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Our 20s are a defining decade for our skin. Scarily, the actions we take now could potentially have a massive effect on the way we look years and years down the line.
Like many, I always believed that aging was something I would only have to deal with later on in life. Unfortunately, that is faaaaar from true. The first sign of any line under my eyes and I’m straight to the mirror pasting on the eye cream in the hopes that it’ll disappear.
There are obviously better ways to deal with and prevent premature aging. So here are 7 anti-aging beauty habits that you should be starting right now.
1. Wear sunscreen daily
‘Wearing sunscreen’ takes prime position at the top of this list. It is, after all, the best (and arguably easiest) way to prevent premature aging.
Exposure to UV rays inflicts a significant amount of damage on the skin, causing collagen and elastin fibres to break down. This results in the telltale signs we usually associate with aging, like fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.
Of course, sunscreen can’t stop skin photoaging entirely (ugh, if only), but it does slow the process down. That’s why it’s so important to invest in a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection.
2. Lotion up after showering
Ok, be honest, how many times have you stepped out of the shower and thrown your clothes on straight away?
If I’m busy, and can’t spare the time, then I often don’t give a second thought to skipping my moisturiser/lotion. But this is actually a super important step in our anti-aging skincare routine.
Sometimes we forget that our face isn’t the only place that needs a bit of TLC. Our body can become just as dry, especially during the winter months.
Applying lotion right after we get out of the shower creates a moisture barrier which helps keep our skin hydrated.
Hydrated skin = younger-looking skin. So make sure to slather on that lotion!
3. Establish a separate night routine
You might think that having a set of night-only skincare products is a bit excessive. But there’s actually a very good reason for this.
Our skin goes into repair mode when we sleep, meaning that cell turnover happens much faster. To optimise this process we need to be using active ingredients, like retinoids and AHAs, that feed our skin and support cell renewal.
Since we’re not applying makeup on top of our skincare products, we can also afford to use heavier creams and serums at night. I highly recommend this CeraVe Moisturising Cream – it’s so soothing and contains hyaluronic acid which is known for maintaining skin hydration!
4. Invest in a good retinol
Retinol is an anti-aging miracle product. Ok, it can’t turn back time, but it can help reverse some of the damage that we’ve caused to our skin.
Retinol works by stimulating collagen and elastin production (you know, those things that UV rays love to destroy). This softens fine lines and makes our skin feel more smooth and firm.
It can take a little while for our skin to become accustomed to this ingredient. So, in order to avoid irritation, it’s best to introduce retinol to your routine slowly.
My faves are this serum by The Inkey List and this squalene solution by The Ordinary. Both are great for beginners and leave the skin feeling soft and glowy. Would 100% recommend.
RELATED READ: A Simple Introduction To Retinoids
5. Cleanse thoroughly, but gently
It’s soooo important to remove any makeup and grime that accumulates on your face during the day. But, scrubbing your skin does not necessarily equate to it being clean.
I find the best way to remove pollutants or build-up is by double cleansing: first with an oil or balm; then with a lighter, gel-based cleanser.
By washing your face this way you’re avoiding the unnecessary tugging or pulling that might occur when using a sonic cleansing brush.
6. Apply eye and hand cream every day
If you’ve read my piece on the 7 skincare mistakes you don’t know you’re making, you’ll know that your neck is one of the first places to show signs of aging. Well, unfortunately, so are your eyes and hands. Ummm, can we catch a break?!
The best solution to this is to be generous when applying your creams and moisturisers. These areas need all the hydration they can get so it’s wholly excusable, on this occasion, to go a bit overboard.
When it comes to my under-eyes, I like to apply an eye cream morning and night. The CeraVe Eye Repair Cream is my go-to for daytime wear, as it’s light and absorbs really quickly. At night I prefer something a little more nourishing so the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex ticks all the boxes here.
For my hands I remain forever faithful to my trusty Burt’s Bees Almond & Milk Hand Cream. It’s really thick so I recommend applying this just before going to bed. Pair this with some cotton gloves and you’ll be amazed at the difference when you wake up!
7. Exfoliate regularly
Before you reach for the St Ives Apricot Scrub, I should probably clarify. You need to be chemically exfoliating regularly. Trust me, it’s not as scary as it sounds!
While coarser scrubs are generally fine on your body, the skin on your face is much more delicate and sensitive. Because of this, you have to be waaaay more careful.
Chemical exfoliants help to unclog pores and slough off dead skin cells, all the while diminishing the appearance of fine lines and improving the skin’s texture. These are the best!
My favourite is the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. I also love the PIXI Glow Tonic.
Which of these anti-aging beauty habits will you be starting?
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