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6 Non-Negotiable Anti-Aging Practices To Start Now

Everyone is looking for the fountain of youth. While there isn’t one, you can take steps now to make sure you maintain your youthful looks for as long as possible. Many people think that you can wait until you’re older to start anti-aging practices, but it’s a lot harder to regain your youthful appearance once you’ve lost it. Prevention is the name of the game, and it’s never too early to start. Here are some of the crucial anti-aging practices that you need to start now.

Use Sunscreen

Sunburns have an incredibly aging effect on your skin. A 2013 study published in the American College of Physicians journal found that regular sunscreen use can actually prevent many of the signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Using sunscreen is the number one most recommended anti-aging activity. Make sure to choose at least SPF 15.

Avoid Tanning

The idea that tanning looks healthy is completely out. Regular tanning, whether in the sun or in an artificial tanning bed, makes skin look like leather, which makes you look older. Still attached to the idea that a tan glow looks healthy? Use one of the many self-tanning products on the market for a safer alternative.

Drink More Water

Adults need to drink a minimum of eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day just to stay healthy. If you’re regularly drinking less water, it can have a dehydrating effect on your skin, which can make you look older. Drinking the recommended amount of water is one of the easiest anti-aging practices and it has many benefits for your overall health beyond just your appearance.

Quit Smoking

If you smoke, quitting will be the best thing you can do for your skin and for your health. Smoking causes fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, and robs your skin of oxygen. Depending on how much you smoke, it can even stain your skin and eyes. The same damage you see on the outside is also happening on the inside, so you really need to quit the habit.

Get Enough Sleep

There’s a reason for the phrase “beauty sleep.” A good night’s rest makes your appearance look younger and more refreshed. What’s more aging than bags and dark circles under your eyes? Sleep helps you look younger because it’s when your body repairs itself and recovers from the stress hormones like cortisol that are released all day. Your body also releases growth hormones when you sleep, which have a rejuvenating effect. Ensure your ability to get a restful night’s sleep by swearing off alcohol, sweets and caffeine before bed.

Start A Skincare Regimen

Developing a skincare regimen is one of the most obvious anti-aging practices. While an anti-aging skincare regimen cannot substitute for the healthy lifestyle that leads to great skin, it can be a great way to supplement it. Choose product regimens that include cleansers, moisturizers, and treatment serums. Look for powerful ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, hydroquinone, antioxidants, and alpha hydroxy acids. The key is to be consistent. Use these products once or twice a day as recommended.

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