Keeping Your Skin Healthy at Any Age

Did you know that your skin is your body’s largest organ? Well, now you do and you should be more motivated than ever to take care of it! Your skin is also a constant protector against the environment, whether it’s the rain, wind, heat, or germs and viruses.

All the more reason to seriously invest in good skincare, starting now. Let’s learn more about collagen, sunblock, and food helpers to keep your skin healthy and radiant at any age. 

Embrace collagen: your skin’s new bestie!

By now, you must have heard of collagen. It’s not just a trendy buzzword. Collagen is a protein that’s found in our body, and it’s super helpful in maintaining skin elasticity. As we age, our body’s natural collagen production eases up. And yet we still need collagen, as it helps to strengthen our skin, reduce wrinkles, and boost hydration. So, the next best thing is to get collagen from foods like bone broth or citrus fruit, as well as supplements. Plus, collagen isn’t just a beauty secret – it even plays a role in healing wounds. 

Sunblock: a non-negotiable

We need at least a few minutes of sunlight each day for that precious Vitamin D that helps our bodies absorb calcium, keeps our bones strong, boosts our immune system, and improves our mood. The problem is that a little sun goes a long way…

So, first things first. Hydrate, hydrate, and then hydrate a little more! Sun exposure saps moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and flaky. Combat this by drinking plenty of water, using moisturisers, and applying after-sun care like cooling lotions.

No matter your skin colour and tone, UV rays can cause inflammation, premature ageing, and even skin cancer. When shopping for sunblock, get one with an SPF of 30+, and reapply it throughout the day. After a day in the sun, take a cool shower and moisturise your skin with an aloe vera gel or something similar.

Start a skincare routine before your 30s

There’s no right or wrong way to age, it’s a natural and personal process. What you can do is focus on keeping your skin healthy and supple.

• Use a gentle cleanser each day to remove impurities without stripping natural oils. 
• Buff away dead skin cells for a radiant glow. You don’t need an expensive product either; try a DIY brown sugar and coconut oil scrub that you can whip up in your kitchen. 
• The delicate under-eye area ages faster, so use an eye cream that’s created especially to minimise puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines. 
• A hydrating moisturiser keeps skin soft and supports its natural barrier. 
• When it comes to serums, look for hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or retinoids to tackle dryness, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
• Finally, don’t forget sunblock. It’s the holy grail of skincare, protecting your skin against UV damage every single day. 

Skincare is seasonless

Each season presents unique challenges for your skin. In summer, it’s essential to hydrate and protect against harsh sun rays with water, SPF, and light moisturisers. During winter, you must keep dryness away with heavy-duty moisturisers. Also, avoid long, hot showers that can strip your skin’s natural oils. In Spring and summer, it’s time to reset your routine with hydrating masks and gentle exfoliation. 

Feed your skin from within

Have you noticed how your skin glows when you drink lots of water? A healthy diet does wonders for your skin. Cut back on sugar and salt, drink plenty of water, and fill up on leafy greens like spinach and kale. These are packed with vitamins and minerals that keep your skin glowing. 

Good-to-know

Consistency and care should be your skin mantra. Your skin is with you for life, so treat it with kindness. It doesn’t matter if you use the most expensive products or try every new viral skin trend; your skin needs regular care. Healthy skin isn’t about perfection; it’s about protection, hydration, and a little self-love. When in doubt, consider a dermatologist, especially if you’re struggling with persistent acne, pigmentation, or unexplained dryness that may need an expert eye.

Finally, avoid overloading your skin with multiple new products – less is often more!

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.