We all know what we have to do to take care of our skin, but there are some things you may not realize are contributing to skin aging! If keeping your skin youthful is on your agenda, make sure to avoid these five bad habits!
1. Not providing your skin with antioxidant protection.
Antioxidants = antiaging! Antioxidants work by protecting your skin cells from factors such as the sun’s UV light, pollution, and oxygen (yes oxygen!). In fact, if you’re heading to the spa for an “oxygen facial” you may be actually speeding up the aging process. Although we need oxygen to breathe, oxygen can cause free radical formation, which triggers skin aging and is why we need “anti-OXidant” protection. No matter what your age, you’re exposed to these factors, making it a no brainer to always include anti-oxidant protection in your skin care routine!
2. Not wearing sunglasses
Not only do they make for a great fashion piece and shield you from society the day after a long night out, but sunglasses are anti-aging for your eyes. Eyes easily show signs of age with dark circles, crow’s feet, and fine lines. Wearing your sunglasses can help protect your peepers from environmental factors and the squinting that triggers these signs. So, even if it’s winter time and below 10 degrees, don’t be afraid pull out your shades!
3. Forgetting to exfoliate 2-3 times a week.
We mentioned the importance of exfoliation before, but this is truly an important component of anti-aging! With age, the exfoliation process slows down and causes our skin to look dull and tired looking, but that’s where exfoliating at-home comes in! Exfoliating regularly helps slough off dead skin cells and allows new and healthy skin cells to be revealed.
4. Lack of exercise.
For many of you, the driving force to get to the gym is related to weight, but exercise actually helps keep you youthful! Lift weights, do yoga, or simply go for a walk 30-45 minutes a day to get your daily dose. Not only does exercise lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and keep your muscles and body toned, but exercise helps increase our endorphins, the “feel good” hormones that make us happy. When you’re happier and more energized, trust us, it shows in your face!
5. Not getting facials.
Amongst the long list of reasons on why to get a facial is their anti-aging benefits. If you’re not getting facials you’re not doing all that’s in your power to off-set skin aging! Aside from exfoliating 2-3 times a week at home, professional exfoliation as part of a facial treatment can help renew your skin even more. Facial massage also has anti-aging benefits as it helps with skin-firming and, like exercise, increases the circulation of your skin which helps eliminate dark circles and a dull look!
What's your antiaging regimen? Share your tips and tricks with us in the comments below!