Simple fact: Most people spend all their time and energy on an anti-aging plan for the skin on their faces…only. Dedicated skin care routines are whipped together to specifically target any creeping fine lines and wrinkles on a complexion, but what about the skin south of our chins? The truth is, signs of aging can pop up anywhere; In fact, the neck, chest, and hands are among the first areas of skin to show said signs. They are also among the most neglected areas of skin in a daily routine. (Go figure!) It’s time to give ALL of your skin the due diligence it deserves—don’t you think? Below, we’ve laid out five anti-aging tips that can help.TIP #1: MOISTURIZE YOUR BODY DAILY.We’d like to think it’s as easy as slathering any old lotion on our bodies every day and heading out the door, but—newsflash—it’s not. Take the time to find a product formulated for your specific skin concerns and help lock in moisture to all body zones. Our current go-to is Vichy Ideal Body Serum-Milk. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid—a hydration powerhouse—LHA, and 10 essential oils for the body, including jojoba oil, sunflower oil, rose hip oil, and apricot kernel oil, to provide firmer, smoother, more radiant skin with improved elasticity. If you’re showering, immediately apply your favorite moisturizer or lotion while skin is still damp. It helps the product soak into the skin like a sponge. Use your moisturizer of choice at least once per day, but twice—morning and night—is most ideal. Which brings me to my next point…TIP #2: HYDRATE AT NIGHT, TOO.It is during deep sleep that the skin undergoes self-repair. That’s why on nights when you get less than normal amounts of shut-eye, your skin may look a little worse for wear. In addition to getting your beauty sleep, treat your skin to a nourishing moisturizer or body oil at night for a little extra anti-aging oomph. Frankly, it would be a shame not to. TIP #3: ALWAYS WEAR SUNSCREENIf we’re talking about anti-aging, you better believe SPF will be in nudged in there somewhere. Wear an SPF of 30 or higher on all exposed areas to protect skin against sun damage that can accelerate the aging process. Pay close attention to not only your face, but your neck, arms, décolleté and hands too. Try La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Body. Don’t forget to reapply at least every two hours!Want to up the anti-aging ante? Wear a product formulated with an antioxidant in tandem with your SPF for the maximum possible protection for your skin. Look for a product with vitamins C, E, D, or B and layer it on before sunscreen to help prevent future skin damage and ‘scavenge’ free radicals created by sun exposure. For more information on why SPF and antioxidants are a perfect anti-aging skin care combo, read this. TIP #4: EXFOLIATE AT LEAST ONCE PER WEEK. If your skin has too much dead skin built up on it, it’ll prevent any topical anti-aging creams and treatments from fully penetrating the skin and working as well as they can. Exfoliate your body a few times per week as tolerated—be careful not to exfoliate too much, as it can cause irritation—with a gentle, soothing scrub to initiate cell turnover and remove old skin cells from skin’s surface. Incorporate a little DIY with this at-home citrus salt scrub with ingredients likely already in your pantry. Oh, and remember to follow up with a heaping dose of moisturizer! Very important.TIP #5: KICK BAD HABITS TO THE CURB.You don’t want all of your hard work to be for naught due to a few poor skin care and lifestyle habits (right?!)—so bid them farewell. Smoking, for instance, can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin and contribute to the formation of wrinkles. It may also be beneficial to steer clear of refined sugars and alcohol. Instead, drink plenty of water per day to keep skin hydrated from the inside out, and pair it with a balanced diet of colorful fruits and vegetables. Bonus points if they boast skin care benefits, too.
