Aging is something we all have to pass through. Unfortunately, wrinkles are unavoidable and resulting sagging skin will eventually come. However, this does not mean that you have to sit there helplessly as you watch your body age so fast. There are some things you can do to actually control the aging the process. Here the top anti-aging skin care hacks you might want to consider. These are especially important now that summer, with its accompanying skin damage from sun exposure, is over.
Always Moisturize
Your body and pretty much all of the skin is mainly made of water, so it is important to hydrate yourself well. Drink a lot of water to keep your body hydrated and apply lotion to prevent the skin from drying. If you don’t like the taste of water, then drink fresh juice or other fluids to keep you hydrated. Fluids not only keep the body hydrated, but they also encourage detoxification. These simple steps will dramatically aid in your skin care efforts.
Use Fish Oil
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids. The acids act on the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, to reduce its barrier function and improve the performance of the cell membrane responsible for moisture retention. As a result, the skin retains more moisture, making it possible to look young and glowing. According to The National Institutes of Health, you can get adequate amounts of omega-3s by eating a variety of fatty fish, including the following:
• Fish and other seafood (especially cold-water fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines)
Exercise
Regular exercise is not only meant for heart health and stress relief. It also plays a key role in reducing the aging process. Exercise slows down cell degeneration, allowing you to stay younger and healthier. You need at least 20 minutes of exercise three to seven times a week to get desirable results. There are a lot of exercises you can do. These include walking in the park, riding a bicycle, jogging, pushups or working out in the gym. The effects are pretty much the same, regardless of what type of exercise you do.
Avoid the Sun
Although the sun is a natural source of vitamin D, it can actually damage your skin. Prolonged exposure to the sun draws away moisture from the skin, leaving it dry and pale. Not to mention, it can cause skin cancer. To ensure the effectiveness of your routine, avoid the sun as much as you can. If this is not possible, then use a sunscreen instead. Sunscreen blocks the harmful UV rays from the sun, protecting your skin from damage.
Lower Your Stress Levels
Chronic stress can affect you negatively. It accelerates the production of free radicals, lowers the body’s immune function and increases the rate of inflammation. These processes accelerate the aging process significantly. Avoid stress as much as you can. Engage in activities that help your skin care by relieving stress such as talking with a friend or family member, practicing yoga and meditating.
Sleep Well
You need to have enough sleep. Lack of enough sleep denies the body the chance to rest, detoxify and get rid of free radicals. These negative conditions seriously hamper any skin care efforts. Create a conducive environment that allows you to have quality sleep. Do not use your cell phone or watch TV one hour before bed. Create a dark room in your bedroom or purchase a white noise machine to improve your sleep quality. Practice meditation or listen to relaxing music 30 minutes before bed.
