Aging is an ineluctable fact of life. While the eventual appearance of the signs of aging like wrinkles, skin spots, whitening hair, etc is inevitable, these signs can definitely be mitigated and postponed. 

The reasons for aging are multifaceted. Aside from the unavoidable aging related to time, your lifestyle practices, environmental factors, and your body's innate ability to heal play a big part in how much and how fast you age. 

The key to staying younger for longer is to avoid the damage from the environment, promote healing, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

Eat Healthily  

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A well-balanced diet goes a long way in maintaining your skin healthy, supple, and blooming. 

• Say bye-bye to sugar - 

Excess sugar molecules in your bloodstream promote aging, and therefore it is a must to avoid sugar, sweets and other food with a high glycaemic index for a young-looking  

• Not all fats are bad -

The presence of omega 3 fatty acids in your diet protects your skin from inflammation and UV related Sun damage.  

• Add proteins to your diet -

Proteins like collagen and elastin maintain the elasticity of the skin and keep it taut, smooth, and wrinkle-free. So start binging on those legumes and pulses, and add some chicken and fish to your diet as well. 

• Drink lots of water -

Drinking 2 litres of water for a well-hydrated skin that is taut, elastic, and youthful. Avoid soda, black tea, or other caffeinated beverages, and instead, choose healthier alternatives like herbal tea or lemon water. 

• Cut down on the coffee and alcohol -

Coffee and alcohol have a dehydrating effect on your skin and should be avoided as much as possible. 

Avoid stress 

Stress causes the release of a hormone called cortisol, which increases your blood pressure and blood sugar, hardens arteries, increases fat storage and causes loss of muscle and collagen. Since collagen is the protein that gives elasticity to your skin, excess cortisol can thus lead to premature wrinkles as well.  

So if you don't want to look older than your years, cut down on that stress! Try to maintain a relaxed disposition in life to stay fit and young longer. 

Protect your skin from the Sun

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The UV rays present in sunlight damage the elastic fibers in the skin, decreasing its elasticity and ability to stretch and recoil, causing wrinkles. Exposure to sunlight can also cause melanin deposits, sunburns, and even skin cancer. 

To avoid premature aging, avoid going out in the Sun as much as possible. When you do have to go out, even for a little while, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or above. Research shows that people who use sunscreen daily show significantly lesser signs of aging than those who don't use it or use it from time to time, and dermatologists urge year-round sunscreen use, especially for the skin that is constantly exposed like face, hands, neck and upper chest. 

Adopt a skincare routine, now 

A good skincare regime does more than just make you look beautiful. It helps you keep your skin healthy and hale. The basic tenets of any skincare regime are cleansing, hydrating, and protection. 

• Wash your face

Cleansing is important to rid your skin of excess oils, sweat, dirt, and other impurities. Wash your face twice every day, with a face wash that suits your skin. Don't rub too hard, as that stretches your skin and can lead to wrinkles and fine lines. The key is to wash gently, yet thoroughly. 

• Moisturise

Keeping your skin hydrated is extremely important. A well-hydrated skin looks smooth, supple, and spry.  

Dry skin can yield to cracks and wrinkles, or alternatively, sometimes dry skin promotes your sebaceous glands to produce more oils, leading to oily skin and acne breakouts. 

• Protect

Avoid sunlight, and use Sunscreen whenever you do have to go out. Avoid indoor tanning as well. 

Be gentle with your skin 

The skin is a living organ. Not everyone's skin is the same, and even your own skin keeps changing over time. Therefore, it is prudent that you adjust your skincare according to your skin type. 

Choose your skincare products wisely. Chemicals in certain cosmetic products can lead to irritation, dry skin, and drastic changes in the pH balance of your skin. Rather than let these products play havoc on your skin, it is better to invest in skincare products that are made from natural ingredients and are gentle on your skin. 

You may also consider Serums, which contain concentrated active ingredients and are lighter than moisturisers, so they are readily absorbed by the skin. 

The elline 24k Lifting Serum contains a rich mixture of gold crystals, hyaluronic acid, and raspberry stem cell extract in a mineral-rich Swiss glacial water base to provide you with  hydration  and keep you refreshed the whole day. It is perfect as a night nourishing cream, replenishing the skin moisture reserves as you sleep, so that you wake up glowing with vitality and exuberance, and with reduced wrinkles and fine lines. 

Consider using Retinol  

Over time, your skin starts losing collagen - the protein that is responsible for the elasticity of your skin and gives it a smooth and lifted appearance. To postpone fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and other signs of aging skin, you may consider using retinoids.  

Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives, and they reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also improve blood circulation in your skin, help in fading age spots on the skin, and keeping your skin soft. 

Retinoids are available via prescription, and you will have to consult your doctor before using them. Also keep in mind that they increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, and must, therefore, be used only at night time. 

Retinoids in formulation may is unstable and may cause skin irritation. Vit-A-Like, a plant based alternative, is used by elline Switzerland in its ‘ Treasure of Youth Collection’ with the same efficacy but minus all the side effects. Vit-A-Like is made of natural ingredients and is well suited for your skin.   

Workout 

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Exercising increases your blood circulation and ensures nutrients to reach all parts of the body, including the skin. Even after a short workout, you will find your skin glowing and exuberant. 

Additionally, regular workout tones your muscles and helps you stay fit - a well-toned body makes you look younger and decreases the number of years off your apparent age.

Catch up on your sleep 

The skin heals and rejuvenates while you sleep. Lack of proper sleep can lead to dark circles, puffy eyes, and wrinkly skin. So ensure that you catch 8 hours of healthy sleep for a healthy, energetic, and youthful face in the morning. 

In short 

While the sway of time, and with it aging, is inevitable, it is indeed possible to delay aging and maintain youth for longer. All it demands is wholesome food habits, a relaxed, stress-free lifestyle, regular skincare, and healthy lifestyle practices. If you have started spotting wrinkles and fine lines, it's never too late - start on a skincare routine now and adopt a healthy, stress-free approach towards life.