Five Anti-Aging Tips You Should Start Now

It's like no matter where you look folks are talking about anti-aging. Between miracle products and intensive regimens, women are determined to turn their bathroom sink into the fountain of youth. Perhaps it's because I'm a die hard beauty girl but I started amping up my skincare routine around the age of 20. While I wasn't battling wrinkles (more like acne!), I made it a point to take preventative measure by using eye creams and ow, at the age of 24, I've integrated serums. However, the word of skincare can be scary if you're not prepared - alpha-hydroxy, proteins, enzymes, acai, retinols - the list of ingredients can seem more like a science project than a face cream. No worries, I'm here to guide you through it all (and really, it's not hard as it seems!)

don't forget to wear shades!

1. Wear SPF: yes, you've heard this before but I bet in the dead of winter you may skip this step since it's a bit cloudier out, huh? Or what if you're a bit older? Some people think most their sun “damage” was done in their teens and 20’s so why bother using sunscreen regularly now? This is a big no-no as sun damage is cumulative. It’s never too late to regularly use an SPF (at least SPF 30). Apply generously and don't forget to reapply. If you touch up your lipstick so many times a day, why leave out your skincare?

2. Exfoliate: exfoliate regularly (twice a week) with a gentle scrub or at-home peel to remove dead skin cells. Then...

3. Moisturize: I have friends who think it's absolutely okay to skip moisturizer...WRONG! The best moisturizers are those that sink into the skin rather than lay on top of the skin. Not only does moisturizing offer hydrate skin but it can protect from further free radical damage. As you get older, your skin can become dull and uneven. To combat this, start incorporating moisturizers with collagen such as peptides or retinols. Another must? Regular exfoliation with a gentle scrub or at-home peel.

4. Get some zzz's: Your body uses bedtime as the opportune time to regenerate, repair, and replenish what it has lost as a result of daily stresses. There are few environmental stressors to detract skin from healing itself as night, so why would you deprive yourself of that? Blood flow increases, the skin absorption of actives is at its highest rate, and cell turnover peaks -- these are a few of the benefits. Get into a regular sleep cycle and show your skin some TLC.

5. Don't forget you hands! Despite all of your efforts to save your face, skipping out on your hands can be a dead giveaway when it comes to aging. From tearing boxes, constant manicures, typing away on a smart phone in the blistering cold our hands go through a lot! Like your facial routine, keep SPF hand cream in your bag for constant use.

This all seems pretty basic doesn't it? What are some of your skincare/anti-aging tips?

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post but views expressed are my own. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.