitamins. Drinking the amount of water your body needs every single day will provide you with youthful-looking skin. Staying hydrated even reduces wrinkles. Certain vitamins, such as vitamin D, also work to ensure your skin looks healthy. Nutrition is an important part of looking and feeling your best. There are certain foods and drinks that directly affect various aspects of appearance. For example, flaxseed can improve the quality of your skin, and lentils can prevent early graying. If there is something about your physical appearance that you consider to be a flaw, do a little research and you will likely find a dietary addition that has the potential to help. Be sure you are also including lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet. When it comes to products, different ones work for each person’s unique skin. One that everyone should be using, though, is sunscreen. This simple product is often forgotten or reserved only for really hot days. Sunscreen is something that should be used on a daily basis. Blocking your skin from the sun is key when it comes to skincare. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is at least SPF 30. “Another vital tool we should all be using to combat the damage caused by our digitized world is a blue light filter,” says Reynolds. “Quality cocktailed vitamin Cs, hyaluronic acid, melanin suppressants, and retinoids are just a few ingredients that have a huge impact on our skin if used correctly and paired with SPF,” she adds. Cleanse and moisturize your skin each morning and night. When doing so, be sure you are using products that are gentle on your skin. It can be tempting to skip a few washes here and there, but try to hold yourself accountable. Develop a daily routine and stick to it. It’s also important to do more of what you love. That could mean going to more concerts, getting regular massages, or taking a walk through your favorite neighborhood. Doing more of the things that bring you joy is vital to reducing stress. “Reducing our stress levels lowers inflammation and the production of cortisol, which are both known to increase the breakdown of collagen and elastin, thus causing wrinkles,” explains Reynolds. Try to keep in mind that aging is a natural process that can’t truly be avoided. You can take care of yourself in ways that decrease signs of aging, but they can never be completely eliminated. As you age, your body will continue to show it. It’s a sign that you’ve lived a full life. No matter what, you will look and feel your best when you put energy into yourself.