Aging is something that most people do not look forward to. Men and women alike go to great lengths to eliminate wrinkles and sagging skin, trying to prevent the signs of aging for just a few more years.
In 2017, Americans spent over $16 billion dollars on cosmetic plastic surgeries, the most the U.S. has ever spent on these types of operations. The fight to stay young comes at a steep price, but many are willing to do whatever it takes to maintain a youthful appearance.
However, some people decide to see age as a gift – something to be appreciated and enjoyed. Actress, Helen Mirren, said, “There’s a huge pressure on young girls to look a certain way these days, but as I age, I’ve lost that incredible insecurity of youth.
We should be encouraged and applauded for our ages. I embrace my age because there is no point in drawing a veil over the reality of life. I accept the absolute reality of what is happening to me as the years pass by.” I personally love her outlook on age because it is an unavoidable part of life!
Although you can’t avoid age, you can create habits in your life that can delay the signs of aging and keep you looking fresh and beautiful – without plastic surgery or a cosmetic procedure. Start these tips as soon as possible! I put these tips into practice in my early 20’s and have seen the amazing benefits they provide!
1.) Always take your makeup off before bed
I cannot stress this tip enough! Each time you sleep in your makeup, your pores become more clogged, your complexion becomes duller, and fine lines begin to develop.
During sleep, the body repairs itself and creates new skin cells to replace the old and damaged ones from the day. Makeup traps the dead skin cells and prevents them from turning over. Sleeping in your foundation causes premature aging, while your eye makeup can cause eye irritation, under-eye circles, and fine lines.
Always take your makeup off before bed. Make it a habit to have a 
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to clean your neck! Did you know that your neck is the first place that shows signs of aging? Always treat your neck just like you do your face.
2.) Always moisturize – morning and night
Applying moisturizing lotion to your skin is like drinking a cup of cold water after you’ve been out in the hot sun. It is necessary!
Always wash your face before you moisturize because you don’t want to add a layer of lotion over top of a dirty face. Then add your lotion or serum to your face, ears, neck, and chest. If you properly moisturize your skin, wrinkles will appear at a significantly slower pace than they would if you let your skin become dry or stay oily.
As you age and when you have the financial ability to do so, upgrade the quality of your moisturizer. During my penniless college days, I only used Aveeno baby lotion for both my face and body. However, I now use Estee Lauder skin products, which I am a big fan of!
I do like to mix it up when it comes to the skin care products I buy. Our bodies can get too much of a good thing and stop responding the way they did in the beginning. Mix it up and try different products once in a while!
Bonus Tip: Know your skin type! Is it dry, oily, combination, or simply normal? Mine is dry as the dessert and I have to moisturize regularly or my skin will become patchy and start to peel. Buy a moisturizer that works with your skin type and your climate.
3.) Avoid tanning beds
Did you know that tanning beds emit about 12 times more UVA light than natural sunlight? UVA light penetrates the skin much more deeply and plays a major role in skin aging, wrinkling, and skin cancer.
I have several family members who religiously use the tanning bed – and everyone can tell. Early signs of aging include deep lines in the forehead, leathery looking skin, and age spots (especially on the chest area). As time goes by, the premature aging becomes irreversible.
In college, I loved to use the tanning bed several times a week. I thought my sun-touched skin looked heathy and vibrant! In reality, it was everything but healthy.
Several years later, I noticed a white patch growing on my leg. I went to the dermatologist and he told me that it was the first signs of skin cancer. I had to undergo a small operation to remove the patch of skin. I now have a lovely scar on my leg to remind me to never go in a tanning bed again.
Pro Tip: Embrace the spray tan! You will look just as gorgeous with a “fake tan” and you will be saving your skin and health. (Check out Groupon.com for spray tan sales in your area). Or, like me, you can embrace your pale, white skin!
4.) Never go sun-tanning without Sunscreen
Nothing ages you quicker than the sun! Each time your skin gets burnt, it causes significant skin damage. When you are in the sun, apply at least an 
The face is the first place that shows signs of aging, so treat it with care.) Also, use a moisturizer or foundation with an SPF in it as well. Just walking in the sun for a few minutes a day can slowly, but surely cause premature aging.
Sun damage can also turn into skin cancer for many people. My father just had to have half of his nose replaced because he never wore sunscreen and skin cancer formed on his face. Every six months, he goes for an appointment and has some more skin cancer taken off of his face. He now wears sunscreen religiously!
5.) Drink more water
Start chugging some H2O! This was the 1st healthy habit that I created in my life! Now I can’t go anywhere without a bottle of water. Water assists in cell turnover and helps to keep your skin hydrated, preventing it from becoming wrinkled and saggy.
Did you know that you should be drinking an 8-oz glass of water at least eight times a day (2 liters)? Water helps to boost your metabolism (lose weight) and cleanses your body of unwanted toxins. Try adding some lemon to your water occasionally. Lemon is rich in Vitamin C and has a slew of other immunity-boosting benefits.
Take this 2-week challenge! Drink a minimum of 2 liters of water a day. I guarantee you 100% that your body will respond positively. You may take more trips to the bathroom, but it will be worth it!
6.) Start A Sleep Routine
Do you go to bed “when you feel like it?” If you have an uneven sleep pattern, you are doing your body a disservice. Our bodies THRIVE on patterns and consistency.
During sleep, our bodies repair and regenerate themselves. Lack of sleep causes chronic fatigue, stress, and weight gain (to name a few). The first signs of aging will come in the form of dark eye circles, eye wrinkles. If you have a difficult time going to sleep, implement these simple nighttime habits to get better rest.
Take this 2-week challenge! Change up your evening schedule and make it a priority to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Anything less should be considered a short-term necessity. Go to bed at the same time every night and try to get 8 hours of sleep. See how your body responds to the extra rest and consistent sleep schedule. I guarantee that you will feel more rested and your body will be able to regenerate itself!
7.) Exfoliate your face and neck
Exfoliation is an easy way to restore the youthful appearance of your skin. Dead skin cells build up and cause your skin to become dull and less moisturized. Exfoliation can speed up cell turnover to unclog pores, enhance the absorption of moisturizers, and improve the appearance of your complexion.
You can easily create your own exfoliation scrub by combining sugar with skin-nourishing oil, such a coconut oil. Rub the scrub onto your clean face and neck for 60 seconds, using gentle circular motions. Then rinse off with warm water and a cloth.
8.) Always wear sunglasses
When you don’t wear sunglasses, you are more inclined to squint your eyes. Squinting is the #1 culprit for eye wrinkles! Purchase sunglasses with UV protection that can protect the delicate skin around your eyes. Even if it is a bit overcast, don’t feel awkward wearing your sunglasses! Damaging sun rays can also pass through the clouds and harm your skin. Plus, who doesn’t love to wear a pair of sexy sunglasses?
9.) Change your pillowcase regularly
You may have a fantastic skin care routine, and yet you sleep on the same pillowcase for weeks in a row! Although you can’t see it, your pillow case has thousands of dead cells covering it. It also has dried drool and hair products all over it.
Have a nice stack of pillow cases in your night stand and try to switch them out daily. If you can’t change it every day, attempt to change it weekly. If you are acne prone, this tip may help to clear up your skin!
10.) Find a way to de-stress
If stress is a normal part of your life, try to find some ways to effectively relieve the stress in your life. Stress and anxiety can take a toll on your body and your face!
Stress can leave you with deep under-eye circles and blood-shot eyes from lack of sleep. It can cause acne and skin damage because of increased stress hormones. As stress increases, your body starts to react in a negative way, leading to experience serious signs of burnout.
Taking care of yourself and paying attention to your needs is an important part of maintaining your physical and emotional well-being.
11.) Apply facial products carefully
Facial creams and makeup should be applied in a careful and gentle manner.
If you apply under-eye concealer or moisturizer with your fingers, always use your ring finger – the one next to your pinkie. Since this finger is known to be the weakest and most gentle finger, it is ideal for application. Always pat the product into the skin – never tug or roughly rub it in.
When applying cream to your face and neck, use upward strokes. Although some people say this is an old wives fable, I feel better applying cream this way because I feel like it discourages premature sagging. Anything to maintain healthy looking skin, right!
BONUS TIP: Although you may not be a fan of working out, exercise is a key component in maintaining a healthy, youthful, and “tight” appearance. Exercise helps you skin stay elastic and firm, helping you avoid early sagging. If you struggle with maintaining a steady exercise life, follow these easy weight loss hacks that you can implement daily.
Age shouldn’t be something you fear! However, it is healthy to try to take care of your body and prevent premature aging. Start implementing the tips listed above and reap the benefits of your effort!
If you have any questions about this article, just let us know in the comment section below! We’d be happy to help you out!
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