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At GMB, we’re all about aging gracefully. While we can’t stop the clock (and nor would we want to!), there are a few natural ways we can slow down the process so the signs of aging don’t show up in our skin.
#1 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
When your skin is dry and dehydrated, it can leave you with an older-looking complexion. One of the easiest ways to maintain healthy, glowing skin is to drink at least 2L of water a day (or eight cups). Water hydrates your skin on a cellular level and restores elasticity for a plumper complexion. It also helps your bodily systems to flush out toxins, which naturally leads to clearer, healthier skin. You can include herbal teas in your daily ‘cup count,’ but be sure to add an extra cup for every coffee, caffeinated or alcoholic beverage you drink.
#2 Manage Your Stress
This is easier said than done, we know! When we’re stressed, our body pumps out more cortisol (the stress hormone) to help our body to deal with what’s happening. But when we have too much cortisol coursing through our body, it can strip our body of essential minerals such as vitamin C, B5 and B6. Together, these vitamins are essential for our immunity and - you guessed it - skin health. Cortisol can also cause the collagen in our skin to break down, which can lead to dark circles, puffiness, sallow skin and premature aging. High cortisol levels can also increase your susceptibility to things like diabetes and gastrointestinal issues, which can accelerate aging and cause fine lines, wrinkles and dullness.
While some stress is inevitable in modern-day life, it’s important to do everything you can to manage your stress. Try meditating, practicing yoga or deep breathing exercises, disconnecting from technology and spending time in nature. If you can set aside just 10 minutes of me-time a day, it will do wonders for your stress levels - and your skin.
#3 Prioritise Sleep
We all know how refreshed we feel after a good night’s sleep. If you’re not sleeping well, it can show up in your skin in the form of dryness, dullness, breakouts and dark circles. They call it ‘beauty sleep’ for a reason! Tired skin looks older than it actually is, so if you’re trying to slow down the signs of aging, aim to sleep for eight hours a night. Your skin cells repair overnight. By tucking yourself into bed early, you’ll give your skin a chance to regenerate and produce the human growth hormone, which helps to strengthen skin and give it a healthy glow.
#4 Add Collagen To Your Diet (and beauty routine)
You’ve probably spotted collagen sachets in your GoodnessMe Boxes. Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but this declines as we age - which is where supplements step in. Collagen packs a serious nutritional punch. Along with boosting our digestion and muscle recovery, it strengthens our hair and nails and keeps our skin smooth and supple. That’s why you’ll often find it in skincare products - and especially anti-aging ones! Some foods contain collagen, such as bone broth. Collagen powders are brilliant, too, because they’re concentrated and easily digested by the body. For the best results, take collagen first thing in the morning. We love sprinkling it on our oats or in our morning smoothies!
#5 Use Natural Skincare Products
Did you know that your skin absorbs up to 85% of what you put on it? Many commercial skincare products are packed with preservatives, parabens and other nasties, which increases our toxic load - and in turn, age our skin at a much faster rate. To slow down the aging process, make the switch to all-natural products if you haven’t already. They’re just as effective. The Lavera Basis Sensitiv Anti-Ageing Moisturising Cream Q10 is a great one to start with. It contains jojoba, aloe vera and the natural enzyme, Q10, to intensely hydrate the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
#6 Clean Up Your Diet
For beautiful, youthful skin, enjoy wholefoods. Processed foods can cause inflammation and premature aging. By eating foods that are as close to their natural state as possible, you’ll be giving your skin the nutrients it needs to thrive. Focus on eating lots of antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, nuts, seeds, greens and colourful veggies. These work to fight free radical damage and repair your skin cells. While you’re tweaking your diet, try cutting down your sugar intake, too. Excess sugar can reduce your collagen and elastin levels - the two proteins that protect your skin and keep it looking young and healthy. The result? Aging, dull and lacklustre skin. To boost the results, consider supplementing with vitamin E, vitamin C, fish oil or zinc.
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