Enjoy Younger Looking Skin with Retinol & These 6 Pro-Aging Tips
Pro-Aging Tips
The fountain of youth may be a mythical spring, but that hasn’t stopped any woman throughout history from her quest for eternal youth. Think Helen of Troy or Cleopatra for starters. Today, through science and innovation, we’ve become much more knowledgeable that aging gracefully doesn’t just rely on a secret potion. Rather, it takes a dedicated, daily routine to help restore, protect and regenerate your skin cells to help keep your complexion looking bright, smooth, and firm. Joining you on your quest of turning back time, we’ve put together effective ways you can enjoy younger-looking skin, with retinol and these 6 pro-aging tips for women over 40.
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What are some of your tried-and-true pro-aging secrets? Please share in the comments below. Sign up for the newsletter to take advantage of some amazing resources here. Thanks for reading!
#1 | Retinol is Worth the Hype
By now, I’m sure you’ve heard that our bodies naturally produce less collagen every year as we get older. Retinol, a naturally occurring vitamin A in the skin, helps to fight off this process. Originally prescribed as an acne treatment, doctors soon discovered that retinol encourages collagen production and cell renewal. It’s no wonder it’s become the gold standard for skincare routines across the globe! Since it can cause mild irritation if over-used, dermatologists suggest applying it two to three times per week, when starting. This helps the skin through an adjustment period where the body will develop a tolerance over the course of one to two months. Here are some recommendations that, in my experience, actually work.
When you cleanse your skin, use a mild and gentle formula. As we age, skin tends to be drier and more sensitive. (Hello, fine lines!) So even if you’re prone to adult acne, you still want to use a gentler face wash. Ideally, your mild face wash should include ingredients that deliver hydration while also fighting against damage from free radicals. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should use a light hand while cleansing, using gentle, circular motions. Aggressive scrubbing could irritate already sensitive skin and actually accelerate aging. These are some of our favorite cleansers.
Regular use of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is a must for preventing signs of aging and protecting your skin against cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen every day, year-round, even on cloudy days. Dermatologists say that sun exposure depletes collagen. It also dilates blood vessels to give skin a red tone, a common sign of aging. The sun causes brown pigment in the skin to be more pronounced, which causes sunspots or blotchiness. Finally, UVA rays also create something called elastotic material, which causes a cobblestone appearance in the skin.
Wrinkles develop when the foundation of the skin becomes weaker, which happens with age and environmental exposures like UV light. These stressors damage collagen and elastic fibers in the deeper layers of the skin, leading to fine lines. So, do moisturizers alone really prevent wrinkles? In short: no. In order to prevent wrinkles, a moisturizer needs active levels of proven pro-aging ingredients like retinol, firming peptides, AHA or vitamin C. Still, dermatologists agree that keeping skin hydrated helps skin appear smoother and plumper.
It’s sometimes hard to rely solely on pro-aging creams and serums because the results are either very slow or minimally noticeable. But investing in an at-home device can make all the difference. Pro-aging machines such as microdermabrasion, LED red light therapy or microcurrent devices are the perfect tech upgrades to complement your routine. Instead of spending a fortune at the dermatologist’s office or at day spas, invest in these advanced technologies to help enhance items 1 through 4.
Much of what happens on the outside of your body is the result of what you put in your body. It’s important to eat foods that nourish the skin. Try to avoid anything that dehydrates, like alcohol. Foods high in sugar and white carbohydrates can actually age your skin faster by breaking down glucose. Instead, go for more protein in your diet to help build collagen. Foods high in vitamin C also help keep skin looking youthful. Supplements should become a part of your daily diet. I get my Omega-3s through flaxseed oil capsules. I’ve also fallen into the popular collagen supplement trend, but you know what? It really works! I see a difference not only in my skin, but my hair! As with any supplement, however, check with your doctor if you have any concerns.
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I’d add Murad Retinol Night Cream to this list. I’ve been using it and seeing real results.
I actually love Murad’s Vitamin C Dark Cirlce serum, so I’ll check out the Retinol Night Cream. Thanks for the suggestion!
I am so glad you included Paula’s Choice! I have been using their products for years. Their prices are reasonable and the products are effective!
Thanks for your feedback! It’s always helpful to get an endorsement from a loyal user.