From beach days in the sun to wine nights with the girls, you're living life to the fullest and soaking up every moment.

But that doesn't mean that you want your skin to show that off.

As you age, your skin's appearance is bound to change--that much is inevitable. However, you aren't completely at the mercy of the effects of time.

By learning to use cosmetic skin care to maintain and improve how your skin looks, you'll look better and feel better.

Before turning to plastic surgery and more invasive skincare procedures, discover 5 easy tips for improving your skin!

 

1. Examine Your Diet

 

In life, there's a time and place for indulging in sweet treats and your favorite meals. However, eating a holistic and balanced diet can do wonders for your skin over time.

By prioritizing foods that are high in fiber and antioxidants, like most fruits, you are nourishing your skin and promoting a clearer and younger appearance.

Additionally, eating more whole foods and less processed foods can help slow the impact of wrinkles and reduce breakouts.

Life is all about balance, and your skin relies on it too. Make sure to prioritize staying hydrated and drinking water to keep a moisturized and supple look!

 

2. Reduce Stress

 

We've heard the warnings that stress can cause frown lines and aggravated wrinkles, but there are more serious conditions that can develop from stress too.

Skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis can flare up or even be caused by excess stress in your life. 

While completely eliminating stress from your life may not be realistic, it's worth examining factors in your life that are known to give you anxiety.

If it's not possible to cut those factors out, find ways to practice more mindfulness and relaxation. Whether it be daily walks, alone time, or journaling, let your family know that relaxation is what the doctor ordered! 

It'll keep your skin happy, and you'll probably enjoy the peace too! As an added bonus, you may consider making regular facial appointments. Not only are they an added luxury, but they're a cosmetic skin care treatment that can keep your skin feeling its best.

 

3. Revamp Your Skincare Routine

 

If you're one of the lucky ones, you may have never given skincare a second thought. Sure you wash your face and put on moisturizer, but is there more to the story?

To improve the appearance of your skin, you may need to be more meticulous about your skincare routine and what skin care products you use.

Make sure to wash your face after sweating and remove makeup before bed. Retinol or retinoid may be worth investing in as well to combat wrinkles.

You should build a routine that becomes second nature to you so that you're used to cleansing and moisturizing in the same way that you're used to brushing your teeth or taking a shower.

While you don't need to buy out the entire skincare section at your local pharmacy, you may need to invest in higher-quality products that are specifically formulated for your skin type.

People with dry skin shouldn't be using the same products as those with oily or combination skin. If you're unsure of which skin care products are best for you, asking your cosmetic doctor for recommendations is one place to start.

 

4. Cut Back on Smoking and Drinking

 

We all do things that we know are bad for us. Sometimes, the consequences just feel worth bearing with.

However, as we get older, our bodies aren't as forgiving.

Smoking cigarettes especially aggravates and speeds up wrinkles. By smoking, the blood vessels in your skin are narrowed and blood flow is decreased. The result? Your skin is getting less oxygen.

You may be stuck with paler skin and more wrinkles.

Additionally, collagen and elastin are the fibers in your skin that give it its strength. Once you make smoking cigarettes a regular habit, those fibers will be damaged.

Finally, you may associate smoking cigarettes with lung cancer, but it can also increase your risk for skin cancer.

Drinking and smoking are doing no favors for your skin, so consider working with a doctor to quit!

 

5. Be Careful in the Sun

 

Days in the sun are some of the most cherished you'll experience, but the sun isn't always your friend.

While most people know to wear sunscreen, the quality and type of sunscreen make a difference as well.

You should apply sunscreen every day when going outdoors, even if the clouds are out. Not only will sunscreen prevent skin cancer, but it will also slow the development of wrinkles.

Women of all ages (including children) need sunscreen. Don't forget to reapply often!

If you love the look of sun-kissed skin, consider switching to a self-tanner. Laying out for long periods of time in direct sunlight can also cause premature aging.

In general, educate yourself on the signs of skin cancer, and be sure to contact a doctor if you develop any worrying spots. Regular dermatologist appointments are crucial to keeping your skin safe.

 

Simplify Cosmetic Skin Care

 

Ultimately, simplifying your life and turning to a balanced lifestyle will be best for your skin. Work with a doctor to find cosmetic skin care products that are best for you and work toward living a healthy life.

To shop products that work to prevent and fight wrinkles, check out our website! There you'll find dermatologist-approved skin care products that can be personalized for your specific needs.