1. Slather on the sunscreen. We know, we know—you've heard it a million
times, but wearing sunscreen is the single easiest way to look younger for
life. "Ninety percent of wrinkles are from sun exposure," says Day.
"It's so much easier to prevent the damage than it is to fix it afterwards."
That means no slacking during winter months either, when rays are just as
strong and can reflect off of buildings and sidewalks. Look for a formula that
offers broad-spectrum protection to guard against UVA rays (the ones that cause
premature aging) and UVB rays (one of the maincauses of skin cancer).
Try Philosophy Shelter Broad Spectrum Sunscreen in SPF30.
2. Clean your makeup brushes. A British study found that 72% of women never
wash their brushes or sponges, even though they harbor dirt and bacteria which
can cause breakouts. "You should wash loose powder brushes every two to
three weeks, and those used to apply foundation once a week," says Jessica
Wu, an LA-based dermatologist and author of Feed Your Face. Mix a couple of
drops of gentle facial cleanser or shampoo and lukewarm water in a cup, swish
your brushes around, rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry, and lay flat to air dry.
3. Munch
on mixed nuts. Brazil
nuts are rich in selenium, which increases skin elasticity and may decrease
skin cancer, according to recent studies. Throw in walnuts—which are loaded
with omega-3 fatty acids—to lower inflammation and put the brakes on breakouts,
says Molly Morgan, Board Certified Sports Specialist Dietitian and author of
The Skinny Rules. Finally, add some macadamias. "They're full of high
quality oils and fatty acids that aid in skin repair and rejuvenation"
says integrative practitioner Isaac Eliaz. Aim for a handful of each daily to
reap their pore-perfecting benefits.
4. Start using serum. "It's much more concentrated than cream
or lotion, so you tend to only need a small amount daily to see results,"
says Fran Cook-Bolden, Director of New York's Skin Specialty Dermatology. Look
for one with antioxidants, the skin's major defense against free radicals and
stress, and pentapeptides, which are a must-have when it comes to boosting
collagen, the support structure that gives skin a firm, youthful appearance.
Don't worry about spending a fortune on the ingredients; one of Cook-Bolden's
favorites is Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum, a sheer formula whose small
molecules can dive deep into pores. For best results, apply to freshly washed
skin; follow with sunscreen or moisturizer to lock in hydration.
5. Sanitize your Smartphone. According to a Stanford University study, that
iPhone you can't keep your hands off of can get more germ-infested than a
toilet in a subway bathroom. In fact, the glass touchscreens on mobile devices
are so good at spreading viruses that sharing them may be almost as bad as
sneezing in someone's face. Here's a scary thought: All those germs land right
on your cheek and jawline every time you chat away, causing pimples and
irritation. To keep your phone (and face) bacteria-free, wipe it down with an
antibacterial wipe like Clorox Disinfecting Wipes a few times a day.
6. Put your skin stash in proper order. The sequence in which you apply your products
could be even more important than the products themselves. Reach for those with
the most active ingredients as soon as you wash and pat skin dry. "These
are the most powerful, so you want them to come into direct contact with your
skin," says Syed Amiry, a dermatologist practicing in Reston, Virginia. If
you're using more than one active product (like an antioxidant serum and
Retin-A), start with the thinner one. "Anything that's water soluble
should go first, followed by the product that's thicker and creamier. If you do
it in reverse, the heavier cream will block the ingredients of the lighter one
from penetrating the skin, so they won't have any impact." If you need
moisturizer, it's next up in line, followed up by—what else?—sunscreen each
morning.
7. Drop dairy from your diet (even that little bit in your
latte)."Dairy products—even those that are organic—contain cow
hormones that stimulate your oil glands and your pores, leading to acne,"
explains Wu. Beware of hidden dairy in foods like salad dressing, protein bars,
and shakes. And if you have to go there, stick to skim. "The hormones are
concentrated in the fat, so it's your best option."
8. Start using retinol. "Everyone should use retinol," says
New York dermatologist Doris Day. "It has decades of clinical data to
support its efficacy, helps skin cell turnover, and boosts collagen production
to keep skin firm and youthful." Most dermatologists agree that if you're
only going to use one anti-aging product, prescription Retin-A (and even
over-the-counter versions like RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily
Moisturizer SPF 30 or Olay Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment) is the magic bullet,
and can even reverse abnormal and cancerous growth, among other forms of sun
damage. "It has great anti-inflammatory effects, which is why it's as
effective at treating acne as it is at treating wrinkles and other signs of
aging," adds Amiry.
9. Hit the sack early. We know, you've heard it all before, but it's
called beauty sleep for a reason. "Sleep deprivation lowers circulation,
which is why you look pale and washed out if you only get a few hours,"
says Amy Wechsler, one of only two U.S. physicians board-certified in both
dermatology and psychiatry. It's also the best time to rejuvenate your skin.
"Your body's cellular renewal team has the night shift, so this is when
you want to equip your skin with as many nutrients and hydrating ingredients it
needs to do a fine job," she says.
10. Exfoliate for smaller-looking pores. It's amazing how something so tiny can feel so
huge, but enlarged pores are one of the most common beauty complaints.
"Pores appear larger when they're filled with dirt, oil, dead skin cells,
and keratin, a protein that lives on the surface of skin," explains Amiry.
"Remove those plugs, and they seem to shrink." To clear out the gunk,
start exfoliating regularly with daily applications of salicylic and glycolic
acid, like those in Murad Exfoliating Acne Treatment Gel. Then add in
microdermabrasions (like Physicians Formula Derm@Home Mineral Microdermabrasion
System) once or twice a week to clear the dead surface cells. To keep pores
from getting even bigger as you age, practice safe sun. "Sun damage breaks
down collagen, which can affect pore size as well."
11. Give your skin a sip of merlot. Resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant and
polyphenol found in red grape skins, has been found to prevent the lines,
wrinkles, and sagging caused by environmental skin saboteurs like smog and
second-hand smoke. "In many preparations, it's an even more powerful
antioxidant than vitamin C, and studies show it creates mild-to-moderate skin
tightening for a firmer look," says board certified dermatologist and
research scientist Erin Gilbert. Apply a small pump of B. Kamins C-Resveratrol
Serum each night to plump up lines and smooth skin texture.
12. Don't neglect your neck and chest. Most of us are guilty of stopping our skincare
routine as soon as we hit our chin. And our neglected neck and chest take
vengeance by wrinkling, sagging, and displaying dark spots that beg to be
hidden by a turtleneck. "The skin on these areas is thinner, and doesn't
have a strong blood supply, so it doesn't heal well," explains Amiry.
"Plus it's an area that we often forget to protect with sunscreen."
Use the same products as you would on your face, but start lightly (every other
day) when applying active ingredients like retinols or acids since they may
cause some initial irritation.
13. Strip off your makeup before bed. Leaving makeup and dirt on skin doesn't just
clog pores; it can cause excessive dryness and even skin dandruff. "Most
makeup contains a sugar-type molecule that can grow yeast overnight," says
Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at
Yale School of Medicine. Don't forget to thoroughly remove eye makeup too. "It
can lead to bumpy rashes around the eyes or small white bumps called milia
cysts," says Wu, who loves Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover, a
gentle, oil-free cleanser that even melts away waterproof liner and mascara.
14. Running low on sleep? Pick up some soy milk. Wu keeps a carton in her fridge at all times
to "fake a good night's sleep." The natural anti-inflammatory reduces
swelling while soy proteins hydrate skin to soften the look of crow's feet. The
cold temperature helps shrink swelling and constricts veins to make eyes look
less bloodshot. To make soothing, redness-busting compresses, pour a small
amount of soy milk in a bowl, dunk two cotton balls, and squeeze out the
excess. Then hold the cotton balls over your eyes (or any other area where you
have red or irritated skin) for five minutes.
15. Roll away your puffy eyes this morning. "Fluid fills up under our eyes each night
because we're lying down," says dermatological surgeon Anne Chapas. Start
by sleeping on two pillows to elevate the face. In the morning, massage away
the excess fluid with the Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye
Roller, which manually pushes out fluid. To reduce dark shadows, use your ring
finger to lightly tap Origins GinZing Eye Cream, which contains caffeine, onto
the delicate area. "Caffeine constricts vessels to minimize leaking, which
causes the darkening, while titanium dioxide, mica, and iron oxides reflect
light away to brighten."
16. Stay out of hot water. A steamy shower may feel great, but it's one
of the worst things you can do for your skin. Not only does the heat strip
essential oils, but it creates a mild burn. Blood vessels respond by dilating
in an effort to cool the skin, causing flushing and ruddiness. "When
you're in your twenties, you can take a hot shower, be red & swollen and
recover in an hour, but in your thirties, it may take 2 hours," says
Alexiades-Armenakas. "By your forties, your skin just doesn't have the
ability to shrink back to its original state so you stay ruddy all the time."
17. Don't wait to moisturize. Most creams and lotions have key ingredients
that create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin to lock in
moisture, but because skin cools itself by evaporating water, you only have a
few minutes before that hydration is gone forever. Slather on a moisturizer
with dimethicone, a form of silicone, while your face is still damp.
Alexiades-Armenakas' research shows that it locks in moisture for up to 24
hours, plumping and improving the appearance of fine lines as skin drinks up
the moisture (like the difference between a raisin and a grape). Try NIA24 Skin
Strengthening Complex.
18. Be extra gentle when defuzzing your face. Waxing and tweezing can cause scarring or
spots, especially for women with darker skin. Prep your skin before hair
removal by washing the area with an antibacterial wash, suggests Cook-Bolden.
And to avoid discoloration, make sure to have an aftercare plan that includes
anti-inflammatory ingredients to quickly calm skin and help it heal.
Cook-Bolden recommends a dab of Avène Cicalfate Restorative Cream immediately
after hair removal, and for a few days afterward. "Investing in this type
of product will save you money in the long run since preventing discoloration
costs a lot less than trying to get rid of it."
19. Snack on watermelon. Adding a lycopene-rich food, such as this
juicy pink treat, "helps reduce damage and redness caused from sun
exposure, prevents future wrinkling and possibly even lowers skin cancer
risk," says Elizabeth Somer, nutritionist and author of Eat Your Way to
Sexy. Aim for one cup each day by tossing it in salads, salsas, and smoothies.
Or try her recipe for refreshing ice cubes: Purée watermelon, sweeten with
concentrated apple juice, pour into an ice tray, and freeze. Then add cubes to
water or club soda for a refreshing, skin-saving mocktail.
20. Exfoliate… without scrubbing. "Over time, the natural enzymes in your
skin work less effectively at removing dead skin cells, so they hang on and
prevent your skin from reflecting light," says Wechsler. The result? You
look ashy and gray. Speed up your skin's cellular turnover and smooth its
surface with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) like glycolic or lactic acid. But
beware: Although lots of products include AHAs, the concentration is often too
low to do much. "Look at the label to see how much it contains and pick
one that's around 8%. Anything more is too much." Expect some initial
stinging at first; it should subside as your skin gets used to it.
21. Slip on your sunglasses. As if you need another reason to buy a new
pair of sunglasses, turns out they provide more protection against undereye
wrinkling and aging than sunscreen. "While your eyes are equipped to
handle sunlight, the area around them is comprised of the thinnest skin, where
most of the signs of aging are," says Amiry. "Every time you squint
from bright light, you're creating lines from that repeat movement." To
keep the wrinkles away, choose a pair of polarized glasses that's wide enough
to fully cover the eye area.
22. Drink an extra glass of water. "Water helps clear the toxins that cause
inflammation and blemishes," explains Eliaz. "It also assists in
transporting nutrients and oxygen to skin cells, and preventing dehydration,
which can cause premature aging." It can even make skin appear fuller
since the hyaluronic acid that naturally exists in skin will pull in and hold
the water for a wrinkle-plumping effect, according to Day. Both recommend at
least 8 glasses of water each day, more if you're active or live in a warm
climate. To add a little flavor, try a skin-soothing tea like chamomile or
mint.
23. Pour yourself a bowl of Cheerios for breakfast. If your skin has a case of the blahs, a lack
of zinc may be to blame. "People who are trying to lose weight or eating a
lot of processed foods might not be getting enough zinc to keep their skin
glowing," says Wechsler. And since zinc helps repair damaged tissues and
heal wounds, it also helps clear acne and other irritating skin conditions. A
cup of Cheerios has 25 percent of the daily recommended value of the powerhouse
nutrient, which will get you well on your way to a clear complexion.
24. Be patient with your products. We're all in a hurry to see results, but
putting on the brakes can ensure that the results you get are positive. When
you're starting a new product, use it every other day, and never try a few new
buys at once. "Even if you just got a new skincare system, introduce one
product every three to four days at the least," says Cook-Bolden.
"You'll rarely experience dryness, irritation, and burning. And if you do,
you'll know right away who the culprit is." Give any new potion at least
12 weeks (and up to 6 months) to see if it's really improving your skin before
calling it quits.
25. Put down the French fries. Research shows that a diet high in fats and
carbohydrates causes more wrinkles. "Creamy cheeses and red meats are
actually known as aging fats because of what they do to our skin," says
Wechsler. To keep your cells revved up and rejuvenated, stick to lean protein
like fish, white meat poultry, tofu, beans, and lentils.
26. Don't forget your veggies. Look for an anti-aging cream that has
plant-derived antioxidants such as mushroom or soy. Data from
Alexiades-Armenakas' lab shows that the level of antioxidant-free radical
scavenging (i.e. the little warriors that fight off all of the bad stuff that
causes premature aging) with plant-derived antioxidants is off the charts.
"Plants have anti-cancer properties when we eat them, which means they
survive the digestive process," she says. "Think of what that that
means for their long-lasting powerful benefits when applied directly to the
skin." Try Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Advanced
Face Serum.
27. Eat
your broccoli. Move over,
oranges. "Just a half cup of raw broccoli is loaded with 65 percent of
your daily value of vitamin C," says Morgan. Research shows that vitamin
C-rich foods not only mop up the free radicals that cause wrinkles and sagging,
but can help remove the DNA damage they form. While you're reaping the
wound-healing and skin-protecting benefits of eating more vitamin C, try
smoothing some on your skin as well. In one study, women who treated
sun-damaged skin with a vitamin C cream for 6 months saw significant
improvement in fine lines and discoloration.
28. Keep
your hands off your face. "Picking—even
lightly—can permanently damage skin," says Amiry. "I actually have
patients whose skin cleared up with no medications, just because they stopped
touching it." Every time you press against a pimple, it causes
inflammation and distress to the skin. At the same time, bacteria is pushed
deep inside the pore, and the oil glands burst, causing even more trauma. The
result? More acne, plus discoloration and scarring. If you're really hooked on
popping, leave it to the pros and schedule regular monthly extractions with an
aesthetician who knows how to do them safely and gently.
29. Whip up a berry tasty treat for your skin. A powerful (cheap!) anti-aging potion is
lurking right in your fridge. Raspberries are loaded with ellagic acid, an
antioxidant that research shows can prevent wrinkles when applied to the skin.
"It protects the collagen that keeps skin plump and beautiful from being
worn down by the sun," says Wu. Add in honey, a natural humectant that
holds water against the skin for maximum moisture, and you've got a recipe for
gorgeous, dewey skin. Mash up a handful of raspberries with a spoonful of
honey, and apply the mask to clean skin for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
30. Make your sunscreen work harder for you. Antioxidants like vitamin C offer an extra
layer of protection again environmental damage and toxins, diverting them
before they can damage your cells. "That's why applying them as part of
your morning routine boosts the efficacy of your sunscreen," explains
Amiry. "It's important to know that sunscreens are chemicals that you are
applying to your skin and they absorb into your body. So, use a lighter sunscreen
daily such as SPF 15 along with vitamin C and a higher sunscreen (about 30)
every two hours if you are outdoors for a long period of time."
