6 Tips To Target The Signs of Aging

When you think of reducing signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines and crow's feet, what first comes to mind? Botox? A face lift? Or a $500 jar of face cream at the very least?

You don't have to take extreme measures and spend a fortune on invasive procedures and a fancy 'youth in a jar' to help target signs of aging. Read further to get skin care secrets (some are holistic!) to address wrinkles, fine lines and crow's feet without having to step foot into a plastic surgeon's office.

1. An Avocado a Day Keeps the Plastic Surgeon Away
   Good skin starts from the inside out, and an avocado should be part of your diet (unless you're allergic, of course). Avocados are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, and not to mention, a good fat that helps keep the skin glowing and supple, slowing down the formation of wrinkles.

2. Sunscreen is the Number One Anti-Wrinkle Cream!
   
   You can wear the most expensive moisturizer that was formulated in the south of France by expert chemists, but if you skimp on sunscreen, your efforts (and spending) are totally in vain. The sun's harsh ultraviolet rays are the top cause of premature aging, therefore, the most important anti-wrinkle cream is one that protects your skin from the sun- and that is...drum roll please...sunscreen. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Wear sunscreen all year round, rain or shine. The UV rays are still present even on cloudy days. Even if you stay indoors, the UV rays will find a way to get to your skin. Don't rely on makeup that has a built-in SPF- that won't suffice, as most are not broad spectrum.

3. Limit Caffeine & Alcohol Consumption
   No one said looking forever ageless like Christie Brinkley would be a piece of cake. Sacrifices need to be made in order to see the results you want. As heartbreaking as it sounds, you may have to swap your daily cup of java for a hot mug of green tea instead. Although green tea also contains caffeine, it is still a healthier alternative to coffee because of its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may not deliver the same perk-factor as a dark roast latte you're craving, but it will help wake you up a little. Alcohol is even worse than caffeine because not only is it highly taxing on the liver, but it dehydrates the heck out of your skin, increasing the appearance of lines, and overtime, the number of wrinkles (let's not even get into cigarettes). In a nutshell, caffeine and booze deplete the body's hydration levels, leaving it looking older and dull. Although some studies have shown that caffeine may have some health benefits, it causes inflammation, which is not favorable if you are wanting to have a younger-looking skin. If you can't live without coffee, try to limit yourself to one to two cups a day.

4. Invest in a Serum or Two
   
   A proper skin care regimen that suits your skin type is important- from cleansers to moisturizers. However, don't overlook investing in a serum because they are bottles of concentrated liquid that addresses specific skin issues- you have to find the right serum for you. Serums typically have a smaller molecular weight, which means it will penetrate deeper in the skin, thereby delivering better results. In the morning, apply a Vitamin C Serum underneath your moisturizer with a built-in SPF. Vitamin C helps fight free radical damage and also has brightening properties, therefore it will enhance the benefits of a sunscreen. At night, try a serum that contains anti-aging ingredients such as peptides, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and botanical ingredients.

5. Moisturize at Night, Including the Eye Area
   After washing your face at night (and please don't forget to do so every night), apply the serum of your choice, followed by a moisturizer that also contains anti-aging ingredients. If you use both an anti-aging serum and moisturizer, you'll amp up the benefits and help target wrinkles and fine lines even further. Furthermore, don't neglect the eye area. You can use an eye cream, or simply apply the serum and face moisturizer on the eye area as well This way, you will slow the formation of Crow's feet around the eyes. Or you can try a natural home remedy by applying maruka honey on crow's feet and fine lines to help soften their appearance.
   

6. Invest in a Red Light Therapy Device
   Boycott a trip to the derm's office and bring the 'dermatologist' to you by investing in an at-home red light therapy device. This will help boost collagen production in the skin, improve the skin's elasticity and texture, and also target age spots. However, don't skip the trip to your dermatology appointment for serious, medical skin issues such as skin cancer detection.

Follow these 6 tips and your skin is bound to look younger and radiant!

Additional Information

As we age, our bodies undergo a variety of changes that are a normal part of the aging process. These changes happen both on the inside and outside of the body, leading to the typical signs of aging that we often observe. One of the most obvious signs of aging is the appearance of wrinkles, which are caused by the skin becoming less elastic over time. This is a result of the tissue just below the skin losing its firmness and the skin itself thinning. Additionally, age-related changes in the body’s production of natural oils can lead to dryness, which further accentuates wrinkles and fine lines. Using a good moisturizer, particularly one that includes ingredients like hyaluronic acid, can help keep the skin hydrated and minimize the appearance of these common signs of aging.

Another normal change that occurs as people age is the formation of age spots. These small, darkened areas of skin are more common in older adults and are often the result of prolonged sun exposure. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin damage that accumulates over time, leading to these tell-tale signs of aging. To help prevent age spots, it’s crucial to protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and using protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves, especially during peak sunlight hours. Consistently applying sunscreen, even on cloudy days or when staying indoors, can greatly reduce the risk of premature aging and skin damage.

The aging process also affects the heart and blood vessels. As people grow older, the blood vessels can become less elastic, leading to increased blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular physical activity is important to maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels. Engaging in exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling can help keep the heart strong and reduce the risk of age-related health issues. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and following a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can support cardiovascular health as you age.

Hearing loss is another common issue that many older adults face. This type of age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, typically affects the ability to hear high frequencies and can make it harder to understand speech, especially in noisy environments. Protecting your hearing by avoiding loud noises and using ear protection when necessary is important to prevent further damage. If you start to notice signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty following conversations or needing to turn up the volume on devices, it’s important to see a doctor who can evaluate your hearing and discuss potential solutions, such as hearing aids.

In addition to physical changes, aging can also impact memory and cognitive function. Many people notice that they experience some level of memory loss or difficulty with thinking skills as they age. While this can be a normal part of aging, it’s important to engage in activities that challenge the mind, such as puzzles, reading, or learning new skills, to keep the brain active and healthy. Managing stress, getting enough sleep, and maintaining social connections are also key factors in supporting cognitive health as you grow older.

Lastly, the skin’s ability to repair itself decreases with age, which can lead to more noticeable effects of aging, such as sagging skin and the development of skin tags. To support skin health, it’s important to follow a skincare routine that includes regular cleansing, moisturizing, and the use of products that contain anti-aging ingredients. Additionally, lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake, can significantly improve the overall appearance and health of the skin.

Aging is a natural process that affects everyone differently, and while some changes are inevitable, there are steps you can take to minimize their impact and promote healthy aging. By being proactive about your health and skincare, you can help prevent or reduce the visible and internal signs of aging, ensuring that you continue to look and feel your best as you get older.