8 Quick Tips for Slowing Down Aging

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wrinkles. Everyone’s skin ages — it’s a natural part of the aging process, you shouldn’t feel at all obliged to go under the knife or needle to remove them. That said, there are a few skincare switches and implementations you can make to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from popping up.

Skin loses elasticity as we age due to collagen production slowing down over time. However, a variety of factors can speed up the process, including sun exposure, poor diet, pollution, and an ineffective skincare routine.

Here are eight easy tips for slowing down aging so you can enjoy a youthful, radiant complexion for as long as possible.

#1: Slather Your Skin in Sunscreen

Unprotected sun exposure can damage your skin, leading to premature aging. That’s because sun exposure depletes the collagen in your skin, which can cause fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

According to a 2013 study, regular sunscreen application can slow down the signs of aging skin. To protect your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays, opt for an SPF of at least 30 — and wear it even on cloudy days. Besides preventing creases and dark spots, protecting your skin from the sun can help ward off more serious concerns like skin cancer.

For extra protection, wear a wide brim hat and sunglasses with UV ray protection.

#2: Use a Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals and sun damage. It also maximizes the protective effects of your sunscreen, which is why dermatologists recommend applying it underneath your daily SPF. In addition to its anti-aging benefits, vitamin C can lighten dark spots and discoloration, and brighten your overall complexion for a youthful glow.

Reach for Rainbow’s Smooth Serum. It’s infused with vitamin C and vegan collagen to smooth, plump, and protect skin while brightening your complexion.

#3: Reach for Retinol

Retinol is a powerhouse anti-aging ingredient with the ability to boost collagen production and restore elastin for plumper, firmer skin. This vitamin A derivative also encourages skin regeneration and can spur the creation of new blood vessels, improving skin tone and texture.

“Retinol works hard to prevent new wrinkles from forming, as well as smooth out any fine lines that you may already have. It will also help to decrease pigmentation by cellular turnover,” says licensed esthetician Shani Darden.

It’s best to start with a small amount and increase usage as your skin becomes accustomed to the new ingredient, otherwise you may experience irritation.

#4: Master the Art of Masking

If you’re hoping to look younger or prevent lines from forming on your skin, invest in an anti-aging face mask to keep skin youthful and pair it with a weekly hydrating mask to ward off dryness, which can make skin appear older — and more prone to wrinkles.

Use Rainbow’s Tighten Mask once a week to counteract aging. It’s an antioxidant-rich jelly mask of anti-aging red microalgae and exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids that work in tandem to lift, buff, plump, and smooth skin. And slather on Rainbow’s Hydrate Mask once a week for deep conditioning benefits. It’s made with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to seal in moisture for long-lasting hydration.

#5: Eat Better

A healthy diet is essential for keeping both your skin and body looking young, smooth, and glowing. It helps promote healthy aging by boosting your immune system and preventing health issues like high blood pressure, heart attack, high cholesterol, obesity, and even Alzheimer’s.

Aim to follow a balanced diet packed with healthy fats, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and veggies. Avoid (or at least lessen your intake of) foods high in sugar and white carbohydrates, as well as red meat and processed meats.

Opt for foods that are high in anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties, such as olive oil, green tea, salmon, flax seeds, carrots, leafy greens, and avocados. These can help boost the skin’s elasticity while protecting it from skin damage and premature aging. And potentially increase your lifespan!

#6: Pop a Supplement

While you can’t beat a healthy lifestyle, supplements can be helpful if you’re not getting enough nutrients from food. If you don’t eat fish, for example, you could try taking flaxseed oil supplements.

“It'll help keep your skin supple by replenishing your skin’s own lipids [or oils], which diminish with time. It’s also anti-inflammatory if you suffer from adult acne,” says Jessica Wu, MD, a Los Angeles dermatologist.

As with any supplement, consult your doctor before using.

#7: Get a Good Night’s Sleep

It’s such a simple anti-aging tip, yet such an effective one. For some reason, people skip on sleep, but it’s one of the most important elements when it comes to anti-aging.

Skin creates new collagen when you sleep, helping to repair skin and plump out fine lines and wrinkles. Only getting 4 or 5 hours of sleep a night can lead to twice as many fine lines as sleeping 7 would.

Lack of sleep also puts you at a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, heart attack, or stroke. So, snuggle under the covers tonight, turn off your alarm, and make sure you clock at least seven hours.

#8: Firm Up Your Body

Don’t neglect the rest of your body — your chest, hands, butt, and legs need some TLC too! Lucky for you, we’ve developed body formulas infused with skin-tightening ingredients to firm up loose skin, like Rainbow’s Firm Body Mask. It’s made with retinol and mixed berries to increase collagen and elasticity, fight free radicals, and speed cell turnover for a smooth and sculpted body.

Use it as part of your daily beauty routine to maintain smooth, supple skin all over. Because skincare goes beyond your face and neck.

If you’d like to get ahead of aging before fine lines and wrinkles appear, try these eight tips to maintain a youthful, gleaming complexion. Most importantly, stay consistent and give these products and lifestyle changes a chance to kick in. Your patience and consistency will be rewarded!