I remember the last time I met up with old friends over coffee. I received comments like:
You look tired!
Are you always working overtime?
Is everything alright?
This came awfully weird to me since I had slathered on more makeup than usual that day and I’m usually quite a happy person. We went on to talk about our younger days and sharing photos 5 years ago. I could tell instantly that I looked different. My eyes lost their spark, my skin looked dull, there were a few facial lines that don’t seem to go away and the overall complexion was just plain horrible. I can’t help but feel… Aged.
On the other hand, I had a friend who looked pretty much the same as before! Why is life unfair like that? We’re both working adults and eating pretty much the same amount (she’s a huge eater like me). Her face was still flawless, her eyes were still bright and sparkly. Genetics aside, there must be some actions that she took and I did not. I made it my life mission to find out. If I’m feeling this way, I’m sure many others would have felt the same when meeting up with decade-old friends. With this in mind, I set out to do my own research on anti-aging.
Research Online For Anti-Aging Solution?
It is common to read about people searching for the secret anti-aging elixir. Seems like humans do want to continue looking youthful. It is even more prominent in the 21st century. Look at the options we have today – Botox, endless beauty products, anti-aging face massage that promises to rewind your body clock, and more. Many are willing to ‘go all out to look much younger than their real age.
After much research online, I noticed a very interesting theory. It seems that you should introduce an anti-aging routine into your lifestyle in your 20s, preferably at age 25. The common misconception is that you should only use anti-aging products when you’re older. According to Marie Claire blog article, a New York Cosmetic Dermatologist, Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, explained that an older woman who starts using an expensive anti-aging product only in her 60s will not have the same effect as a younger woman who is consistently taking care of her skin since her 20s. Not surprised at all to hear this, but how many of us are practicing this in our 20s? Who would have thought of that? I definitely bought into the idea that anti-aging should begin in your 20s. After all, you would want your anti-aging products to retain how you look at age 25, for the next few decades. Makes sense?
Engaging in an anti-aging routine is a lifestyle. Here are 4 simple steps to start doing today:
#1) Start Using Anti-Aging Products In Your 20s
Personally, I prefer traditional methods of using anti-aging creams on my face rather than injecting it every other month. It is important to look for anti-aging products rich in hydrating properties to keep your skin supple and radiant. Remember, when you’re in your 20s, you want to ensure that you maintain this look for the rest of your life. You need a good quality product to keep your skin hydrated and nourished. A little investment today goes a long way. Coverderm Luminous Serum boasts of a strong formula that is packed with nutrients your skin needs to retain its elasticity and radiance. This product is also suitable for all skin types. Another good product to consider is the SK II Facial Treatment Essence. This is loaded with Pitera™, which is said to help retain your skin’s moisture better. If you’re in your 20s, a small amount of product is sufficient with each application.
#2) Use Sunscreen Daily To Slow Aging
One of the major factors to aging your skin is the Sun. Prolonged exposure to the harmful UV rays can cause serious damage to the layers of your skin. There are a lot of studies that have shown how an extended period of exposure to the sun will quicken the process of aging, making us look much older than our actual age. Sunscreens should be your best friend and applied daily. Pick sunscreens of a higher SPF value. The higher the value, the more protection you will receive. UV Plus Day Screen Multi-Protection SPF50 PA+++ Translucent (30ml) from Clarins boasts of high SPF50 value and has a light density, leaving your skin looking fresh and radiant. Another excellent product to get is the Multi-Defense UV Protector SPF 50 (30ml) from SHISEIDO. This product is created with the impressive OptiVeil-UV technology which protects your skin against photo-aging. In addition, this product also water-resistant, great for some of us who perspire easily.
At the same time, protect your eyes from the sun by wearing shades whenever possible. The skin around your eyes is so delicate, you need to pay extra care and attention to it.
#3) Exercise and Sleep
Keeping fit and healthy is an important component of a youthful body. You will notice that women in their 50s who exercise and sweat regularly, often look much younger than their actual age. This is because when you exercise, toxins are released from the body through your sweat. This encourages and speeds up the repair system in your body to build newer cells. The more you exercise, the faster you’re accelerating this process. Start building a habit to exercise at least 30 mins a day, 5 times a week. Do not wait till you’re old to hit the gym. Good habits are formed at an earlier age and it will leave a lasting result on your health, looks, and confidence.
Sufficient sleeping time is also another agent to slow the aging process. Having a good amount of night rest means giving your body enough time to repair and grow. A simple analogy is this — Will you trust the repair work on an airplane that took 4 or 8 hours? I’d pick 8 hours, anytime.
#4) Manage Your Stress. Cliché, but Important.
Stress is another trending factor that causes you to age, dramatically. When you do not manage stress properly, the resulting consequences are devastating to the status of your health, looks, and overall complexion. Do you realize how some friends aged so quickly after taking on a highly stressful job? Their skin is often pale and they tend to have an overall, saggy complexion. You feel so bad for them that you just want to drag them out and reboot their life.
Your body takes a huge toll when it is under stressful conditions caused by the external environment — your work, your daily routines and etc… Your body is unable to heal itself when there are so many bad vibes jabbing at it. Even a machine will wear out over time. Managing stress takes effort, patience, and discipline. A good way to manage stress is to pick up meditation. Meditation makes you aware of your trigger points that cause stress. It also allows you to relax and be mindful of your thoughts. Practice meditating 5 mins before you sleep and after waking up. Make a promise to yourself to carry this out for the next 30 days. A relaxed body is a happy, youthful body!
Ready To Begin Your Skin Care Journey?
After reading this article, it is important to take immediate action and understand what skincare products every woman should have. Small actions will always beat inaction. Follow our simple guide if you’re new to an anti-aging lifestyle and push through until it forms a daily habit. If you delay, you may just end up like the many others who are desperate to buy a $200 anti-aging product at a later age just to ‘rewind the clock’.
You might be interested to find out more about how to build up your skin care routine, or how you can deal with dry skin issues.
You can consider these 5 great supplements that can help turn back the clock, and these great vegan skincare products option that slow aging.
BTEGA is here to help you build your self-care routine through the products we sell. We offer free deliveries for purchases over $80 and all products are 100% authentic. Till then, we’ll introduce more skin care routines for the different skin types and purposes.
[This guide is not intended to replace advice given by your dermatologist or doctor in any way. Please speak to your dermatologist if your skin condition worsens.]