As we get older, our skin begins to show signs of age. Depending on genetics and how well we take care of ourselves, those signs can show up long before we are ready. While there’s nothing you can do about your genes, you can improve your skin care routine. Here are some of the things you need to do.

Hydrate

If your skin is dehydrated, it definitely won’t look young and you’re likely to feel self-conscious. However, this problem can be pretty easy to solve. Hydrating your skin begins from the inside. You need to drink water and consume lots of water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumbers. You’ll also benefit from hydrating face mists, moisturizers, and hydrating masks. It is important to use high-quality products so if you’ve been hearing about medical grade regimens like those offered by EnVogue Skin, you should definitely consider them.

Use a gentle cleanser

Cleansing is an important first step in any skincare routine. However, you need to ensure your skin isn’t being completely stripped of moisture and natural oils. Soaps often have a high pH and they can be very harsh on the skin. This makes the skin more vulnerable to irritation. Gentle cleansers are better for your skin. Since your cleanser isn’t on your skin for very long, you don’t need expensive products at this stage.

Exfoliate

Removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin is an important step in brightening your complexion and allowing products to properly penetrate your skin. As you get older, cell turnover slows down and the skin can begin to look dull. If you want to look younger, you need to ensure you exfoliate. Exfoliation can be physical (where you use a face scrub or tool to remove dead cells) or chemical (where you use products containing alpha- or beta hydroxy acids).

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Sun damage is high on the list of things that can age your skin. To keep your skin in good shape and free from premature wrinkles, age spots, and fine lines, you need to protect it from ultraviolet rays. In addition to using a high-quality broad-spectrum sunscreen, you should avoid spending long periods outside during the hottest part of the day. You may think you only need sunscreen if you’re heading to the beach but that’s not the case. UVA rays can penetrate through glass, so you’ll be catching them when you’re driving or sitting near a window in the office.

Incorporate Anti-Aging Serums

Good serums have a higher concentration of active ingredients than moisturizers so if you really want to give your skin a boost, you should get one. Look for retinoids and vitamin C which help to improve the texture and tone of your skin. They act as antioxidants and can help to reduce or prevent signs of aging. When you’re applying your serum, remember to pat it in gently instead of rubbing.Everyone’s skin is different, but most people will benefit from incorporating these steps in their skincare routines. If you want your skin to look younger for longer, begin taking better care of it today.