Aging….touchy subject! First I’d like to start by checking in – millennials, y’all doin okay? Reached 30 yet? We gotta stick together on this one, am I right?? As a recently 30 year old, I will tell you it’s not as scary as it sounds. It’s actually pretty smooth sailing on this end – I promise you’ll prefer it over your 20s! But let’s get real about the topic that reels over every woman’s mind – anti-aging. How do we embrace aging but still maintain a youthful glow? Keep scrolling for some of my favorite “anti-aging” tips!
It’s Never Too Early
Some may tell you it’s too early for you to be concerned about aging, but It’s never too early to start incorporating anti-aging practices into your routine. Actually, the earlier you start/build up the habit, the easier it is to keep up with, and the more effective it will be over time. If you’re under 25 I caution you not to be freaking out about aging yet, but if you want to get started with some preventative measures, by all means, keep reading!
Hydrate!
We’ve all heard this one plenty of times from plenty of people. Let’s start from the inside and work our way out. The recommended daily water consumption for adults is 2.7L for women and 3.7L for men. What’s your number? It’s easy to slack on drinking water at times, but try to find ways to make it work for you – more tea, try sparkling if that’s your jam, filter it + add fruit slices, as long as you drink it!
Now for topical hydration. If not already, you should have a dedicated cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, and bonus if there’s a serum you like (I recommend Vitamin C or Hyaluronic Acid if you’re just starting out!). And to the point of sunscreen, let’s debunk some common myths:
Only needed when going outside– Wrong! If you sit by a window the sun can still see you. Use it daily!Only needed in sunny weather/warmer months– Wrong! The sun can actually have a more intense effect in winter/snowy weather, since it reflects off of snow. Use it for every season!Only needed for fairer skin tones– Wrong! Darker skinned people are still at risk of skin cancer, wrinkles and burning if sunscreen isn’t used. It’s for everyone!
Overall, hydration slows the signs of aging. Be sure you’re putting moisture back in as you are able. Even if your skin requires a product or two that dries out your skin, make sure your other skincare products replenish the hydration you’re stripping out!
Stop Pulling!
In my early teens, I went to Barbizon Modeling & Talent School, and the one tip that stuck with me is not to pull on the side of your eyes when applying mascara, because it causes crows feet! Having learned that tip early on, this is something I’ve consciously applied in other areas of life. How much are you touching your face and how often are you actively, subconsciously causing wrinkles? Think about your hand placement next time you’re lying on the couch – are you pulling? What about when applying cleanser or moisturizer – are you aggressively pulling/rubbing your face up and down? Can you try to start gently working your way upward? Keep all this considered next time you touch your face – it’s a great habit to break now, cause those signs of aging, like wrinkles, will sneak up on you!
“Get Ya Roll On”
If you haven’t tried a quartz or jade roller, what exactly are you waiting for? “Rolling” your skin stimulates lymphatic draining, the results of which are plumping your skin, brightening dark circles, smoothing down wrinkles or fine lines, etc. Individual crystals are abundant and inexpensive, so there’s no reason to shell out tons of money on a roller that costs $100 – I promise it has the same effect as that $15 roller you passed by in the store! If you’re new to rolling, here’s how to do it:
- Forehead: start from the center of your face and roll outwards, towards your temples
- Under Eyes: start from your nose and roll straight across your under eyes, slightly upward and working all the way to your temples
- Cheeks: start from the middle of your chin and roll upwards to the corner of your ear
- Neck/Chin: If you deal with pesky lymph nodes around your neck and/or chin, start from behind your ear and roll inwards towards under your chin
I’ve read to do 3 reps and elsewhere I’ve heard to do up to 15 reps. However many reps work in your routine, do so gently when your face is freshly moisturized. It’s almost like magic, I started noticing results after my first try!
Vitamins
Sorry to sound like someone’s grandpa, but we need to get serious about taking our vitamins, y’all. There are plenty of cutely-branded multivitamin subscription services on the market, and of course at your local pharmacy. If you have unique nutrition concerns and need certain vitamins more than others, I’d say buy those individually as well. Pill popping is never fun, but your youthful glow will thank you!
Treat Your Face Like Your….
My last tip is my favorite one I’ve stumbled upon along the way. Anatomically-speaking, our skin is thinnest on our necks, under our eyes, the back of our hands, and on our privates, somewhat in that order. What does this mean for your skincare routine? Treat your face, neck and hands with the same delicacy and care that you treat your… kitty cat ;).
People love to spend loads of time on anti-aging for the face but tend to leave their necks and back of hands in the dust. Don’t be this person! Anything you use daily/twice a day on your face (i.e. moisturizer, serum, sunscreen), be sure to also apply to your hands and neck. Similarly, with face masks, be sure to extend to your neck as well. I haven’t tried a face mask on my hands yet…but I may just have to check it out, it definitely couldn’t hurt!
All things considered, remember that aging is nothing to fear, and self-love is always the goal. I’m an advocate for embracing the signs of aging, but there’s no harm in easing into that process gradually! There is so much and also so little you can do to slow down the process, which I believe even helps us embrace it from a mental perspective. All of our products have anti-aging properties. Try the product that works best for you and implement these tips in your routine.
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