When younger looking skin is the goal, a lot must be done.
We’re talking studying skincare like you’re studying for the SATs, flocking to the nearest beauty aisle for must-have products and making some beauty sacrifices.
But in the end, the payoff is worth it, as you’ll be well on your way to younger looking skin, at any age. To help you get there, we tapped the minds of professionals for their skincare insights.
how can I make my face look younger?
Attaining younger looking skin is as easy as unzipping your makeup bag. "Keeping your skin hydrated with serums and moisturizers for your specific skin type, keep the face looking youthful and fine lines away," says Michelle Bouse, an esthetician and beauty expert in Los Angeles.
Since less is more, she recommends a few swaps that will save your skin in the long run. To start, skip the foundation and use a tinted moisturizer instead. Follow this up with a highlighter (preferably one that’s as bright as your future). "Adding light highlights along the brow bone and cheekbones give the face a more soft, illuminated tone," Bouse tells Lively. She also recommends skipping heavy powders and overdrawn lips.
What is good for younger looking skin?
Exfoliation is a fast route to radiant skin. "So many people overlook this simple treatment, but doing it 2-3 times per week will allow for better product penetration, better makeup application and better cell turnover," says Blouse.
"Regular exfoliation also 'exercises' the skin in turn stimulating circulation, which also helps tone and firm resulting in younger looking skin,” she adds.
Retinol is another key to graceful aging. "A vitamin A derivative is the gold standard of anti-aging works best at night to reduce fine lines and wrinkles," says cosmetic dermatologist. Dr. Michele Green. The next sought-after vitamin for the skin is vitamin C.
"Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fights free radical damage and protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays,” says Dr. Green. "Vitamin C also aids in collagen production, brightens the skin, reduces discoloration and softens fine lines and wrinkles."
How can I look younger naturally?
Before you book that cosmetic appointment, look to fine-tuning your lifestyle habits. According to Dr. Green, this list is pretty vast, including not smoking or binge drinking, washing your face daily and eating a healthy diet.
Related Articles
Avoiding smoking and drinking shouldn't come as a surprise. "Even if you’re a closet smoker, the fine wrinkles and pallor that cigarettes cause can give you away just one more reason to snuff out those smokes," explains Dr. Green. As for the skin-healthy habits you should take on, celebs like Victoria Beckham eat salmon every day for flawless skin. "Fatty fish are a great source of the much-needed omega-3 fatty acids, and salmon might be your best bet to fulfill the body's nutritional needs and preserve your skin's smoothness and freshness," says Dr. Green.
How can I look younger at 40?
"Diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can be frustrating for many at this age," says Dr. Rina Allawh, a board-certified dermatologist. She explains that a lot of skin-related changes happen at this age, including potential hormonal changes that result in adult acne (yes, really) and subsequent acne-induced hyperpigmentation. To counteract these effects, "daily sunscreen and nightly retinol use are increasingly important for management of both."
Since loss of bone density is another factor that affects people over 40, Dr. Green recommends strength training and taking a collagen supplement to help support healthy bones.**
What is the secret to looking younger?
Turning back the clock starts and ends with sun prevention. "The sun is the No. 1 cause of wrinkles, with dozens of studies documenting the impact," explains Dr. Green. The best times to avoid the sun are between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. "By avoiding sun exposure during peak hours, sun exposure may be reduced by as much as 60%," she says. But since this isn't exactly realistic for most, meet your skin in the middle with diligent use of SPF. Dr. Green also encourages the use of protective clothing, sunglasses and finding shade wherever you can.
