As we age, the first thing we notice is that our skin starts to wrinkle, and we lose our youthful glow. For some women, this is very depressing – like me! But I found ways to get healthy-looking skin (and more youthful skin!), and I want to share the 11 habits you can start today.
It’s important to remember that what we do on the outside affects our physical health, our skin, and so much more. And don’t forget, you are what you eat.
If you don’t take care of your health, aging will happen a lot faster than you want or realize. It’s best to start taking care of your health now (by the way, it’s not too late) so you can step into your golden years strong, energized and with healthy-looking skin, too!
11 habits for healthy-looking skin
While these 11 simple anti-aging habits won’t take away all your wrinkles and reverse aging, they will help you have more youthful and healthy-looking skin and prevent premature wrinkles while slowing down the aging process.
Stay Hydrated
Water is a natural elixir for your skin. It keeps your skin cells plump and hydrated, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – plus, it helps flush out toxins, leaving you with healthy-looking skin.
The recommended amount of water you need to stay hydrated is about 8 glasses of water per day, but that will vary with every person. We don’t all need 8 glasses a day. Listen to your body’s warning signals, which can include headaches, hunger, feeling tired and give it some H2O!
Nourish from Within
Your diet plays a significant role in how your skin looks and feels. Remember, you are what you eat.
Try to get a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables into your meals. They’re packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that promote collagen production and help combat the signs of aging.
Remember to add healthy fats like avocados and nuts for that extra skin-nourishing boost! Vitamin C is also a great antioxidant for the skin. It is mostly found in citrusy fruits, but it can also be found in bell peppers and broccoli.
And let’s not forget chocolate, which is full of vitamins and minerals that nourish your skin.
You might like these articles on foods to eat for healthy-looking skin and to slow down aging:
- The Ugly Truth About Sugar and Aging
- 15 Dangerous Foods That Age You Fast!
- 20 Collagen-Rich Foods for Plumper, Glowing Skin
Protect Your Skin
Sun-kissed skin might feel great and make you look tanned and beautiful, but the sun’s rays can speed up skin aging. Apply sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.
Opt for an SPF of at least 30 or higher if you can. This will prevent age spots, premature wrinkling, and drying up your skin. Make sure to do patch tests to find the one that’s right for you.
Get Moving
Exercise is like a mini-facial for your skin! When you exercise, your blood circulation improves, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. Sweating also helps flush out impurities, leaving you with healthy-looking skin and a post-workout glow.
Whether it’s a morning walk, a dance class, or yoga in the park, find what moves your body and brings radiance to your skin. And let’s not forget how exercising boosts your mood, which makes you happier, which, in turn, makes you glow from the outside!
That’s a win-win in my books!!
Cleanse and Moisturize
A simple yet effective skincare routine can make a world of difference. Start and end your day with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities and makeup; try finding a specific one for your skin type.
I have super fussy skin, so I use a combination of Rosehip Oil, Carrot Seed Oil and Aloe Vera Gel to cleanse with. I know, weird, but it makes my skin happy.
Follow up with a tonic to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin.
Afterward, apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and supple. Lastly, apply SPF for sun protection. This will help maintain your skin’s natural balance and leave it looking and feeling fresh.
Beauty Sleep
We’ve all heard about beauty sleep, and it’s not a myth! Your skin rejuvenates and repairs itself while you sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to wake up with a rested and radiant complexion.
Silk pillowcases are a bonus; they reduce friction on your skin, preventing sleep lines and creases.
Once you fall asleep, your body starts producing growth hormones. These growth hormones ensure that your skin produces enough collagen, which helps your skin to remain tight and bouncy and also allows your skin to repair acne and scarring across your body.
Stress Less
Stress can manifest on your skin, leading to breakouts, dullness, and even wrinkles. When you are stressed, you may also pick at your skin. I’ll confess, I do this a lot and also bite my nails. Super bad habits!
Make time for relaxation and mindfulness activities like meditation, deep breathing, or a calming hobby.
Your skin will thank you with a healthy, stress-free glow. According to dermatologists, stress increases the body’s production of the hormone cortisol, which damages the skin’s ability to hold on to water. The lack of moisture can result in dry or itchy skin and diminished luminosity, leaving you looking tired.
Say No to Smoking (and drinking alcohol!)
Smoking is a beauty nemesis! It narrows blood vessels in the outermost layers of the skin, reducing blood flow and depleting the skin of oxygen and nutrients. Over time, smoking speeds up the aging process, resulting in premature wrinkles and a dull complexion.
Smoking is also really bad for you, but you already know that. Take a step towards glowing skin by saying no to smoking.
I just quit again for the millionth time this year, and so far so good. You can learn more about my quit smoking and quit sugar journey here. There’s even a hilarious cameo appearance by my kitten, Gracie, who is an absolute nutbar!
Be Gentle with Your Skin
Your skin deserves tender care. Avoid harsh scrubs and aggressive rubbing, as they can irritate and damage your skin. Choose mild, hydrating cleansers and pat your skin dry gently with a soft towel.
It’s ok to exfoliate, even recommended, just remember to do so really gently! You should exfoliate twice a week to remove dead cells and give your skin a fresh, healthy-looking glow. You can make your own DIY face scrubs and masks.
Stay Positive
I know, Iva, how does this give me healthy-looking skin? Hear me out.
A positive outlook on life can do wonders for your skin. Surround yourself with positivity, laughter, and the things that bring you joy. When you’re happy and content, it shows on your face, adding a beautiful glow to your complexion.
Happiness reduces stress, and as the body’s largest organ, the skin is very sensitive to stress. Find more things that bring you joy and stay away from stressful things and toxic people.
Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful tool for a happy and radiant life. Take a moment each day to reflect on the positive aspects of your life and express gratitude.
This simple practice will impact your skin’s health (and your mental health, too!) and overall well-being, leaving you with beautiful, glowing, healthy-looking skin.
Being peaceful and feeling fulfilled means less stress! So, a good mood means good skin.
final thoughts on healthy-looking skin
Your skin reflects the love and care you give yourself. It’s not just about what you eat and do but also about your attitude and mental health.
While cutting out things like smoking and eating healthier, you also should maintain a positive and upbeat attitude. That will make you beam from the inside out and light up the whole room!
