Slow Skin’s Premature Aging with a Day’s Worth of Tips
When you reach your 20s and 30s, your skin might not be as supple and elastic as it once was. The environment. Genetics. Hormonal changes. They all influence aging. But, great news! You can maintain healthy, youthful skin with small habits that require minimal effort and make a huge difference. Let’s walk through what that means for your day.
Drink Less Coffee
You may need a cup of joe to rise and shine, but coffee is a diuretic. Too much depletes your skin’s moisture and causes inflammation by raising cortisol levels. Moderation is key, since it does have antioxidant benefits. If you still need a fix after limiting your coffee intake, maybe replace it with an energy-boosting smoothie or green tea.
Apply Moisturizer to Damp Skin
The best time to apply toners and moisturizers is when the skin is damp, since the heat makes cells expand and capture the product better. So, lock in that moisture right after your morning shower.
Add Vitamins C and E to Your Morning Routine
They can both be applied topically, are packed with antioxidants, prevent free radical damage and promote collagen formation, plus Vitamin E seals in hydration. Bonus - Larkly’s SPF 30 Mineral Powder is supercharged with Vitamin E, licorice root extract and green tea!
Wear (and Reapply) Sunscreen
Despite the bad rep the sun gets, Vitamin D is essential, so apply that sunscreen before you head out for the day. You’ll want an eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen made from naturally occurring minerals like oxide and titanium dioxide and without harmful ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate. The simplest solution is our refillable mineral sunscreen that comes with a handy applicator brush. Maybe throw on a large-brimmed hat for extra protection and soak up the sun safely!
Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
H2O not only helps rid your body of toxins but also retains moisture and helps keep your skin elastic. Not a fan of plain water? Try adding berries, mint, orange slices or natural fruit juice to fancy it up. Don’t forget to earn points with Mother Earth by using a refillable water bottle!
Cut Out Bad Habits Every Day
There are tons of temptations every day, but here are a few to avoid that can really affect your skin. Cut out smoking for a variety of reasons, but mostly because it leads to wrinkles and tired-looking skin. Reduce your alcohol intake for more hydrated, less inflamed skin. And finally, keep sweets only as a special treat. Their sugar and refined carbs inhibit collagen production and can lead to acne and other skin conditions. Your sweet tooth may not be happy, but your skin will look radiant!
Tweak Your Daily Diet
Eat antioxidant-rich foods like berries, grapes, beets and dark green vegetables for lots of benefits to your skin. Add collagen to your diet in the form of salmon and chicken. Or add a scoop of gelatin or collagen peptides to your soups or smoothies. Both of those approaches will up your collagen and restore elasticity to your skin. And finally, eat healthy fats like cod liver oil, eggs, seeds, nuts and olive oil. Those Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty acids will keep your skin soft and glowing!
Pick Up an Aloe Vera Plant
While you’re out, grab an aloe vera plant to bring home. Just clip off a piece and add aloe vera to a smoothie or apply it right to your skin. It has loads of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties (plus it’s great for healing scars or burns), so it does more than just add green to your house.
End Your Day with Retinol
You’ve washed your face before bed, but what else can you do? There’s a lot of hype around Retinol now, and for good reason. It’s a synthetic form of Vitamin A and increases cell turnover, which means your skin will produce new cells at a more rapid rate. Many people swear by retinol’s abilities to keep their skin wrinkle-free and smooth. If you’re sensitive to Retinol, don’t worry. Go natural with Bakuchiol, which has had some great results in a recent clinical trial.
Sleep with a Silk Pillowcase
Silk pillowcases don’t tug on your skin like cotton and they prevent your skin from creasing while you sleep. Your skin will also stay more hydrated because silk doesn’t absorb moisture the way cotton does. They’re great for your hair as well because they help prevent frizz!
What a day! With these suggestions of little daily ways to keep your skin happy, you’ll notice a difference in no time. Just remember, it’s all about moderation. If you’re on vacation and want to a drink or a fancy dessert, go for it! Enjoy your life! Just remember to stay hydrated, keep Larkly on hand, eat a balanced diet, and take care of yourself!