No one's skin can be as ageless as the professionally made-up and computer airbrushed models in beauty magazines... not even the models who posed for those photographs. However, if you're concerned about your skin losing its youthful glow, following some tips can help reduce future aging and, potentially, remedy some of the aging that's already occurred through the years.
Avoid the Sun
Exposure to ultraviolet light speeds up your skin's aging process. According to the Mayo Clinic, sun exposure is the number one cause of skin aging signs such as wrinkles and rough, uneven pigmentation, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you want to see less damage, use UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen during all seasons and wear hats and clothes for protection whenever possible.
Don't Smoke
A 2007 study in "Archives of Dermatology" noted--after taking into consideration variables such as age and level of sun exposure--that the amount of cigarettes a person smokes per day corresponds with how old her skin looks. The reason smoking ages skin is because it narrows the blood vessels in the top layers of your skin and damages fibers that make your skin more elastic, according to the Mayo Clinic. The end result is wrinkles and sagging. Having improved skin quality is just one of many reasons why you should quit smoking now.
Use a Cream
Before you consider purchasing an age-erasing lotion or cream, beware of "miracle" serums that promise to strip 10 years off your face in a matter of weeks. Although cream can't immediately undo decades' worth of sun exposure, Discovery Health online mentions that the prescription Renova is the only FDA-approved cream that is proven to fade brown spots on the skin, smooth out skin tone and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. This product's active ingredient is vitamin A derivative tretinoin, which is said to exfoliate the skin and boost the amount of collagen the skin produces. According to the Mayo Clinic, a similar but less potent non-prescription vitamin A compound is Retinol, which can be found in many skin products.
Cleanse Gently
Your skin will age faster if you fail to cleanse it regularly and use aggressive cleaning methods. Though you may be tempted to use hot water in the shower and when you wash your face, using lukewarm water will allow your skin to hold onto some of its essential oils. Also, since using strong soaps or products that contain dyes and perfumes can cause unnecessary damage, stick to gentle cleansers such as Cetaphil. Finally, be particularly gentle when cleaning the delicate tissues around your eyes, blot your skin dry rather than rubbing it and use a moisturizer to seal in moisture and protect against dry weather.
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