Anti-aging life hacks you’ll wish you’d known about

The pressures of aging are tough to deal with. As we get older, we feel even more of a need to prove ourselves. We want to keep up with the younger competition, and we want to feel just as beautiful as we always have.

But the signs of aging can get in the way of that. There are some ways to combat aging, and they might surprise you. Here are the top contenders.

Use vitamins C and E

Vitamins C and E are both antioxidants, so they can repair and prevent free radical damage in your skin. Free radicals are responsible for many of the signs of aging. They can be related to sun damage and other cosmetic damage. A vitamin C serum won’t just help with free radicals, though.

It can also soothe irritation and hydrate the skin. Combined with vitamin E, these two ingredients increase collagen production so that your skin remains tight and firm. Because vitamin C inhibits the production of melanin, it’s also an ideal fit for fighting hyperpigmentation. You don’t need to worry that your skin will become strangely toned and uneven.

Manage your stress levels

You probably know that prolonged stress has a negative impact on mental health. But did you know it can affect the signs of aging, too? When you’re dealing with chronic stress, your cortisol levels are increased. This hormone is created by the adrenaline gland to help you fight off predators.

But cortisol also breaks down elastin and collagen in your skin, which leads to creases and wrinkles. Taking care of yourself can help prevent your skin from wrinkling prematurely. Make sure you have time in your week to relax, unwind, and engage with your hobbies.

Manage your diet

This isn’t about strictly counting calories or trying to lose weight. It’s about making sure that you understand how diet affects your mental health and also that you’re getting the right number of nutrients in your diet. Fatty acids and calcium are both vital to taking care of your skin.

Calcium is the key player here. It plays a huge role in maintaining your hair, bones, and skin. But in order for calcium to be absorbed by the body, it needs to be transported with a fatty acid. Fatty acids also help with rejuvenating the skin. Some solid foods to add to your diet are flaxseed oil and wheat germ. These have the fatty acids that you want to incorporate into your diet, and they can help boost your calcium levels.

Keep hydrating

Being hydrated is more important to anti-aging than you might think. Plenty of people don’t drink enough water per day, or they don’t get the electrolytes necessary for hydration. Your body is about 70% water. When you drink water, it can have an immediate effect on the appearance of your skin.

Dehydrated skin tends to be itchy and uncomfortable. There may be visible bags under your eyes, and any wrinkles you have might look more prominent. If you struggle to drink enough water throughout the day, consider adding flavor to your drink.