Secrets for Aging Well – Natural Beauty Tips
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.” It’s true that there is a certain beauty, a richness that comes naturally with age.
That being said, most of us would like to continue looking our best as we grow older. This doesn’t involve trying to look decades younger – it may mean just taking a few simple steps to preserve and enhance your natural beauty.
Here are a few natural beauty tips to help you on your way:
Omega 3’s and Omega 6’s
Foods that are high in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids will help your skin maintain its youthful appearance by keeping up its protective moisture barrier, which tends to thin with age. This moisture barrier prevents your skin from drying out.
Include foods like avocados, walnuts, salmon, and flaxseed, and olive oil as a regular part of your diet. You may also want to consider taking a fish-oil supplement to make sure that you are getting enough of these helpful fats.
Avoid Sun Damage
It’s no secret that unprotected exposure to the sun will age your skin. However, since outdoor activity is healthy, how can you avoid sun damage?
The sun’s rays are strongest between the hours of 10am and 4pm, so whenever possible try to plan your gardening, your stroll around the neighborhood, or your walk on the beach for early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Make it a daily habit to apply sunscreen. The sun can damage your skin at any time of day, and at any time of year. Apply sunscreen or a moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30.
Exposure to UV rays in tanning beds is no better than being out in the sun unprotected. If you can’t live with your natural paleness, consider trying out a sunless tanning lotion.
Cut Out Bad Habits
Smoking and heavy consumption of alcohol will wreak havoc on your skin.
Alcohol dehydrates your skin. It also increases circulation and dilates the blood vessels that are closest to the surface of your skin, leading to unwanted redness. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t enjoy the occasional drink, but regular, heavy drinking will surely lead to increased aging of your skin (as well as other health issues.)
Smoking dries your skin out, contributing to lines and wrinkles. It also depletes your body of vitamin C with all of its anti-aging benefits.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
You probably know that getting enough sleep is good for you physically and mentally, but it also affects the way you look. Not only does lack of sleep contribute to dark, puffy skin under your eyes, it can also prevent your skin from rejuvenating itself effectively.
While you sleep, your body produces a growth hormone that helps to produce collagen and elastin, the building blocks of young, healthy skin. If you’re having trouble getting the recommended 7-8 hours nightly, try to sneak in a nap during the day to make up for it. Your skin will thank you!
Stay Hydrated
Drink lots of water. Your specific needs in this area will vary, depending on your age, gender, and activity level. As a general rule, if you’re drinking when you’re thirsty and choosing water over sugar-sweetened beverages, chances are good that you’re taking in what you need.
You can also hydrate from the outside. Run a humidifier in your house during the winter (when skin tends to be driest) and at night. Apply moisturizer to your whole body after you shower.
Love Yourself
Your attitude towards aging will go a long way towards letting your inner beauty shine through, and isn’t that what matters the most? If you view the aging process as a path towards wisdom and experience and love yourself (flaws and all), it will show!
Visit the Davis Community’s Assisted Living in Wilmington NC
If you or loved one are no longer capable of living a safe, independent lifestyle, then call the Davis Community today at 910.686.7195 or simply complete and submit our online information request form. We provide exceptional assisted living and skilled nursing services in Wilmington NC with a strong and supportive environment where your loved one will feel welcomed and part of an active community. Get to know the difference today — schedule a visit to the Davis Community!