Ever wonder how people look years – even at least a decade – younger than their age?
A few weeks ago, at a restaurant in Downtown Seattle, I randomly became friends with this woman who was celebrating what it seemed like her 28th birthday. When she revealed her age, I couldn’t believe it… She was actually turning 44, but there wasn’t a wrinkle in sight and she was GLOWING. I definitely had questions for her and did not leave the place until they were answered.
So what’s the secret to maintaining your youth? Besides the basics like drinking enough water, eating wholesome foods, sleeping enough hours, and exercising regularly, I’ve gathered some more tips. Incorporating these habits into your daily routine during your late teens/early 20s is the perfect way to get a head start.
- Wear SPF Daily
-
There’s a reason why this tip is first on the list – it’s by far the most important. Everyone swears by this, from skin care professionals to those who maintained their youth as they aged. The sun is one of the main reasons for aging.
And I’m not talking about just using the SPF from your makeup. It’s not enough. The best way to use SPF is in the form of a lotion, and make sure it’s at least SPF 30 for maximum protection. Don’t forget your neck as well!
- Stay Moisturized
-
Keeping your skin well-hydrated is another great way to combat UV rays and other environmental toxins. It also helps your skin to look fresh, plump, and glowy. This tip is especially important for those with dry skin. Again, don’t forget the neck (and around the eyes)!
I recommend using Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Gel-Cream. It’s lightweight, fragrance-free (for my sensitive-skin peeps), and contains hyaluronic acid which helps to better lock in your skin’s moisture.
- Limit Your Sun Exposure
-
Out of the whole list, this tip is probably the easiest to follow for those living in Washington and a lot of us even have Vitamin D deficiencies. But when you are outside for long periods of time, especially during those rare sunny ocassions, consider wearing a hat and sunglasses. In the Summer when there’s more harsh direct sunlight, try to limit your time outside during peak hours (10am – 4pm). Overall, you can definitely still enjoy the sunshine while keeping your skin protected!
- Apply Products GENTLY
-
I used to be guilty of scrubbing the heck on my eyes to get rid of waterproof mascara. This is a huge no-no since the skin around your eyes is the most delicate part of your face. Now, I soak an entire cotton pad with makeup remover, gently press it onto my eyes to let it soak for a bit, and GENTLY swipe away the excess makeup. Avoid scratching your skin when removing product and cleaning your skin. And avoid stretching your face when applying product.
- Minimize Stress
-
This is probably the toughest habit to work on, especially for us college students. If you’ve taken PSYCH 202 or have learned biopsychology, you know that stress releases a hormone called cortisol. Too much stress and too much cortisol can weaken your skin’s elasticity. Additionally, frowning a lot of the time and tensing up your face can produce unwanted lines. We can’t really get rid of stress completely, but it’s even good to take small steps. There are so many ways to reduce stress, so find what works for you! I personally like to drink my favorite tea, connect with a friend, or listen to some soothing indie music.
Remember that prevention is key! It’s better to do these actions for prevention than to spend a lot of effort and $$$ on treatment after the damage has been done. Additionally, it’s hard to get rid of wrinkles once you have them. It might be challenging to incorporate all of these into your daily lifestyle all at once, so try doing a few things at a time. You future self will thank you.