We don’t always think of it this way, but our skin is the largest organ in our body and one of the first things people notice about us. As we age, our skin becomes dryer and thinner, and our pores may increase in size. Collagen and elastic fibers that allow our skin to stretch start to break down. One of the essential chemicals in our skin, hyaluronic acid, reduces over time, leaving our skin dryer and rougher. There are also changes in skin tone, fat distribution, and elasticity. Ok, now that we are all bummed out, I have some good news. We can do a lot to slow our skin’s aging process.

How our skin ages depends on such factors as our lifestyle, diet,  personal habits, and heredity. We can’t do much about heredity, but we can make good choices about the other factors. Aging is normal, but who says our skin has to age with us?

Skincare is self-care. This is why we should do what we can to protect, nourish and generate smooth and radiant skin. A few steps we can take - wear sunscreen every day even on cloudy days, limit alcohol, get proper sleep,  and don’t smoke, which leads to lines around the mouth and destroys collagen and elastin. Also, we need to have a good skincare routine that includes a cleanser, scrub, serum, and moisturizer. 

It is vital to maintain a skincare routine each morning and evening. Skincare is self-care, just like getting your hair and nails done and taking a long bath after a draining day. For many of us, our skin isn’t what it used to be.

Applying these products to the face and neck will leave the skin looking and feeling younger. Who says our skin has to age with us?

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    Getty Images/iStockphoto/ThinkStock
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    Quality Cleanser and Scrub

    As our skin matures it changes and requires more attention. Many of us deal with fine lines, wrinkles, loose or thin skin, pigmentation spots, and dullness. The basis for any routine is a quality cleanser. Using a cream cleanser daily will remove leftover debris and makeup from the skin without stripping the skin of natural oil. It will replenish moisture, leaving you feeling refreshed. Along with daily cleansing, exfoliating the face and neck with a gentle scrub one or two times per week removes the dead skin cells, leaving behind smooth and radiant skin.

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    Getty Images/iStockphoto/ThinkStock
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    Serum

    The next step in your routine is essential to anti-aging benefits. A Serum. Once your face and neck are dry, applying a serum can boost your skin and add a little extra love to it. A serum with Hyaluronic Acid keeps the skin glowing and moisturized. It also has anti-wrinkle and healing properties, along with antioxidants. Vitamin C serums contain natural antioxidants and collagen that brighten the skin, reduce redness, and aids in firming. Applying a quality serum to the face and neck will battle issues of maturing skin.

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    Getty Images/iStockphoto/ThinkStock
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    Moisturizer and Sunscreen

    The last anti-aging tip is to use moisturizers and face creams that contain beneficial ingredients such as argan oil, calcium, SPF, and soya extract. Calcium and argan oil boost hydration in the skin and leave the skin looking and feeling softer. Soya extract reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while evening out skin tone. Sunscreen is one of the most important, yet most forgotten steps in a skincare routine. Applying a stand-alone sunscreen or a moisturizer containing it protects your skin from the sun’s rays. Even on cloudy days, protection against UV rays is essential to prevent skin aging quicker and to prevent skin diseases.

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