© Ground Picture/Shutterstock Elderly woman looking in the mirrorIt seems like every time you look in the mirror, you notice a new line or wrinkle that wasn't there yesterday. All the wonderful experiences and memories you have created over the years have taken their toll on your body and skin. Just like getting out of bed in the morning isn't as easy as it used to be, your skin lacks the elasticity and collagen it once had.
This is mainly because your body is not producing collagen like it did when you were 20 years old. As a result, you may have invested a small fortune in anti-aging creams and serums to help you maintain your youthful glow. In addition to these must-have products, there are plenty of natural ways to help your skin age gracefully.
You probably don't know how important it is to drink enough water, get enough rest, and find ways to reduce stress, but there are other things you can do for this vital organ. You can't stop aging, but there are simple ways to prevent the effects of aging on your appearance. In fact, diet, exercise, sun protection, and massage can give your aging skin the boost it needs to look years younger.
Healthy skin needs protection and a clean lifestyle
© Prostock-studio/Shutterstock Elderly woman eating a saladAs you get older, your skin naturally starts to look a little worse due to the lack of collagen. However, this does not mean that you should go straight to a cosmetic surgeon. There are some simple steps you can take right now to help your skin heal. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a healthy diet and lifestyle, such as avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, is essential to keep skin looking fresh and youthful. Fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that help fight parenthood.
In addition, herring, salmon, and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are helpful in maintaining collagen levels. You can also try chopping almonds and sunflower seeds to add vitamin E and prevent further cell damage. Although they are rich in vitamin D, the sun can damage your skin. The American Cancer Society notes that UVA rays cause wrinkles, moles, and leathery skin. Therefore, it is very important to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun by using non-toxic or organic sunscreens and by wearing protective clothing such as hats and long sleeves.
If you skip sunscreen, you can also use natural oils like coconut oil and almond oil. However, they generally offer less than SPF 10, and a minimum of SPF 30 or higher is recommended for skin protection. Along with a cleaner lifestyle, consider adding a massage to your calendar.
Use exercise and massage to keep your skin toned.
© Image Source/Getty Images Woman getting a facial massageMassage has many known benefits. Not only does this make your muscles feel good, but it also gives your skin some important anti-aging benefits. A 2017 study published in the National Library of Medicine found that daily skin massage increased the release of substances like fibrillin, which give the skin greater elasticity. And when you're struggling with environmental factors and aging, you want to stretch as much as possible.
You can try different types of massage such as Swedish, Guasha and Shiatsu, which use gentle movements to relieve tension and drain the lymphatic system. If you also use anti-aging oils such as carrot seed oil and rosehip seed oil for massage, you will double your anti-aging power. Lying on this table is great, but you can also promote healthy skin by doing moderate exercise at least a few days a week.
10-15 minutes of exercise is enough to improve blood circulation and strengthen the immune system. While you might think that the blush from a good run is not very attractive, the truth is that it helps your skin look younger. Just think, you improve your skin step by step. As we age, wrinkles and fine lines appear. But you can reverse some of the damage with regular exercise, massage, and a healthy diet. Your body, mind and skin will thank you!
Read this next: What people with great skin do every day