Your 30s are a time when you really need to start taking care of your skin if you want to avoid premature aging down the road. As you age, your skin goes through changes. You may notice that your skin is not as radiant as it once was. You may also notice that you are developing fine lines and wrinkles.
But don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as it may seem! With a few simple lifestyle changes and the addition of some key skincare products, you can maintain healthy and youthful skin throughout your 30s and beyond.
Invest in a good sunscreen
This is number one for a reason! Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of premature aging, so it’s important to always protect your skin when you’re spending time outdoors. It’s never too late to start using sunscreen. In fact, sunscreen is highly recommended as people grow older because, aside from skin aging, applying sunscreen regularly prevents skin cancer.
Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that provides both UVA and UVB protection.
Get enough sleep
Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, and that includes the health of your skin! If you’ve ever had an all-nighter for school or work, you know how terrible you feel the next day—and your skin looks just as bad. Lack of sleep can cause your skin to look dull, dry, and uneven. It can also lead to under-eye bags and dark circles.
When you don’t get enough sleep, it shows on your face in the form of dark circles, puffiness, and wrinkles. So make sure to get those seven to eight hours per night!
Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is key to keeping your skin looking its best. It doesn’t matter how many products you layer on top of your skin. Your skin will still crack, look dull, and dry if you’re not properly hydrated from the inside.
Aim to drink eight to ten glasses of water per day to keep your skin looking plump and hydrated. And reduce your intake of alcohol. Aside from the fact that it’s bad for your liver, alcohol also dehydrates your skin and makes it more susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles.
Eat a healthy diet
What you put into your body shows on the outside, so be sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for healthy skin. Tomatoes, for example, provide a natural SPF and are also packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals that cause skin aging. Meanwhile, avocados are rich in healthy fats that help keep skin supple. On the other hand, lemons and berries can give you a bright, radiant complexion.
And limit sugary, fatty, and highly processed foods that can cause inflammation and breakouts. No one wants that!
Exercise regularly
Exercise not only benefits your overall health, but it also does wonders for your skin by increasing blood flow. When oxygenated blood flows to the skin, it helps to deliver important nutrients and gets rid of toxins. Moreover, exercising can accelerate the skin’s natural exfoliation process, which helps to keep your skin looking bright and radiant.
Plus, a regular exercise routine will leave you with a natural glow that everyone will notice!
Exfoliate
Exfoliation has been huge these past several years, and for a good reason. It helps to remove dead skin cells, which can leave your skin looking dull. There are two different types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation uses abrasive materials like sugar or salt to slough off dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliation uses acids to dissolve them. You can find products that contain both physical and chemical exfoliants, or you can choose one or the other, depending on your preference.
But be sure not to overdo it—exfoliate one to two times per week at most.
Use gentle skincare products
As we age, our skin becomes more sensitive, so it’s important to use gentle skincare products that won’t irritate or damage delicate skin. This is especially true for people who have dry skin. Because aging contributes to decreased sebum production, those with dry skin may want to consider using a light face oil in addition to their usual moisturizer to keep their skin hydrated. At this point, you should also consider adding an eye cream to your routine. You can buy eye cream online that targets your specific concern, which may include dark circles and crow’s feet.
Carefully look into the ingredients of each of the products you buy. As much as possible, choose products that are alcohol-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic to avoid irritation.
By following these simple tips, you can maintain healthy, youthful skin throughout your 30s and beyond. Just remember to invest in a good sunscreen, get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking, and use gentle skincare products. With just a few small changes, you’ll be on your way to gorgeous skin.