5 Best Anti-Aging Habits That You Can Start Today
Try searching online for anti-aging tips and you will find lists that exceed 50 things that you must try. And while I am sure that many of those suggestions are good, it is challenging enough for me to start one new habit let alone 50.
Turning these tips into habits is where the magic starts. Once it becomes part of your routine, you will really begin to see and feel a difference.
I am all about making life a little easier and less overwhelming by sharing the 5 best anti-aging habits that you can start today. Start with one (any one of them) and go from there.
- Cut down on sugar... Sugar does not always make life sweeter. In fact, when we eat sugar, the collagen molecules start to cross-link, which causes our skin to lose elasticity and become stiffer—leading to wrinkled and aged skin. In an article by Dr. Frederick Danby, he explains the link between sugar and aging. Sugar also causes inflammation which causes body pain, contributes to diseases as well as aging. Chronic inflammation exhausts the skin’s defense system which will weaken the skins structure. Make it a habit to be aware of the sugar you are consuming and be on the lookout for hidden sugars. Foods such as salad dressings, so called healthy snacks and even ketchup, can have some surprising amounts of sugar in them.
- Add Antioxidants -Antioxidants are known to prevent free radicals from damaging cells in the body and the skin. They are found in a variety of fruits and vegetables and on the plus side, adding them to your diet is not only good for your skin, but for your overall health. Drastic diet changes can be intimidating and often do not last. Instead, try keeping a list handy with some of these foods rich in antioxidants and refer to it when meal planning, grocery shopping or dinning out.
- The Best Foods to consider for Anti-aging:
- Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
- Tomatoes
- Berries
- Beans, peas and lentils
- Salmon, mackerel and other fatty fish
- Nuts-especially walnuts
- Yellow and red peppers, carrots,
- Avocados – they are filled with the healthy fat your skin needs and helps it stay hydrated.
3. Put Your Best Face Forward – and don’t forget to wash it before climbing into bed. Follow a good skincare routine and be mindful of the ingredients you are putting on your skin. Try adding products that contain Bakuchiol, the new superstar of the skincare world. Bakuchiol is a gentle, vegan alternative to Retinol that is every bit as effective but does not cause the skin to be dry and irritated. Bakuchiol increases cell turnover thereby stimulating collagen production and diminishes the signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, skin laxity, and photodamage.
Get on a good skincare routine!
4. Drink more water -Drinking enough water is critical to getting and keeping that healthy glow. Drinking enough water daily helps to flush out toxins, reduce wrinkles, help your skin retain moisture, and reduce puffiness. Plump skin also helps to hide current signs of aging so that wrinkles that you do have are minimized. It also helps with weight loss by promoting a feeling of fullness which may decrease your calorie intake. Bonus: add lemons to your water to enhance the flavor (you might just drink more) and to add vitamin C. Treat yourself to a cool new water bottle that is made for being on the go. You will end up drinking more water throughout the day and it will soon become a new habit to grab your water bottle along with your car keys.
5. Get moving! -Pick your favorite exercise or try something new. Research shows that even modest physical activity is good for bone health, the brain, muscles, and mood. Exercise keeps you healthier for longer and delays the onset of disease. All movement counts so take the stairs over the elevator, walk the dog (or volunteer at your local shelter if you do not have one) garden, or walk around your neighborhood and pick up trash. Strive for some type of activity every day and make it part of your daily routine.
A tip for creating a new habit is to piggyback the new desired habit on the back of another one that you have already mastered. For example, if you are one that remembers to brush your teeth before bed but forgets to wash your face, make face washing an activity that comes directly after you brush your teeth so the two activities are tied together.
