When it comes to skin care and reducing the signs of aging, women have it easy. Companies spend millions of dollars marketing hundreds of skin care products formulated for women. But preventing and reducing the signs of aging is just as important to many men.
Here are five easy ways for men to reduce the signs of skin aging – or prevent it from happening.
Take care of your skin
Products like exfoliates and moisturizers are extremely helpful to prevent and reduce the signs of aging and should be part of your daily routine. However, simple, everyday tips can also go a long way. Avoid hot water when showering or washing your face, as it can irritate skin and strip your natural oil. Use a humidifier, especially during the dry winter months, to add moisture to your skin.
Protect yourself from the sun
The harmful rays of the sun not only increase your risk of skin cancer, but can also cause wrinkles. Dermatologists agree that SPF 15 works well for most people (unless you have very fair skin), but you’ll want a sunscreen with broad-spectrum or multi-spectrum protection for both UVB and UVA. Most sunscreens provide UVB protection ratings, but you’ll have to look at the ingredients to determine the effectiveness of the product’s UVA (look for a product with ecamsule, avobenzone or titanium dioxide.)
Eat right
Eating right goes beyond watching your intake of sugars, fat, and sodium. Choosing the right foods can provide essential vitamins and minerals that can actually prevent and reduce signs of aging. Vitamin C, found in oranges and peppers, promotes skin elasticity. Beta carotene, found in carrots, apricots and squash, is an antioxidant that increases regeneration of skin cells. Selenium, found in tuna, garlic and broccoli, protects skin against UV cell damage.
Exercise
Regular exercise is crucial to heart health and watching your weight, but can also improve the look of your skin by increasing the circulation, delivering nutrients and helping to give you a clear complexion. Any aerobic activity, like jogging or playing basketball, can help you stay physically healthy as well as prevent the signs of aging in your skin.
Drink water
Your body is 70% water, and you lose up to three quarts of water a day when you perspire or urinate. Replacing what you lose by drinking at least six cups of water every day, which will help your body flush out harmful waste materials and act as an internal moisturizer and wrinkle-reducer.