Skin Care Essentials for Mature Skin: Look Younger Today
There are a multitude of products labeled as skin care essentials. So how do you know which products are truly essential for looking younger? Here they are:
1. Water. As we age, skin becomes dryer and more prone to wrinkles. Drinking water provides the hydration you need to plump up your skin and look younger.
2. A healthy diet. Lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables are skin care essentials because they provide the nutrients your skin (and the rest of your body) needs to look and feel its best.
3. Exercise. Regular exercise, especially cardiovascular exercise, sends oxygen rushing to your skin cells, making them look more vibrant and therefore younger. Regular vigorous exercise also helps relieve stress, so you will be less likely to use other stress relievers, such as tobacco or alcohol, which damage skin.
4. Sleep. While you sleep, your body produces human growth hormone, which helps keep your skin thick and elastic, thus less prone to wrinkles. On the other hand, when you deny yourself sleep, your body produces the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol has been shown to break down skin cells.
5. Sunscreen. If you worshipped the sun in your teens, you probably regret it now because your skin is as dry and brown as leather. No matter what your age, always wear sunscreen when you go outdoors, to prevent any future damage.
6. Moisturizer. Use both a daytime and a nighttime moisturizer. The daytime version protects your skin from potentially drying environments while the nighttime version replenishes your skin while you sleep. There are many versions of these skin care essentials. The best ones have ingredients such as Vitamins A, C and E, aloe, alpha hydroxyl acids, glycolic acid and retinol.
7. Eye cream. The skin around the eyes is much more delicate than other portions of your face. It needs special treatment. Invest in a good quality eye cream and use it faithfully.
8. Exfoliator. A gentle exfoliator will remove the dead skin cells and toxins that make your skin look dull, lifeless and old. However, it is important to choose the right product because some products may be too harsh for mature skin.
9. Face masks. A weekly face mask lifts the skin, reduces wrinkles and is a great way to relax for a few minutes. There are many such masks available commercially or you can make your own. One easy one involves applying a beaten egg white to your face and leaving it there for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
10. Proper eyewear. If you need corrective lenses (that is, eyeglasses or contact lenses), wear them. Not only will you see properly, you will prevent the wrinkles caused by squinting. If you are fortunate enough to have good vision, you should still wear sunglasses in bright sunlight, for the same reason.
11. A good dermatologist. A qualified dermatologist will guide you to more advanced skin care essentials you may need and away from other remedies that could ultimately do more harm than good.
These 11 skin care essentials will go a long way to helping you look younger and healthier. Try them today and start getting compliments.