Aging is a fact of life and a blessing at that. No doubt that with time you’ll earn more gray hairs, a collection of fine lines, and see changes in the structure of your face and skin. That said, with science on our side we’ve gleaned so much from research on how certain lifestyle factors can either improve skin health or exacerbate these signs of aging. We’re zeroing in on some of this knowledge today by showcasing scientifically proven, highly effective habits and skincare ingredients that foster a healthy skin appearance.
1. Apply Sunscreen Every Day
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) says that 20% of people will get skin cancer in their lifetime.[1] That said, everyone should wear SPF with at least 30 every single day no matter their complexion, location, or time of year.
Not only does protecting your skin from UV rays minimize your risk of developing skin cancer, but it also helps slow down signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and laxity.
Using an SPF foundation can further protect your skin from the sun’s powerful rays. For example, CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum with SPF 40 packs a broad-spectrum SPF 40. Plus, the 90% skincare formula is clinically tested to deliver brighter-looking bare skin and visibly improved skin texture.*
2. Don’t Tan
This skincare tip goes hand-in-hand with the last one, and it’s definitely worth mentioning. Along with protecting skin via daily SPF, avoid getting tan on purpose. Harvard Health confirms there’s no such thing as a “base tan” and doubles down on the incredible damage of UV rays.[2] What’s a glow-loving gal to do? You can have your healthy skin and bronzed skin, too, with a self-tanner or body makeup.
Related: Body Makeup: The New Trend for an All-Over Glow
3. Incorporate Retinoids Into Your Skincare Routine
Poll any dermatologist about which ingredients they swear by for better skin, and retinol is apt to make the list over and over again. The AAD says “retinol is not a fad,” and that this vitamin A derivative is scientifically proven to help with mild cases of skin discoloration and light fine lines and wrinkles.[3]
Our favorite retinol cream is Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream, which delivers the look of younger-looking skin with a blend of free and encapsulated retinol. Over time and with consistent use, you’ll see dramatic clinical results, including a healthy skin appearance and a visible reduction of discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Related: The Beginner’s Guide to Retinol Cream
4. Use Skincare Packed with Ingredients Like Ceramides and Peptides
Ceramides and peptides are skin-loving ingredients that have some pretty compelling scientific research behind them. We know that ceramides play a key role in fostering the appearance of a healthy skin barrier, which can help lock in moisture to promote an improved look and feel of skin health. On the other hand, peptides can help visibly improve elasticity, firmness, and hydration while smoothing the look of fine lines.
One easy way to promote healthy skin is to incorporate products into your routine that are formulated with these powerhouse ingredients. Consider swapping your face cream for Confidence in a Cream Anti-Aging Hydrating Moisturizer. In addition to ceramides, the patented Anti-Aging Armour Rejuvenating Concentrate contains potent concentrations of niacinamide, squalane, and a peptide-lipid complex that help reverse common signs of aging skin. It’s so good, one is sold every minute in the U.S.!**
5. Manage Your Stress Levels
Controlling that frazzled feeling is easier said than done, we know, but scientists have discovered that stress directly impacts skin health and the overall appearance of our skin. With that in mind, the AAD notes that finding healthy ways to control your stress can improve the appearance of your skin. It can also help prevent flare-ups of all kinds of skin issues, such as eczema, breakouts, psoriasis, and rosacea.[5]
Some ways you can manage stress include:
- Meditation
- Nourishing your body with nutritious foods
- Getting active, even if it’s just taking short walks or stretching
- Connecting with others
- Curbing unhealthy habits, such as alcohol, smoking, and eating junk food
- Getting your beauty sleep (check out these nighttime skincare tips)
Related: The Connection Between ‘Bad Skin’, Self Care, and Your Mental Health
6. Apply an AM Antioxidant
You know about taking vitamins for a healthy body, but what about applying vitamins for healthy skin? Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is an antioxidant scientifically proven to protect skin cells from oxidative stress.[4] Research also shows that niacinamide can help fade the look of dark spots and discoloration.
Bye Bye Dark Spots Niacinamide Serum is a skin treatment formulated with 4% niacinamide along with 1% ethyl vitamin C, another well-researched antioxidant. Use it daily to visibly reduce dark spots and discoloration and improve the look of skin clarity. You’ll also find niacinamide in Bye Bye Dark Spots Concealer + Serum, a "skincealer" that instantly covers discoloration while fading the look of dark spots, fine lines, and dark under eye circles over time.***
Related: The 10 Skin-Loving Benefits of Niacinamide
7. Be Gentle With Your Skin
It’s tempting to go overboard with promising products when you want to see instant results, but being kind to your skin is one of the best skincare tips out there. Here’s how to get a healthy skin appearance with a gentle approach:
- Wash your face with a gentle but effective cleanser, such as Confidence in a Cleanser. Wash no more than twice per day.
- Don’t scrub your skin aggressively when cleansing or drying.
- Apply a moisturizer every time you cleanse your skin (even if you have oily skin).
- Use exfoliating skincare products, but always follow usage instructions.
- Understand your skin type to know which products can help create that healthy skin glow.
- Wash your makeup brushes weekly and toss expired products.
- Be consistent with your skincare routine.
Related: Are You Over-Exfoliating? Here Are 5 Signs
Follow all the above advice on how to have a healthy skin appearance and we’re confident you’ll see the difference in your complexion. It’s also good practice to see your dermatologist about once a year for a routine checkup, ask questions, and fine-tune your skincare routine. For more skin health tips, check out these skincare do’s and don’ts.
Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). “Sunscreen FAQs.” https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen.
- Harvard Health, MD, Robert H. Shmerling. “The Problem with Tanning (and the Myth of the Base Tan).” 12 Apr. 2017. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/problem-tanning-myth-base-tan-2017041211528
- AAD. “Retinoid or Retinol?” https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol.
- Levin, Jacquelyn, and Saira B. Momin. “How Much Do We Really Know About Our Favorite Cosmeceutical Ingredients?” The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, vol. 3, no. 2, Feb. 2010, pp. 22–41.
- AAD. “10 Skin Care Secrets for Healthier-Looking Skin.” https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/healthier-looking-skin.
*Based on expert grading after 4 weeks of use
**Source: The NPD Group/U.S. Prestige Beauty Total Measured Market, Skincare Product Layer Unit Sales, January-December 2022. Calculation based on: Total units sold / Total min. in a year (525,600 min.) = how many units sold per minut
**In a 12-week clinical study.