I am only in my 20’s! What should I be doing to stay youthful long-term?
As the years go by, we all age and our bodies change, and that includes our skin. At Banksia Cosmetics we believe that wrinkles, like getting older, are something to be celebrated. There are, however, things that you can do to keep your skin healthy and happy as you age.
After we leave our tumultuous teen years, we begin to settle into the beginnings of the routines that will keep our skin glowing. It can be daunting to find out that the habits you had in these early years no longer work for your skin. If you are unsure of where to begin with your skin care routine here are some tips from us.
THAT APPLIES TO YOU GUYS ALSO!!
Washing
Making sure your face is clean is one of the best things you can do to keep your skin healthy.
- Facial cleansers are better than makeup wipes: while makeup wipes are quick, they are no substitute for washing your face with a cleanser.
- Pick your cleanser: some cleansers can be too harsh and will strip away too much of your natural oils, this can lead to irritation and possibly more breakouts.
- Wash off makeup before bed: sometimes we get home late and it seems like too much effort to wash off our makeup before bed. We’ve all been there. Try not to let it happen often though as leaving makeup on overnight can block your pores, trapping oils. This can lead to breakouts and stretches out the pores.
- Wash your face twice each day: washing your face clears the skin so that any products you apply can actually reach the skin. Throughout our day, our faces accumulate dead cells, pollutants like dust and other particles and built-up oil. It is important to clear these each morning and night. This will keep your skin clear and make sure that it can respond to any products you use.
Exfoliating
Exfoliating your skin is crucial for keeping your skin looking fresh and cared for. You can use something as simple as a microfibre towel or, if you are looking to brighten your complexion, you can use pads containing Glycolic or lactic acids.
You don’t need to exfoliate too often, no more than once or twice a week, and it’s important to be gentle. Over exfoliating can cause redness, inflammation and even micro-tears in the skin.
Sunscreen
The UV rays from our sun may provide the energy for all the plants and animals of the world but they are harsh on our skin. UV exposure can cause the development of skin cancer, but it is also the leading cause of prematurely aging skin. It is important to apply sunscreen throughout the year, not just in summer. Clouds may block the suns light, but they don’t block the harmful UV rays.
Particularly here in Australia, with its harsher UV, it is important to protect your skin with sunscreen. Many moisturisers have sunscreen added to them and these can help hydrate the skin while adding a layer of protection.
When picking a sunscreen, look for one with an SPF rating of 30 or higher, and choose a broad-spectrum mineral product over a chemical one.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C Serums are an excellent addition to your skincare routine. Packed full of antioxidants, they help fight free radicals picked up from pollution and UV exposure, halting the damage they can do to the cells in your skin. The best part is that sunscreen can be applied over the top of them with no issues.
Did we mention that we know a great supplier of the best face serums? Check out our store if you are in the market for an Australian facial serum full of organic botanicals.
Retinol
Retinol, a useful part of Vitamin A, is a favourite of dermatologists when it comes to anti-aging products. They enhance the collagen production in your body, which is what makes your skin look young and plump.
It works to increase the rate of turnover in your cells which will often include some redness and peeling. It is essentially training your body to make younger, healthier skin cells and causing the older ones to die and come off.
When using retinoids it is best to start off slow. try it a couple of nights each week to start with and if your skin tolerates it then build up to using it each night. You only need a small amount, about the size of a pea, for your entire face.
Don’t forget the rest of your skin
Your face is not the only place you have skin. Don’t forget to take care of your neck, décolletage and hands. They age just the same as your face and need your care to ensure their health and protection.
Don’t pick. Treat
The hardest tip of them all. Don’t pick at those pimples. As we age, our skin finds it harder to repair itself and this starts in our 20’s. It may be satisfying to pop that whitehead, but as you get older this may lead to dark spots or even scarring.
When you are struggling with acne or pimples it’s best to resist the popping urge and treat it. Apply cortisone cream and Visine first and then treat with a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment.
Lifestyle
There are many things in your day-to-day routine that can help or hinder your skin. Exercising, eating balanced meals, avoiding smoking and managing stress are important for your overall health and help you maintain a healthy glow to your skin.