10 Ways to Prevent Signs of Aging

10 Ways to Prevent Signs of Aging 

Everyone stresses about retaining that youthful look as we begin to age. If you are looking to reduce the signs of aging as you enter your 40s, there are many ways to take years off of your face and body that don't require drastic medical procedures and can help protect you from further aging. Try the following 10 tips to reduce your personal signs of aging.

1. Water: At any age, water is essential to the health of our bodies. Drinking enough water can help keep our bodies running efficiently in our 40s and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Adequate water intake can also give you back some of that youthful glow by keeping your skin naturally moisturized.

2. Exercise: Exercise is important at every age, but especially in your 30's and 40's. We can tone our bodies and strengthen our bones to help reduce the effects of aging. As we age into our 30s and 40s, our body begins to loose precious calcium stored in our bones that can be restored through weight-bearing exercises. Exercise also releases positive endorphins that can help our minds feel young too.

3. Keep your weight in check: It's easy to add pounds slowly to our weight over the years, and even easier as our metabolism declines through our 30s and 40s. Extra weight on your body can add years to your appearance and overwork your body's organs. Losing those extra pounds can make you look years younger than you actually are and keep your body systems running effectively, especially the heart.

4. Nutrition: Nutrition can help reduce the signs of aging in many ways. Healthy nutrition means healthy skin. Take a daily vitamin in addition to eating a balanced diet. The antioxidants in vitamins and from our diet also help us to fight free radicals that cause cancer and the oxidation of our bodies. Antioxidants aid in the natural regeneration process of our skin and on every other bodily organ.

5. De-stress: Learn to take some time for yourself and let go of stress. A stressful life can add years to your face. De-stressing can be as simple as taking a quiet bath, getting a pedicure, or as elaborate as taking a cruise to somewhere you've always wanted to visit.

6. Daily cleansing routine: By the time you're in your 40s, you already know how important it is to have a regular daily facial cleansing routine. Remember that your skin will most likely loose moisture as you age and what worked in your 20s probably isn't right for you anymore. Find a daily cleanser that works for your skin. One product that works well is Olay's Daily Regenerating Cleanser. The amino-peptides help regenerate the collagen in your skin and the derma-beads give your skin a soft glow without stripping moisture from the skin.

7. Retinol: A great way to prevent further aging in your 40s and turn back the years on your skin is using an over the counter product with Retinol. Try a product like Olay's Total Effects Targeted Wrinkle Repair. Put it on after washing and drying your skin, but before any moisturizer or other makeup you use. Retinol in conjunction with a product with amino-peptides are very effective in lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I've been successful in using Retinol and amino-peptides on other many types of facial blemishes, and also in reducing the slight sagging on my neck and decotallage.

8. Daily SPF: Never leave the house without first putting on a daily sunscreen. In your 40s, you're probably already noticing the accumulated sun damage if you haven't already been protecting your skin. It's never too late to prevent further damage and aging related to sun exposure. Try a tinted moisturizer with at least 15 SPF of coverage to prevent any more exposure.

9. Face Mask: Once a week, treat yourself to a face mask to relax and hydrate your skin. A great option is the grape seed masks, which moisturize, draw dirt and oil out of your skin, and reduce pore size. A mask that minimizes pore size can make your skin appear younger by giving it a healthy, clean, and moisturized glow.

10. Makeup: A great way to look younger in your 40s is to keep your makeup application light and natural. When applying makeup, never pull down or be too rough with your skin: gravity doesn't need any help! A tinted moisturized with SPF15 is great for a woman in her 40s as it protects your skin from the sun and environmental toxins, and it makes any wrinkles appear finer because it doesn't cake up in the creases like a heavier foundation or cover-up would. Only apply just what you need to cover. Your skin will also be able to breath better.

Preventing signs of aging doesn't have to be expensive or take a lot of time. Many of these tips are easy and will take years of your face and body. Remember that each of our bodies is different and the way in which we age is only 50% genetic. The other 50% we can control if we choose to properly take care of ourselves, and the 40s is a great time to start. Stay healthy!