Wrinkles are a natural part of ageing, but one many of us over 50s would like to avoid. While the skin’s ageing process is inevitable, it’s also affected by various aspects of your lifestyle, which means there are things you can do to follow a good skincare regime which will help to keep the visible signs of ageing to a minimum. Living healthily will have a significant positive impact on your skin, limiting the kind of damage that would only make you look older than you are. Make sure you’re following these simple tips.

Avoid Sunbathing and Sunbeds

While you may like the look of sun-kissed skin, dermatologists say there’s no such thing as a healthy tan. Over-exposure to UV rays will only increase your risk of skin cancer, as well as making your skin age faster. It can cause extra wrinkles, age spots and generally blotchy complexions.

Wear Sunscreen Religiously

When you do go outside, always wear sunscreen to prevent such damage. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen which will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to do this even if it’s not sunny – UV rays can penetrate clouds and harm your skin even on dull days.

Treat Dryness

While older skin is naturally drier, there’s plenty you can do to combat this. Use a good moisturiser and avoid harsh skincare products that strip the skin of its natural oils. Adequately moisturising your skin will help it to retain some youthful plumpness. You could even use a humidifier to add a little moisture to the air in your home.

Eat Healthily

A healthy diet keeps your body functioning at its best on the inside, which can have a noticeable impact on your skin. Good nutrition helps the body to repair the skin, keeping it looking a little younger. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, are particularly helpful for boosting cell turnover in the skin, reducing the amount of wrinkles you get.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can make your skin look drier and more wrinkled, so drink plenty of water to prevent this. Staying properly hydrated helps to lock moisture into your skin and plump it up a little, reducing that dry appearance that older skin can often have. Dehydration can also make your skin look dull, so drinking enough will help you to maintain a more youthful glow.

Choose the Right Anti-Ageing Products

There are plenty of anti-ageing skincare products on the market so it can be difficult to determine which are most likely to give you the wrinkle-reducing benefits you’re looking for. There are certain ingredients that are known to have great results, so make sure you know what they are so you can look out for them. Read our article on wrinkle-busting ingredients you may find helpful.

Don’t Smoke

If you are a smoker, try to give up the habit. Research has shown that smoking prematurely ages the skin because it deprives it of oxygen and nutrients. Smoking will reduce the skin’s strength and elasticity, making it wrinkle and sag more than it should.

Finally…..

Many turn to drastic methods of making their skin look younger, such as cosmetic surgery, but remember that practising simple skincare basics can have a real, noticeable effect. Little habits that you may not think have a dramatic impact on your appearance will actually do a lot to enhance your natural beauty and keep the years from taking too much of a toll on your skin.

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