5 Habits for Healthier, Younger-Looking Skin

If you’ve been a reader for some time, you know that I am big on skincare and having a well-rounded skincare routine. As I’ve entered my mid-30’s, my routine has become incessantly important to keep my skin glowing and youthful! I’ve developed 5 habits for healthier, younger-looking skin that I’m excited to share with you. Read on for my tips and product picks to help you keep your skin looking smooth, bright and healthy>> 

Cleanse for Younger-Looking Skin

Having a good cleansing routine is key to younger-looking skin and overall skin health. If you’re still sleeping in a full face of makeup at night then you definitely need to listen up. Even if you use a makeup remover wipe, cleansing before bed is important to remove any impurities from the skin which could lead to bacteria and breakouts. Personally, I’m moving away from wipes as I don’t feel they cleanse well enough and depending on which ones you use, are not eco-friendly. 

You might be surprised to read this, but my ride-or-die cleanser is a Dove Beauty Bar, which is super gentle while effectively cleaning skin. I use other facial cleansers here and there, but I always find myself going back to the beauty bar, especially when I start getting breakouts or having adverse reactions to skincare. 

Micellar cleansers, such as the Micellar Cucumber Aloe Facial Cleansing Water, remove makeup well without drying out the skin. This one in particular also has ingredients that help calm and soothe the skin and is especially great if you have dry or sensitive skin. For oily skin, try a pore cleansing cleanser such as Innisfree Pore Clearing Facial Foam or Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash. 

Add Retinol to Your Skincare Routine

As we age, our skin starts to lose its firmness and suppleness causing more fine lines, wrinkles, unevenness and other skin issues. Vitamin A, or retinol, is an excellent ingredient to help promote cell growth to stimulate collagen production and reduce wrinkles for younger-looking skin.

Retinol products are offered in varying concentrations. Since I’m just starting to use vitamin A products I decided to incorporate a lower concentrated retinol with the Pixi Jasmine Retinol collection into my routine. The main star in this collection is retinyl palmitate, a derivative of retinol/vitamin A. It is not as strong as retinol and is often added to skincare for antioxidant benefits. 

My Retinol Routine

I’ve been using this collection at night– vitamin A can have adverse effects in the sunlight!– and have been loving it. I start with the Retinol Jasmine Cleanser to clean my skin. It includes jasmine oil to help nourish and brighten the skin. I then follow with Retinol Tonic to help sooth and smooth my skin. After toning, I apply the Retinol Jasmine Lotion, a deeply moisturizing cream that has a light floral, relaxing scent. I then follow with the Retinol Jasmine Eye Cream to help smooth the skin around my eyes.

Finally,  I press the Overnight Retinol Oil, packed with ceramides and firming peptides, into my skin to help hydrate and smooth overnight. If you are to try just one item from this collection, I highly recommend this oil! 

While this is the perfect collection to get your feet wet with retinol, if you are looking for a stronger vitamin A product, consider THE ORDINARY Retinol 0.5% in Squalane (low concentration), Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform for moderate concentration or an advanced high-concentrated serum such as SUNDAY RILEY A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum. 

 

Don’t Forget the Décolletage

The chest and décolletage area is presumably one that gets missed most often in skincare routines. This area can rapidly start showing signs of premature aging. The skin here is thin and more susceptible to sun damage. It’s important to keep this area moisturized and protected from the sun! 

There are products that are designed specifically for this area, such as GOLD BOND Neck & Chest Age Defense Cream (c/o). This rich chest cream has SPF 20 to protect the skin along with 7  (!!!) fortifying moisturizers, 3 vitamins, hyaluronic acid to help skin retain moisture. 

This cream has become a go-to– especially if I’m wearing a lower cut top and spending time outdoors. It massages into skin nicely and is not overly thick. It’s a product I will be keeping in my skincare arsenal to keep skin looking young. 

Wear Non-Comedogenic Makeup

If your constantly having breakouts, it could very well be from your makeup. A lot of makeup products are heavy and will clog pores, in turn causing breakouts and blemishes. Opt for products that are non-comedogenic, which are specially formulated to not cause breakouts. 

Since it’s summer and I’ve been staying home, when I do put on makeup I keep it super simple. I’ve been using a lightweight skin tint followed by my go-to mineral-based face powder. This simple routine allows my skin to “breath” and both products are non-comedogenic. 

During the last Sephora VIB sale, I picked up the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 to give my skin light coverage and sun protection. This skin tint is extremely lightweight and blends easily into skin offering a dewy finish. The clean formula has skin benefits with a plant-based squalene to help support skin; hyaluronic acid to hydrate; and niacinamide to smooth skin texture. It really is a serum & tint all-in-one!

The only con is the scent, which is not pleasant at all.  Luckily, the scent dissipates almost immediately after applying so I’m willing to deal with it since the product is fantastic! 

Hydrate Outside & Inside

Another key to younger-looking skin is to keep skin hydrated, both on the outside AND on the inside. During the day, it’s important to use a good moisturizer suited for your skin type: normal; dry; oily; acne-prone or combination. My skin is on the drier side so I opt for heavier creamy moisturizers, such as the Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream which I’ve posted about here.

If your skin is prone to breakouts, opt for a moisturizer that’s formulated for acne-prone skin such is Averr Aglow Flawless Nourishment Cream. If skin is on the oilier side, the Base Butter Radiate Face Jelly gel moisturizer would be a great option to help balance and purify skin. 

Drink up!

It’s not enough to just moisturize your skin, drinking plenty of water helps keep skin hydrated and clear. Drinking water throughout the day was not an easy habit for me to start. Truthfully, sometimes there are days that I’ll realize I haven’t had any. I make drinking water easier by adding lemon, mint and sometimes cucumber for a play on spa water. Coupled with a lot of ice and a special cup,  it makes me want to keep hydrated throughout the day. 

I won’t lie, it takes experimenting with different products to find that perfect mix for younger-looking skin. Even then, as you age, a product that worked 5-10 years ago may not be best for your skin now. Our skincare routines should constantly be evolving with our skin to keep it looking it’s healthiest and best! 

What are some of your biggest skin concerns? Share in the comments below!      

This post contains items I have received for review purposes; all opinions are my own. This post also contains affiliate links in which I earn a small commission. Thank you for supporting A Good Hue!