The effects of aging can have drastic effects on appearance. Dull, sagging skin, fine lines and weight gain are just a few of the signs of aging, some of which occur even when we think we’re doing everything right in protecting our health and appearance.

Thankfully, though, as modern women, we have science and technology on our sides. And while there’s something to be said about aging gracefully, there’s nothing wrong with a little help every now and then. Keep reading this guest post to find out how you can restore and revitalize your appearance, just in time for a brand new year.

Revamp Your Skincare Routine

As we age, our skin changes in various ways. For one, aging skin typically produces less oil than younger skin. And while this may reduce acne and other complications, it can speed up the aging process. Also, skin tends to thin as it ages, meaning it’s more vulnerable to the sun, wind and other elements. If you’re past the age of 30, make sure your skincare routine involves habits like the following:

  • Use gentle cleansers. Since older skin is less oily, harsh cleansers should be avoided. Products designed for oily or combination skin often strip away essential oils, which results in drying, flaking and premature aging. Instead, stick to creamy, gentler cleansing products.
  • Use the right moisturizer. The right moisturizer can offer benefits like dewy, youthful skin, as well as the reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For aging skin, look for formulas designed to tighten, smooth and restore.
  • Always use sunscreen. To prevent premature aging, skin cancer and a host of other complications, always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
photo credit: jypsygen via photopin cc

photo credit: jypsygen via photopin cc

Lifestyle Choices

Our lifestyle choices have a drastic impact on appearance, especially when it comes to our diets, activity levels and habits. To restore and enhance appearance, start now on incorporating lifestyle choices like the following into your daily routine:

  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Processed foods, sugars, starches and other unhealthy foods not only lead to weight gain and other health complications – they also damage skin and speed up the aging process. Fresh foods and whole ingredients, on the other hand, are full of essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which have been shown to repair age-related damage to the skin and other organs. For a healthy, youthful appearance, enjoy lots of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats.
  • Exercise. It’s a known fact that regular physical activity can slow the aging process. Get in at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise three days per week, and incorporate strength-training to tone and tighten muscles.
  • Ditch the bad habits. This one’s a no-brainer: avoid smoking and excessive drinking, and get plenty of sleep. With all the known risks associated with these habits, there’s no excuse not to walk away now and enjoy a healthy, more youthful lifestyle.

 

Cosmetic Procedures

In today’s society, cosmetic surgeries and other procedures are exceedingly common. What’s more, modern procedures are generally safe, often minimally-invasive and can be performed on an outpatient basis. The following procedures can be beneficial in restoring skin’s youthful appearance.

  • Botox injections. Botox dramatically reduces the appearance of wrinkles by temporarily paralyzing the muscles and surrounding tissue of the affected areas. The effects of botox last for several months, after which, they can be repeated.
  • Face and neck lifts. To smooth and tighten sagging skin, procedures like face and neck lifts can work wonders. According to Dr. Adam Basner, Baltimore-area plastic surgeon, these procedures can reverse the aging process in a number of ways. For example, a neck lift procedure performed by Dr. Basner can eliminate loose, sagging skin in the areas of the face and neck, as well as add definition to the contours of the jawline. Combined, these efforts result in tighter, smoother, younger-looking skin.
  • Chemical peels. For skin that is sun-damaged, uneven, scarred or wrinkled, refreshing chemical peels can be extremely beneficial. These procedures involve the use of exfoliating chemicals, which improve skin’s appearance by removing the damaged, uneven layer of the epidermis.

What do you do to take care of your skin to keep it healthy and beautiful?

 

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