The concept of beauty in our society is intricately linked to youth and health, and it is no surprise that the skincare market is brimming with products aimed at fighting the signs of aging and promoting radiant, youthful skin. While it may seem like a boon, this overabundance of choice and complicated skincare regimes may be confusing to many.  

Do you find yourself short of time to indulge in a ten-step skincare regime because of your busy schedule? Or does the plethora of products available on the market baffle you? Or maybe all these products are too expensive for you to afford? 

If you relate to any of these problems, then the answer is not to lose hope, but rather to de-clutter your skincare and anti-aging routine, and follow a regime that involves fewer products and fewer steps. In fact, you don’t need to waste your hard-earned money on products your skin doesn’t require. Rather, focus on a few basic tenets of skincare, and beyond that invest only on issues that your skin may be dealing with and require special action. Buying products that can multi-task and address more than one issue is a cardinal step in a minimalist anti-aging skincare regime.  

The Minimalist Anti-aging Regime  

The simplest routine is often the best. A basic trident approach, consisting of cleansing, moisturising, and protection, integrated with some healthy lifestyle practices can make all the change.  

Cleanse 

Thorough yet gentle cleansing at least twice a day is an essential step in your skincare routine. Splash your face with lukewarm water, and use a face wash that suits your skin. Warm water opens your pores and allows the dirt and other impurities out. Remember to pat dry. Don’t rub the towel, as that stretches your skin, which leads to loss of elasticity over time, and thus signs of aging. 

You can also use facial scrub once a week to exfoliate the dead skin cells, for a natural glow that radiates youthfulness. However, avoid using it more frequently because it can severely dry your skin. 

Moisturise 

Moisturising keeps your skin hydrated, prevents wrinkles and other signs of aging, and keeps your skin smooth and supple looking. Choose a water-based moisturiser that suits your skin type (normal, dry, or oily). 

You can also use skin toners – they help maintain the skin’s natural pH balance, soothe the skin, and have a positive effect on the tone of the skin. 

Protect 

Apply sunscreen of SPF (Sun Protection factor) 30 or higher before going out in the Sun. Sunscreen protects your skin from the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, and its application is arguably the most important part of any skincare and anti-aging regime. 

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The UV radiations present in sunlight damage the elastic fibers present in your skin, and this damage accumulates over time, and with passing time, the skin loses its elasticity and tends to wrinkle and sag. Since this damage adds up over time, it is essential that you put on sunscreen even if you are going out for a short duration of time.  

Simple lifestyle choices can make a huge difference 

Skincare products work best in conjunction with healthy lifestyle choices. When you shift to healthy choices in diet and other areas, your skin reflects the impact of your choices. A minimalist anti-aging routine must accompany with positive life choices for best results.  

A: A healthy diet for a youthful skin 

Your diet has a powerful impact on your skin. Help your skin look its best by adopting a healthy diet. 

• Cut back on sugar- Avoid sugar and food items with a high glycaemic index, as excess sugar in your bloodstream accelerates the process of aging, aside from causing weight gain and diabetes. Instead of doughnuts and pastries, stuff up on lots of fruits and veggies, which are packed with antioxidants, that help fight against free radicals. Many fruits and vegetables are also rich in water content and help maintain your skin’s hydration. 

• Add protein to your diet – Protein is one of the building blocks of your skin, so it is needless to say that adequate protein intake is essential for a glowing, healthy skin. So start loving your pulses and legumes, and chicken and fish. 

• Fats are important too – Omega 6 fatty acids help prevent skin dryness and maintain healthy and hydrated skin. Add nuts and seeds (chia seeds, walnuts), seafood (salmon, tuna, and other fish), and plant oils (flaxseed oil, soybean oil) to your diet for a healthy dose of omega 6 fatty acids for a soft, supple, radiant skin. 

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• Hydration- Drink lots of water! At least 6-8 glasses every day to keep your skin looking supple.

Remember that your skin is constantly being damaged and regenerating, and needs a constant supply of nutrients to regenerate and rejuvenate properly.

Beauty sleep is a must

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It may seem like a minor matter, but catching up on your sleep can make all the difference to those dark circles and puffy eyes. The skin goes into repair and regeneration mode as you sleep, so a proper, deep sleep is extremely important. Late nights and lack of sleep can disrupt the healing process and have harmful effects on your skin. Having a deep, comfortable, and proper duration of sleep will not only ensure that you wake up looking refreshed and lively in the morning but also cut down on several years from your visage.

Avoid smoking

Smoking decreases blood circulation, hence affecting the supply of nutrients to the skin cells. It also reduces collagen production. Collagen is the protein that is responsible for the elasticity of the skin; with decreased collagen, skin loses its elasticity and tends to sag and wrinkle. 

Is it too late? 

It’s never too early nor too late to start taking care of your skin to minimise, or even reverse, the signs of aging. Whether you are in your twenties, yet to show apparent signs of skin aging, or in your fifties, or anywhere in between, it is a prudent decision to start taking care of your skin. 

In short 

Your skincare routine need not be heavy with tons of products and innumerable steps. Remember the trinity of cleansing, moisturising, and protecting your skin and you will be sorted. De-clutter your cabinet by investing in products that target more than one issue. Your minimalist skincare regime is way more effective if accompanied by positive lifestyle shifts.  

Feeling good about your skin and your appearance makes you feel more confident. Having a beautiful, youthful skin is no luxury, but your right and easy to achieve.