Since we have still yet to discover the Fountain of Youth, we’ve resorted to more practical—albeit less magical—measures to stop Father Time in his tracks. Though we’ve tried many things at our dermatologist to keep us looking like teenagers forever (we can dream, okay), there are a number of fairly painless daily habits that also aid our case. Dr. Roshini Raj, NYC-based internist and founder of Tula skincare, knows a thing or two about the topic and has shared her top tips that, when practiced regularly, will help slow the aging process. Ahead, she dishes on easy ways to turn back the clock.
Take Sleep Seriously
"Early to bed, early to rise...you know the drill. If you’re looking to fight aging and look younger, the key may be sleep. It’s during the sleep cycle that cell renewal occurs and blood flow is elevated, so the best beauty aid in my opinion is a good night's sleep. (I try to go to bed and wake up at the same time, seven days a week.) But skin can become dehydrated at night, so it’s important to lather on a nourishing moisturizer."
Strengthen Your Skin’s Defenses
"The world is a dangerous place—for your skin. Fight off stress, environmental pollutants and free radicals with the power of topical probiotics. Probiotics—aka good bacteria—form a protective layer on the skin’s surface and help strengthen skin’s natural defense mechanisms. Probiotics also work to decrease inflammation, which is a major trigger of not only acne or rosacea, but also aging."
Incorporate A Serum
"If you want to fight wrinkles, firm your face, brighten your complexion, undo age spots and protect your skin from environmental aggressors, you’re going to need a serum. Serums are usually more fluid than a cream or ointment, which allows them to absorb more quickly and efficiently. They act as a great vehicle for delivering antioxidants, peptides, vitamins and other anti-aging ingredients to the skin. Try Tula's Illuminating Face Serum, which fights uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation and dull skin."
Meditate
"Practicing stress-relieving habits like meditation will help you look and feel younger. (Two kids, three careers—if it wasn't for meditation I would be a hot mess, inside and out.) Our skin is in many ways a window to our psyche, and the hormones we release when we are stressed can affect our skin and add years to our life."
Eat Your Way Young
"A couple years ago, I dramatically cut out my intake of refined sugars and started eating a wider variety of veggies, and my skin has never looked better. The link between food and beauty is incredibly powerful. Just by changing your diet, you can considerably change the way you look and feel. That’s why it is important to make greens, fruits, fatty fish, nuts and whole-grains part of your everyday diet. Those foods are packed with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins your body needs to produce healthy skin."
Walk To Work
"Living in NYC, and having a job that keeps me on my feet, I am constantly moving throughout the day. Add some extra steps to your day to stay vibrant and tone and firm your muscles (a sure indicator of a younger-looking body). If you drive to work, park your car a few blocks away from the building. That way you can get your legs working before you even get through the door. Same goes for you train and subway riders. Get off a stop or two early, or take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator."
Smile
"Turn that frown upside down and you instantly look younger—you have to make fun a priority. My friends and I go for regular girls’ nights out where laughter and dancing are a must. Connecting with the right friends reenergizes your body and gives you a necessary mental break, thereby reducing your stress."
Sweat It Out
"We all know how important exercise is for our bodies, but by promoting healthy circulation and bringing more oxygen to the skin, exercise also nourishes skin cells and helps keep you looking healthy and vibrant—one more fact that'll motivate you to hit the gym."
Rethink Your Bra
"As we age, the upper part of the breast loses volume, which results in cleavage that is less full. Most of us think that if a bra feels comfortable and gives a decent amount of support, then it gives good fit. But you really want to find a properly lifting bra so that it provides the perfect foundation for your clothes. The right bra can make your breasts look much better and fuller, giving you a younger-looking chest."
Don't Neglect Your Neck
"In the quest for a smooth, ageless face, the area from the chin to the check often gets forgotten. The skin on the neck is even thinner than on the face, and more subject to wear and tear since we move our neck so often. So make sure you give your neck extra pampering."
Take Care Of Your Smile
"Nobody likes to go to the dentist, but a dazzling, healthy smile does wonders for taking the years off. In addition to your check-ups and flossing regularly, you can look instantly younger by eliminating a buildup of stains, or preventing them from forming in the first place. After drinking a dark-colored beverage like red wine or coffee, drink a few glasses of water to wash away the acid and stain-inducing pigments."
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