Of course, you can have youthful skin now – taut, shiny and baby soft. And maintaining it can seem effortless – a simple skincare routine does the trick. For some men, a bar of soap may be sufficient. But here’s the catch: the way you take care of yourself and your skin today will affect your aging and how you look tomorrow.
If you are in your 20s or 30s, forehead creases, crow’s feet, and laugh lines may seem like a worry for the future, but preventative measures need to be taken. Aging is inevitable, and no lifestyle changes or skincare products can stop it completely – they can only help you age well. If you already see the lines crawling like delicate webs around your eyes, it’s never too late to step up your skincare regimen to keep it in check. Whatever your age, a balanced lifestyle and an arsenal of simple, sustainable products is your best defense. And it should include the following.
8 things you can do to age well:
1. A gentle facial cleanser
The most basic product in your skincare routine is also the hardest to perfect – the Daily Facial Cleanser. A harsh facial cleanser can strip your face of essential oils and distort your skin’s pH balance. Using a gentle cleanser is key – preferably a non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and moisturizing cleanser. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid for sufficient hydration. For their super exfoliating powers, keep an eye out for ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and alpha hydroxy acids. These will help get rid of dead skin cells that can cause a dull complexion. Try Kiehl’s Age Defender Dual-Action Exfoliating Cleanser for Men – it contains Moroccan lava clay which absorbs oil and cleans away debris and phytic acid which acts as an exfoliant. Peter Roth’s Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel with Glycolic & Salicylic Acids delivers a revitalized, youthful complexion if you’re feeling indulgent. For a basic but safe choice, use Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
2. An aftershave moisturizer
Shaving can make your skin soft like a baby, but it hurts your skin. A fortifying moisturizer after a shave is essential to prevent long-term damage. L’Occitane Cade aftershave balm has a balm consistency and is enriched with shea butter and cade wood essential oil which hydrates, hydrates and soothes your skin after shaving. Paula’s Choice Soothing Smooth Moisturizer for Men is also soothing, hydrating and has a light texture. Supplied with salicylic acid, it exfoliates your skin and also prevents ingrown hairs.
3. A great sunscreen
Although aging is inevitable, the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays worsen signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. This damage is cumulative over time. Outdoors or indoors, sunscreen is the one step in your daily skin care routine that you just can’t skip. The Higher the SPF, the Better – Re’equil Ultra Matte Dry Touch SPF 50+ Sunscreen Gel is a waterproof, gel-based sunscreen that is ultra light, velvety and leaves no white cast. Formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, it is suitable for all skin types. Products fortified with antioxidants are preferred to help protect your skin from pollutants. We recommend La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen – it’s a non-comedogenic sunscreen that contains antioxidants, vitamins C and E and Cell-Ox Shield technology, all of which protect your skin from free radicals that may damage DNA.
4. A good dose of retinol
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – retinol has countless benefits and is an ingredient you want to add to your skincare rotation. Retinol, or vitamin A, is a powerful ingredient that speeds up skin regeneration, resulting in smooth skin with reduced signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Try Dr. Sheth’s Powerful Rosehip Retinoid Emulsion – formulated for sensitive Indian skin, harnesses the power of retinoids to fight aging and acne.
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5. Large amounts of water
Dehydration can cause significant damage to your skin. It weakens your skin’s defenses and leads to dryness, irritation, sensitivity, and premature aging. Hydrate your body and skin – your body’s largest organ – with 8 glasses of water a day for optimal skin health and wellness.
6. Healthy eating
Taking care of your skin starts with taking care of your body – inside and out. A vital role is played by your diet and nutrients in maintaining healthy skin. Avoid the following foods for supple skin:
Processed Foods: Add more greens and vegetables to your diet instead.
Alcohol: Alcohol is dehydrating and therefore bad for your skin. Avoid sugary colas, too – stick with water, fresh juices, or enjoy a sparkling kombucha.
Artificial Sweeteners: Sugar is not your skin’s ally. Sweeten your food with honey as it also has additional health benefits.
Caffeine: We like multiple cups of coffee, but limit your caffeine intake. Switch to decaffeinated teas and drinks.
7. A restful sleep pattern
When you sleep, it’s when your skin is repairing and regenerating that the health of your skin is directly related to the amount of sleep you get. Poor sleep habits can accelerate skin aging by affecting its ability to repair damage from external stressors throughout the day – from UVA and UVB rays to harmful blue light. Getting 8 hours of a good night’s sleep will do magic for your skin and your overall health.
8. Regular exercise
There has been a lot of discussion about the benefits of exercise on our health, but exercising regularly also results in reverse skin aging. The skin is one of the greatest detoxifying agents, and sweating helps flush out toxins and rejuvenate your skin. It also results in increased blood circulation, resulting in glowing and plump skin.
Exercise tones your muscles giving your skin a youthful and taut appearance – you can perform targeted facial exercises to stimulate blood circulation for a plump complexion using various facial tools.
