It is rather an unfortunate fact that your skin begins to show the telltale signs of aging as you grow….

While age may be just a number, it is visible on your skin in the form of pesky fine lines. Though the process of aging starts on your skin as you hit your 20s, the process can be delayed by the use of anti-aging skincare products. Here we have sorted for you some tips to slow the signs of aging. read on to get the scoop!

1. Get your beauty sleep

Though the notion of beauty sleep might sound gimmicky, shutting your eyes for an adequate period can give way to youthful skin. When you get insufficient sleep, excess cortisol is released in your body which ultimately results in collagen breakdown. This then shows up in the form of fine lines, sallow skin, dark circles, and puffiness around the eyes. 

Going to bed early thus falls among the most important anti-aging tips for your skin. All the skin repair that takes place in your body occurs around 11 pm. As you sleep your body releases the growth hormone that increases muscle mass and thus strengthens your skin. 

The blood flow also increases giving way to a healthy glow, which explains why your body temperature is slightly warmer when you are asleep. So, getting adequate hours of sleep is essential to complement your skin's natural rhythm to revive and regenerate. 

2. Make SPF your BFF

Slathering a liberal application of sunscreen on your skin every morning not only shields your skin from sun damage but also prevents premature aging. There is a clear difference between the texture, clarity, and pigmentation levels of women who use SPF 30 regularly and those who do not. UV exposure is a damaging concern for your skin, so it remains non-negotiable. 

3. Protect against pollution

Most of you are not aware but the hustle and bustle of this city life is also what causes aging faster. There is a lengthy list of environmental aggressors that tend to bombard your skin and with traffic pollution at an all-time high, there are increasing chances for premature aging. This damage shows up in the form of fine lines, dullness, and dehydration. 

In this case, it is recommended that you cleanse your skin thoroughly when you get back from an outing to eradicate all the dirt and grime accumulated. Pollution protectants and products packed with antioxidants are also great for combating the effects of free radicals and thus reduce wrinkles on face. 

4. Try to chill out

Stress is one of the common causes of aging. You must be aware of the effects stress can have on your skin, so do not underestimate the power of positivity. A cheerful outlook on life may contribute greatly to the way you age as those with an optimistic nature appear youthful naturally. Stress increases the probability of breakouts and a dull complexion. So, a sunny disposition lowers your stress levels and automatically decreases stress-related skin problems.

5. Become a pro at layering

If your skincare cabinet is packed with plenty of elixirs it's time to take lessons on how to apply them the correct way. While active ingredients are a mainstay of any skincare regime, there are certain rules to bear in mind to reduce unwelcome side effects. 

As you age, the skin barrier function is reduced making your skin prone to sensitivity. You need to space out alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids to prevent flare-ups. Niacinamide also lessens the effect of vitamin C on your skin so you can apply vitamin C first till you wait for 20 minutes and then proceed with niacinamide. 

6. Glycolic acid

A naturally occurring substance, glycolic acid is the strongest alpha hydroxy acid derived from sugarcane. Because of its strength, it produces very quick results and hence is the best way to prevent aging skin. 

It works on your skin by exfoliating it thoroughly. This way it not only reverses the aging process but also lightens your skin tone. If your skin is mature and you can spot fine lines, wrinkles, and dark sun spots, simply turn to glycolic acid. It is the definite ingredient you should be incorporating in your skincare regime. We suggest you go with a 7% glycolic acid toning solution, check how it works on your skin by using it on alternate days before starting its regular use. 

Lactic acid

This is also an AHA but unlike glycolic acid, it is derived from sour milk. It has a mild impact and works by smoothing the skin surface. It is best for you if you are in your 20s to 30s as it fills in the tiny fine lines that are likely to form on your skin in this phase. Being less strong means it is also less irritating and thus suitable for those with sensitive skin types. 

7. Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is another naturally occurring substance within your skin. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to attract and retain moisture. As you begin to age, the moisture-retaining capacity of your skin slows down. The use of hyaluronic acid in your skincare regime helps replenish that lost water content, giving way to smooth supple skin and prevent premature skin aging. 

For maximum impact, what you can do is pair glycolic acid or lactic acid with hyaluronic acid. You must add a layer of sun protection as these exfoliating acids if not protected can damage your skin with the effects of the sun. 

The final verdict

While you can not completely stop the natural aging process, certain skincare tips and products can turn back the clock to some extent. Besides using sunscreen and pollutant products you must have a proper nighttime skincare regime in place to prevent premature aging of the skin. Having said that, stress is also a great contributor to many skin concerns, and along with a proper skincare routine, you must also keep a positive outlook on life.