Do you remember when we were teenagers and the main goal of the summer was to get an amazing tan? My grandparents had a pool and I spent many a summer hanging out and working on getting that beautiful bronze glow.

Of course I had my summer tanning essentials:

  • Hawaiian Tropics Dark Tanning Oil
  • Beach towel
  • Pop music blaring from the radio 😉

Now being a few years older and a bit wiser, I don’t consciously set out to roast myself with UV rays when I am going to be outside. Instead I make a point to be more protective of my skin, it is our largest organ you know. 😉

 

Ultra-violet (UV) radiation are invisible rays that are part of the energy that comes from the sun. Overexposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause damage to the skin and cause different types of skin cancer.The sun is at its strongest from 10 a.m. to 4p.m., so take a break in the shade during those hours or participate in indoor activities.

As we age it is even more important to have a healthy skin care routine with all the UV rays and other harmful light that we are exposed to.

 

Here are 9 ways to reduce the effects of premature aging:

 

  1. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging. Research studies also suggest that a diet consisting of large amounts of sugar or other refined carbohydrates can accelerate the aging process.                                       
  2. Drink less alcohol. Alcohol is rough on the skin. It dehydrates and damages the skin. This can make us look older than we are. Yikes!😩
  3. Cleanse gently. Scrubbing can irritate your skin. Irritating your skin accelerates skin aging. Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without the amount of irritation to your skin.
  4. H2O. Increase your water intake. When we are hydrated it keeps our skin soft and supple and provides a more youthful appearance.
  5. Moisturize. Apply a facial moisturizer every day. Moisturizer traps water in our skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.
  6. Protection is key. Protect your skin from the sun every day. You can protect your skin by seeking shade, covering up with clothing, and using sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 (or higher), and water-resistant. Apply sunscreen every day to all skin that is not covered by clothing.
  7. Exercise. Studies suggest that moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system. This, in turn, can result in a more-youthful appearance.
  8. Be careful or your face will stay that way! When you make a facial expression, you contract the underlying muscles. If you repeatedly contract the same muscles over the years, these lines become permanent. By wearing sunglasses for instance, can help reduce lines caused by squinting.
  9. Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds are another source of UV radiation. In order to prevent the risk of developing skin cancer, it’s best to limit your time in tanning beds or use a sunless tanner.

 


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