Who wouldn't mind aging gracefully like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn? They were timeless beauties who refrained from surgical enhancements and took care of their skin the old fashioned way.
Let's be honest, women go through a lot of changes in their lives that do affect the quality of their skin. Aside from genetics and lifestyle we also have to take into account pregnancies, life as a mom, busy schedules, illness, and menopause to name a few. Taking care of our skin can be a gift we give to ourselves after all the things we do in a single day.
I put together a little list that might help you preserve the beauty that is you. Is there anything else you would add to this list?
- Genetics: I must point out that the way many people age can be due to genetics. Some people look super young in their 50's and some people don't. With that said-its the luck of the draw. Some of us will get a little help from our genes and some of us not too much. Whichever it may be, just embrace it because that cannot be changed (unless you go under the knife).
- STAY OUT OF THE SUN: One of the biggest ways we can damage and age our skin is by overexposure to the sun. You shouldn't sun bathe for hours or go to a tanning booth every week. Its just plain suicide for your skin. We do shed our skin but yearly overexposure to sunlight in large doses will just put your skin in danger. You can get sun spots, discoloration, severe dryness, and wrinkles just to name a few. If you are outside at all, put sunscreen on all the time and wear hats.
- Drink LOTS of water: Our bodies are mostly made up of water so hydrate it! Soda and juices just have lots of sugar in it. Choose water because its the only drink that truly quenches the thirst.
- Know your skin: Know what type of skin you have so you know how to moisturize it. I have normal to dry skin and its sensitive. So I wash my face everyday, moisturize in the morning and evening, and I try and use as many "for sensitive skin" products as possible with SPF.
- Beauty Regime: Treat your skin to facials, body scrubs, and massages. It does the body good. You don't need to do it every month but once in a while is a nice treat. Also, create a beauty regime for yourself. If you know you skin type and its needs try and get products that will help you as you go throughout your busy day. Exfoliate twice a week, moisturize day and night, underage creams, and weekly masks. Create regime that works for you and for your skin.
- Wearing Makeup : Wear makeup as an enhancer not as something to completely cover you up. Try and refrain from wearing makeup when you can. Let your skin breathe. And never go to sleep with your makeup on.
- Get a check up: Make an appointment with a Dermatologist. It's always good to know what is going on with your skin and to tend to that.
- Feed your face: Eat good foods because it does show up on your skin. If your diet is made up of greasy fast food you will tend to have breakouts and your skin will look unhealthy. Try and eat some fruit and veggies during the day. Stay away from soda and too much junk food. Remember your skin is the largest organ on your body!
- What you put in will come out: Heavy smoking, drinking, and taking drugs isn't good for your body, period. Smoking will dry out your skin and make it look grey and pasty. Drinking will make your skin look bloated and heavy. Drugs will age you prematurely and destroy your skin. What you put into your body will show itself on your skin, period.
- Gym time: Do some sort of exercise for your overall health. Whether its walking, jogging, swimming.....just sitting around isn't good for anyone. Get up and do something-you will be tired at first but eventually it will help you feel better.
- Live life fully but with caution: There are some folks who have lived hard lives and you can see it clearly on their faces. Some people cannot escape that reality but others may have more choices. If you are one who has choices then live your life fully but do not put yourself in possible dangerous situations-in the end it all affects you.
Aging Grace-Fully was first published on a Bunny's Victory. It has now been edited and updated since then. All contents are my own and owned by A Vintage Nerd.
