We’ve rounded up some tips to help you prevent signs of ageing, naturally.
If you’re just entering into your thirties, the chances are that you have beautifully smooth and plump skin and that the idea of wrinkles or bags under your eyes seems like a lifetime away.
But the truth is that our skin changes a lot in our 30s.
Because of new surges in hormones and more sensitive skin, it’s the prime time to start investing in your beauty regime, which will have major ramifications as you age.
Neglect your skin now, and you’ll pay the price as you enter into your 40s and 50s. Put in the effort, and your future self will thank you for it.
Below, we’ve put together some of the things you can do to hold onto your youth for longer…
Don’t tan
One of the biggest mistakes you can make in your 20s and 30s is tanning.
We all know that sunbeds are harmful to our skin and can cause all sorts of issues including skin cancers, yet millions of women around the world continue to expose themselves to ultraviolet radiation.
And the same goes for natural sun exposure. If you sunbathe for too long, even with the right protection, your skin will discolour and you’ll damage your natural elastin and collagen.
Rather than sitting on the beach for hours on end or putting yourself in danger at the sunbed shop, use tanning creams, lotions, and gels, and keep on top of your sun cream application.
Oh, and don’t forget about sunglasses. Not only do they look great, but they protect delicate skin around the eyes and ensure you don’t wrinkle prematurely by squinting when it’s sunny.
Boost your antioxidant levels
One of the biggest contributors to premature ageing is free radicals and oxidative stress, so stock up on antioxidants as you enter into your thirties.
Sun exposure, smoking, pollution, and your cell metabolism can create free radicals, so find antioxidant vitamins and creams to reverse the damage and ensure your skin continues to look smooth for many years to come.
If you want to do it naturally, then opt for antioxidant-rich foods, which will increase your blood antioxidant levels to fight oxidative stress. Foods include pecan nuts, dark chocolate, blueberries, strawberries, goji berries, raspberries, kale, red cabbage, beans, and spinach.
Switch to face oils
Our skin loses its natural softness and springiness as we enter into our thirties, but you can overcome this with a good-quality face oil.
It’s easy to assume that oil will cause breakouts, but facial oils are actually a well-kept beauty secret and will help you stay looking young.
Not only are they packed with antioxidants which can reduce wrinkles, but they’re great for dry skin, protect your skin from toxins, improve your natural skin barrier, and shrink enlarged pores.
What’s more, they can calm rashes, they banish zits and spots, and they make for a great primer when applying makeup, hydrating your skin and creating a soft and firm canvas.
Protect your skin from the sun
Even in the United Kingdom, it’s so important to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, at all times of the year.
Look for a moisturiser or primer with SPF protection and top up throughout the day. Some creams now offer pollution protection, too, so shop around and don’t scrimp – it pays to put in effort and look after your skin.
Consider it an investment!
Cleanse regularly
It’s so tempting to rub off your makeup with a wipe at the end of a busy day and worry about it in the morning, but proper facial cleansing is essential to reduce dead skin cells and keep your face looking fresh and bright.
It doesn’t matter whether you wash your skin with a bar of soap or designer cleanser – the most important thing is to develop a routine and stick to it.
Avoid snacks
It might be boring, but it’s worth it.
Stick to three balanced meals every day and avoid snacks where possible. Snacking throughout the day causes insulin spikes which can cause havoc on your skin – fill up on vegetables and you’ll be less likely to reach for that chocolate biscuit.
Stop looking down
We’re all guilty of it: looking down at our phones when scrolling through Instagram or looking at our emails. It’s not only bad for posture, but it can lengthen your back and cause a double chin. Look up, see the world around you, and try to spend less time looking at your screen.
Go easy on alcohol
There’s nothing wrong with having a couple of glasses of wine when you’re catching up with friends, but drinking too much can cause your skin to dehydrate and dilate blood vessels.
What’s more, drinking too much can lead to skin conditions such as rosacea, so take it easy.
Cut out sugar and caffeine
If you want to prevent the signs of ageing, add more greens to your diet and cut out sugar and caffeine wherever possible. Sugar is known to increase the effects of ageing and it can have a damaging effect on conditions such as acne, as it activates inflammation and makes skin rough. Review your current diet and make simple changes that will benefit your health.
Don’t smoke
We don’t need to tell you: smoking is bad for you. Not only does it speed up the breakdown of collagen but it can constrict blood vessels which carry essential nutrients and oxygen to your skin.
And that’s without talking about wrinkles. Make it your aim to quit, or cut down your cigarette intake, and get your friends and family on hand to support you on your journey.
Try Oralift
Oralift is a device that’s designed to prevent signs of ageing.
It fits over your lower teeth and looks similar to a mouthguard. Designed to be worn for just two hours, every third day, with a dedicated app to manage your routine, you’ll be able to rejuvenate your face, naturally.
Users have reported a whole host of benefits, including reduced lines around the face and mouth, reduced bags under the eyes, and improved hair quality. Start using the device when you’re in your 30s and reap the rewards in the decades that follow.
Do you have any other tips to prevent signs of ageing that you think we should add to this list? Let us know on Twitter and check back for more advice on protecting your skin and looking your best.