Anti-Aging: 3 Tips for Glowing Skin

NOVEMBER 2, 2021

Anti-aging is one of those buzz words that seems to pop up everywhere. 

I don’t think I noticed it much in my 20’s, but somewhere about 35 – it seems like my radar went off as the fine lines and crows feet started to set in.  Now it feels like everywhere I turn, the message is all about anti-aging.

The truth is that no matter how hard we try, how many potions we rub on, or how many injections we may get – we can’t reverse the signs of aging nor can we stop it.  I think the goal, at least for me, is to slow it the heck down.  When we get into a mindset that we can stop or reverse it, that is when we overdo it and end up looking like the Cat Lady with duck lips – you feel me?

Growing up in Florida, I pretty much did everything I could to ruin my skin.  I NEVER used sunscreen, used baby oil to tan my body, and went to the tanning bed religiously.  So it shouldn’t have been a surprise that I got my first melanoma at 32 and had 2 more after that.  Following the 3x melanoma scare, I became even more hyper-vigilant about protecting my skin and best anti-aging practices.

Today, anti-aging starts with what I put IN our body, how I treat my body and what I put ON our body that determines beautiful glowing skin.  

These three practices are non-negotiable for me when it comes to great skin over 40. At the end I also want to share with you my personal skin care routine!

 

Staying Hydrated

Your skin is the largest organ in your body and it’s mostly made up of water.  When your skin doesn’t get enough water, it not only becomes dry and flaky, but it will also be more prone to the signs of aging

Staying hydrated improves your complexion by increasing blood flow to the skin.  It also helps to flush your your digestive system and flush out the toxins in the body which leads to better skin.

On a daily basis usually aim to get 80ounces – 1 gallon of water a day.  Yes I am peeing all day long but I start to cut the water down at 7pm so that I’m not up all night peeing.

 

The Food I Eat

There are many nutritious foods that taste delicious, and can help you maintain that glow. Here are a few foods to add to your diet for anti-aging.

 

OATS

Oats  are a complex carbohydrate which are a part of a clean eating diet.  They are also rich in antioxidants and loaded in fiber. When it comes to anti-aging, because their plant composition helps to prevent irritation of the skin and can actually protect your skin’s cells.  Make sure you choose rolled oats or old-fashioned oats, not the packets of dried oatmeal that is made in a few minutes in the microwave. The less processed, the better it will be for you. 

POMEGRANATES

Pomegranates are known as a superfood, meaning they have a higher-than-normal amount of nutrients. They have lots of vitamin C, which is going to help protect those skin cells to avoid damage that would have otherwise led to premature signs of aging. Pomegranates also have antioxidants in them.  Pomegranates are unique in that when you cut it open, you are not getting the “flesh” of the fruit, but the seeds themselves. These can be added to a smoothie, sprinkled on oatmeal or cereal, or even top a salad for a fruity bite.

BLUEBERRIES

Another fruit that you can enjoy daily for anti-aging purposes is blueberries. These are a popular fruit and for good reason. Not only are blueberries delicious and versatile, but they are a superfood loaded with antioxidants. In fact, blueberries have more antioxidants than most other foods. With these healthy little berries, you can prevent wrinkles and fine lines, and keep your skin firmer for a longer period of time.  I add blueberries to my smoothie almost every day.

AVOCADOS

Next up are your avocados. While often considered a vegetable, avocados have seeds, therefore they are actually a fruit. Avocados provide a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and various other nutrients. These are all important for healthy, hydrated skin that won’t show the signs of aging prematurely. 

Avocados are loaded with healthy fats which are easy to add to different meals and snacks, and can help keep you full in between meals.  I eat ½ to a full avocado every day!

BRUSSEL SPROUTS

For vegetables, one of the best ones for anti-aging is brussels sprouts. You might not be a huge fan of brussels sprouts, but give them a chance! It is all in the seasoning and how you choose to cook them. Roasting brussels sprouts in olive oil and balsamic vinegar with some nice seasonings is a popular option.

These have nutrients your skin needs to maintain its youthful appearance, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate. 

COLD WATER FISH

Coldwater fish tends to be best for your skin and anti-aging because it contains omega-3 fatty acids. These are often called fatty fish or oily fish. It includes fish like:

  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Mackerel
  • Sardines

These fish are loaded with those omega-3s that help to keep your skin hydrated and protect it from fine lines and wrinkles. They also help with other skin conditions, including blemishes and eczema.

GREEN TEA

The last food on the list is actually a drink – green tea. Green tea contains properties like catechins that can actually protect your skin from sun damage. While you still need property sun protection and sunscreen, this can boost your skin’s ability to protect itself with prolonged sun exposure.

 

Lifestyle

When it comes to how we treat our bodies on a daily basis, there are 3 things that impact the health and appearance of our skin - stress, exercise and sleep.

Chronic stress can make the skin more sensitive and can also throw our hormones off balance which can trigger skin problems like acne.  When I am stressed, I tend to break out all around my mouth and chin and it isn’t cute!!  So avoiding the teenage acne face is just one more reason to work on ways to manage stress in our lives.

Regular exercise is key to anti-aging for many reasons, but when it comes to our skin and fighting wrinkles it is imperative.  When we exercise we get the heart rate up which improves blood circulation which can deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin.  This keeps promoting collagen production (helping with elasticity) and new skin cells which is amazing for anti-aging.

A good night’s sleep (7-8 hours) is another key way to promote anti-again.  Sleep is when we give our body a chance to rest and repair which includes our skin.  Thi is when our cells regenerate

 

My Skincare Routine

I'll be honest, it took me a long time to find a good skin care routine because I was always trying new things and couldn’t get into a good rhythm.  I was having a lot of issues with breakouts and my skin was always so dry!  It wasn’t until I made the change to these products that my skin changed.

First, I ditched the foaming cleansers and switched to an oil cleanser.  The first time I used it I was skeptical but I couldn’t believe how well it removed the makeup and left my skin so hydrated.  I like to use  Beauty Counter Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil. 

My second go-to product is Skinceuticals C E Ferullic which is an incredible vitamin C serum.  Vitamin C serum helps with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and brightens the skin.  It also reduces oxidative damage from UV exposure.  I have to admit, this one is pretty pricey but you only use a little bit and so it lasts for a long time.  I have done a lot of personal research on Vitamin C and this one always comes out on top.  I love it because it absorbs so easily in the skin.

The next thing I put on my face is a day oil that I have been loving by company called Dr. Skinfeed.  This is a new women-led skincare company that promotes an all-natural skincare line.  The product I am loving is the Day Oil.  It contains Baobab Oil which works anti-aging wonders by fighting free radicals and Jojoba and Moringa Seed Oil which moisturize and replenishes your skin.  The Day Oil also contains Raspberry Seed Oil which protects the skin against UVA and UVB rays. This is super important for me given my history with melanoma.  

The last two steps of my skincare routine are a lightweight moisturizer with SPF.  I don’t really have a go to as I mix it up depending on the season but I always make sure I layer with a good SPF of at least 30.

Lastly, I use a prescription strength Retina-A every night on my face.  It is used to treat fine wrinkles/lines and dark spots caused by years of sun damage.   Using the cream works to constantly exfoliate and turn over new skin which has really changed the texture and appearance of my skin.  

I love talking about topics like this in my private FB group.  This group is for you if you are looking for a community of women that you can come as you are!  I love this safe space where we can get REAL with all things women's weight loss, health and life over 40.  Join HERE!

 

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