From putting toothpaste on a zit to snoozing with a face full of foundation and thinking a placid expression would keep us young, we’ve all done good and bad things to our skin, thinking it didn’t matter in the long run.
Well, the long run is here! Below, women in their 50s and older share their skin and beauty wisdom.
# Drink up
"Keeping yourself hydrated on a daily basis is absolutely essential and one of the glowing skin secret. Drink lots of water, fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and coconut water. Juices are beneficial because they’re choc-a-bloc with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, all of which improve skin health.Aim to drink ten to fifteen glasses of liquids daily. In fact coconut water is especially beneficial because it helps to restore your glow by flushing out toxins. Try and avoid excessive alcohol consumption because it can dehydrate skin."
# Get your fill of Vitamin C
"Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid benefits skin in multiple ways; when applied topically, it boosts collagen production and skin brightening. Eat plenty of Vitamin C rich foods such as amla, blackcurrants, blueberries, broccoli, grapes, guava, kiwis, oranges, papaya, strawberries, lemon and sweet potatoes. Vitamin C produces collagen, which further strengthens the capillaries that feed skin, giving you a radiant glow."
# Moisturize properly after washing your face
Moisturize your skin with products that lock in moisture, promote healing, and have antioxidant properties to encourage a glowing, youthful look. Don’t exfoliate your skin when it feels dry, and don’t skip moisturizer just because your face feels oily.
Apply moisturizer to your skin when it’s still wet from a shower or from rinsing your face. This will lock in extra moisture rather than working on a surface level to make your face feel smooth.
# Eat right
"A healthy diet can do wonders for the quality of your skin. Avoid eating fast food and oily snacks. Try and include a fresh salad with sprouts and leafy greens at least once a day. Citrus fruits, figs, radishes, carrots and spinach are all great for healthy, glowing skin. Eat a small handful of nuts like almonds and walnuts daily to improve the quality of your skin. And don’t underestimate health supplements, and consult your doctor on the multivitamins you can consume daily."
# Use aloe vera to keep skin strong and healthy
Aloe vera has healing properties and may stimulate new cell growth. It also soothes and moisturizes without clogging pores. Using aloe vera after you’ve washed your face each day may give your skin that healthy glow.
It’s possible to be allergic to aloe vera. Test it first by rubbing a small amount on your forearm and if there’s no reaction in 24 hours, it should be safe to use.
# Try using masks
Masks can be a great way to provide much-needed hydration, penetrating deep within to draw out excess oils, clear away dead skin, and boost moisture.
