There’s a lot of bad beauty advice out there, making it difficult to know what to believe. You may have good intentions, but following the wrong information could end up doing more harm than good to your skin.
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are five anti-aging skincare tips that have been approved by expert dermatologists – not only are they tips that you can trust, but they’ve also been proven by science to be effective.
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Double Cleansing is Worth the Effort
If you’ve not heard of double cleansing before, you’re missing out. This technique involves cleansing your face with an oil-based cleanser first, before following up with a water-based cleaner. The reasoning behind this is that the first cleanser breaks down dirt, makeup, and excess oil, while the second works on a deeper level, removing any residue while hydrating the skin.
Giving your skin such a thorough cleanse will allow the other products that you use to penetrate deeper into your skin’s layers. As a result, they’ll be so much more effective.
Everyone Should Be Using a Retinoid
When it comes to anti-aging, just about every dermatologist out there recommends using a retinoid. They have been proven to help with everything from fine lines and wrinkles to dark spots and rough skin, all of which you’ll experience more of as you age.
While prescription retinoids are the most potent form of the ingredient, dermatologists still highly recommend using over-the-counter retinoid products too. Look for retinol, retinyl palmitate, or retinaldehyde on the ingredients list to confirm that it contains vitamin A. Each form of the vitamin varies in potency, but they all bring about the same end result.
Overhaul Bad Lifestyle Habits
A good skincare routine isn’t enough to keep aging at bay. Lifestyle habits play a huge role in how your skin ages – make the right choices now and your skin will be thanking you a few decades on.
Let’s start with smoking, an obvious no-no. It suffocates the skin, causes wrinkles around the mouth, and exposes your skin cells to multiple toxins. Alcohol is another one to avoid because of its dehydrating effect, and it goes without saying that a healthy and balanced diet is vital for nourishing your skin from the inside out.
A lack of sleep can accelerate the skin aging process, so make sure that you’re getting enough shut-eye each night. Dermatologists also recommend regular exercise. Not only does this boost circulation to give your skin a rosy glow, but it goes a long way in reducing stress, something that heavily contributes to skin aging.
Invest in a Quality Antioxidant Serum
Your skin is exposed to so much environmental damage each day. UV rays, pollution, chemicals in the products that you use…the list goes on. All of these cause free radicals to develop within the skin – unstable molecules that damage skin cells and trigger premature aging. The only way to neutralize this damage is through the use of antioxidants.
Dermatologists generally advise that antioxidants be applied in serum form. Serums are lighter than creams, enabling them to travel deeper into the skin to deliver their benefits to the cells that need them the most.
Which antioxidants should you be looking out for? Vitamins C and E are fantastic, as are niacinamide and ferulic acid. Plant extracts are also packed with multiple antioxidants. Keep in mind that antioxidants work even better when combined, so the more the merrier!
Apply Your Moisturizer While Your Skin is Still Damp
Moisturizers are another product that dermatologists recommend everyone use. It doesn’t matter what your skin type may be – it still needs to stay hydrated. After all, without enough water, your skin cells won’t be able to function in the way that they should.
One dermatologist tip that has proven to be a game-changer for many is to apply moisturizer onto damp, rather than dry, skin. The moisturizer will then form a protective seal over all of those extra water molecules, preventing them from evaporating away. Instead, they’ll be pushed deeper into your skin. The cells that usually miss out on topical moisture will now be able to benefit from it too. Give it a try and you’ll notice that your skin immediately takes on a plumper, smoother, and brighter finish.
Summary
When it comes to skincare, dermatologists really do know what they’re talking about. Not only do they have access to all of the latest research, but they’re also extremely knowledgable about the best ingredients for your skin. While not everyone may have a dermatologist that they can turn to, these tips should set you on the right track to skin that looks youthfully firm and bouncy!
