Though they say that ‘beauty is in the eyes of the beholder’, we tend to have a more discerning eye when looking in the mirror. Indeed, we’ve all been guilty of it; scrutinising our every blemish and wrinkle with a higher level of energy than we’d devote elsewhere. And let’s face it; the ageing process is both natural and inevitable. Something to be cherished rather than fought, we think.
That’s not to say that it doesn’t help to have a few tools up your sleeve for keeping your skin glowing and radiant. There’s no magic here, no drastic adjustments to your routine; just a few simple changes to help your look your best. With that in mind, here are 8 anti-ageing tips to help you keep your skin glowing.
Use A Gentle, Natural Face Wash
Using a gentle, chemical-free face wash is the best way to look as radiant and glowing as possible, preventing acne and cleaning the day’s dirt away without being overly harsh to your face. Using natural products on your skin will prevent the risk of allergic reactions and unwanted outbreaks. Oily skin types may need a foaming face wash and those with dry skin should consider a cream or lotion type cleanser so as not to cause too much irritation to the skin.
Exfoliate Modestly…
One of the key steps to achieving a healthy, radiant glow – even during winter – is to exfoliate regularly. This helps to remove the build-up of dead cells on the skin’s surface, allowing your moisturiser and serum to soak in deeper for maximum effectiveness.
Don’t overdo it with the exfoliator though, otherwise you run the risk of aggravating the skin – once or twice a week is plenty.
…Don’t Forget To Exfoliate Your Body, too!
Of course, radiant, glowing skin isn’t only about taking care of your face; it’s important to exfoliate and moisturise your body, too (if looking more youthful is something you’re going for, of course).
Generally speaking, the best way to exfoliate the body is via a body scrub. As the guys at Bondi Sands tell us, this is a straightforward procedure; simply wash your skin with warm water, apply the scrub to your body and scrub your body in a circular motion. Then, rinse the scrub with warm water before shaving, if needed. Finally, let your skin dry and apply moisturiser while your skin is still damp.
Aaah; we feel pampered just writing that.
The benefits of using a body scrub are myriad. Using body scrubs helps remove your skin’s dead skin cells, leading to your skin feeling fresh, brighter, and smoother. The process is also – arguably – the best way to get rid of ingrown hairs.
Body scrubs help exfoliate your skin, which opens your clogged skin pores—applying a moisturiser after scrubbing may help penetrates your skin deeper and improving absorption.
Start Using Retinoids
When used on the skin, retinoids can unclog pores, allowing other medicated cream and gels to work better and penetrate deeper if required. They can reduce acne outbreaks by preventing dead cells from clogging those pores.
Indeed, in recent years retinol based products have become increasingly prevalent in skincare products, because retinoids are believed to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This substance is also effective in smoothing the surface area of the skin, all of which leads to a more radiant looking complexion. And that’s why you’re here, right?
The professionals advise that you only apply retinol based products in the evening, as they make your skin sensitive to sunlight and damage immediately after application. As such, you’ll likely see them in night (but not day) creams.
Keep Your Skin & Self Hydrated
Perhaps the easiest tip of all, but also the most effective; by keeping yourself (and therefore, your skin) hydrated, you can ensure a more radiant complexion, free from the threat of dryness. The skin is the largest organ in your body, and a lack of water and subsequent dehydration can have a significant, negative impact on your skin, leaving it dry and dull looking.
Do be aware that overhydrating and glugging pints and pints of the stuff won’t suddenly have you baby faced. Instead, an adherence to the ‘8 by 8’ principle should be sufficient; simply drink eight glasses of water by 8pm and you’ll have had your fill for the day.
Aside from simply supping more water, many choose to use hydrating creams to keep the skin soft. If you already have a moisturiser you swear by, consider adding a few drops of Calecim’s stem cell serum for rejuvenated skin to yours; it’s a product that’s been reviewed positively everywhere from Tatler to The Times.
Diet Right
What you put into your body will be apparent on the outside, too. And those who enjoy a regular, healthy diet, full of variety, fresh produce and low on the processed stuff, will be blessed with positive results in terms of their skin and that radiant complexion we’re coveting today.
Foods which are particularly useful in promoting glowing skin include – you guessed it – loads of fruit and vegetables, especially vegetables which are orange and dark green. Sweet potato, pumpkin and carrots, alongside kale, broccoli and spinach, all contain high levels of antioxidant properties. Fruit which is heavy on the Vitamin C, such as oranges, kiwi, blueberries and strawberries, are also brilliant antioxidants, and are adept in fighting off free radicals.
To support healthy skin regeneration, repair and regrowth, nuts are also an essential component of a varied diet. Try, especially, to include plenty of almonds and hazelnuts.
Add Vitamin A To Your Routine
Spare a special thought for Vitamin A, which can promote better skin health from inside out, via both supplements, skincare products and, of course, your diet. While topical formulas may target acne directly, and cod liver oil supplements can boost your Vitamin A intake, too, it’s still most wholesome and healthy to seek the majority of this super nutrient from your diet; eggs, milk and cereal, in particular, are blessed with loads of the stuff.
Reduce Your Sugar Intake And Other Oily Junk Food
We’re still talking diet here, because it’s so important to glowing skin. This time, and not wishing to put a downer on proceedings, we’re here to talk about avoidance. Sugar’s oxidative properties can provoke acne and breakouts, with sugar and other foods high on the glycemic index leading to inflammation and acne. Best to try and reduce processed sugars, then, within your diet.
Sleep Hygiene Is As Important As Skin Hygiene
As far as the skin is concerned, a lack of sleep causes the stress hormone cortisol to be released, which in turn encourages inflammation in the skin, causing flare-ups in conditions like acne and even eczema. Yep, beauty sleep is a genuine thing, and you should be aiming to get at least 8 hours of quality sleep a night accordingly.
The Bottom Line
The ageing process is inevitable, but glowing skin as you grow older isn’t guaranteed. Instead, some holistic but gentle changes to your lifestyle and routine will bring the best results. And remember, you’re beautiful inside and out!
