Five Simple Steps to Looking Five Years Younger

While hopes may start out high at the beginning of a new year, the unfortunate truth is most resolutions fizzle out by February. Goals set with the best of intentions are easily neglected as you settle back into your normal routine. But this doesn’t mean it’s too late to set a resolution that will help you feel healthier, look younger, and is easy to stick to all year long.

The skin is the body’s largest organ, so it’s important to treat it with care. Signs of aging can start to appear as early as your late twenties. To combat wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots, providing overall health to your skin is key. Below are five simple steps you can take to transform your skin, keeping you radiant for the rest of 2016.

1. Practice safe sun.

Sun is vital to our health. Without it, we will become vitamin D deficient, the consequence of which is our health and wellbeing. You should aim for being in the sun safely for at least fifteen minutes a day. But be sure to protect your skin if outdoors for longer periods by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves.

2. Incorporate healthy skincare practices.

As a living, breathing thing, your skin needs to be treated as such. You should include safe practices daily, like cleansing and moisturizing to ensure your skin is nourished and radiant. Also, familiarizing yourself with your own skin type and using products that best compliment your specific complexion, whether it’s dry, oily, or a combination is important to get the best results.

3. Select products that work.

When it comes to anti-aging, there are always the “latest and greatest” products that, unfortunately, don’t hold up under scrutiny. When looking for effective products look for active ingredients that are present in efficacious amounts. The higher the amount of the ingredient in the product, the earlier it will show up on the label. Ingredients in high concentrations show up first, ingredients in small concentrations show up last. Beware of companies that tout active ingredients but include them in such small amounts they are likely to have little to no effect.

4. Supplement your skincare routine.

Certain foods and diets are proven to help delay the signs of aging and keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant. Dermatologists suggest eating foods high in antioxidants, “smart” fats, and even dark chocolate. In addition to eating a balanced, healthy diet, supplements such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, fish oil, and coconut oil can benefit your skin’s health as well. Of course, before taking any supplements it’s important to always consult with your doctor.

5. Drink more H₂0

Just like your body needs water, your skin needs to be hydrated too. If you aren’t drinking enough water, it will inevitably show up on your skin by drying it out and making it tight and flaky. If your daily dose of H₂0 is lacking, make drinking water more exciting by livening up with fresh fruit like strawberries, lemons, blueberries, and kiwi. This will give it a delicious kick and encourage you to keep drinking.

If you’re ready to turn back time and reveal true beauty from within, all it takes are these five simple steps!

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