Though most people put a paramount on youth, aging is inevitable. In fact, skin aging may even start much sooner than we think. Studies show that a woman’s skin already starts to show signs of aging at only age 25. Furthermore, a post on skin aging by the lifestyle website Real Simple notes that how the skin is treated in your 20s will undoubtedly play a role in how your skin looks later on. This means that rather than focusing on pushing back aging, it may be more beneficial to instead focus on proactive ways to make sure your skin ages gracefully over time. In this way, when your skin does begin to mature, you’ll still enjoy a healthy and glowing complexion.

With that in mind, here are some of the most effective skincare tips you can apply today:

1. Apply Sunscreen Religiously
Inarguably, sunscreen is the one product that is universally essential. Unfortunately, according to the news site Forbes, only 11% of people wear sunscreen daily. This is unfortunate since aside from preventing skin cancers, sunscreen is also very useful in regard to skin aging. Since sunscreen is able to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, this helps prevent any premature aging. This means that discolorations and wrinkles should not show up on your skin before expected. On top of this, sunscreen can also help keep skin more resilient with age since it helps prevent unnecessary sun damage that can show up in later life. To make the most of sunscreen, make sure to choose one that has broad-spectrum protection and at least SPF 30. In this way, you’re better protected from UVA and UVB even if you’re directly exposed to the sun.

2. Introduce Active Serums
There are so many aging-related skincare products, but you really only need a handful with active ingredients. As explained by health resource SymptomFind, which has many articles on aging and skincare, active ingredients like retinoids and peptides are some of the only scientifically proven compounds that can actually make a difference to your skin. Using vitamin A derivatives and amino acids, respectively, retinoids and peptides can help boost collagen and elastin production. Since these ingredients work best when allowed to sit on the skin, active serums are some of the best formulations to invest in. Since serums are also designed to handle more potent concentrations of active ingredients, they can eliminate the need for redundant products. Just make sure to read up on the ingredients list before trying a serum, since some are formulated too harshly. Once you’ve found a trustworthy serum, though, you can begin to see results in just three months.

3. Invest in a Moisturizer
A plump and dewy complexion is often the hallmark of healthy skin, regardless of age. This is why moisturizers are critical in maintaining good and clear skin. As we age, moisturizers play an even bigger deal since more mature skin loses moisture faster. With a good moisturizer, you are able to lock in moisture and help other skincare products seep in better, too. If you’re not sure which moisturizing formulation is best for you, take your cue from Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston and go with a rich daily moisturizer. Since these are usually formulated to be thicker and a little heavier, a little bit goes a long way. Plus, these are also more effective in colder climates wherein moisture loss can happen drastically. For best results, apply your moisturizer during the day and in the evening to seal in your other products.

4. Eat More Skin-Friendly Foods
People will often credit water as a skincare secret. After all, many dermatologists like
New York-based doctor Whitney Bowe explain that hydration prevents the acceleration of aging. But food is actually just as important. As a matter of fact, a study published in the online library PubMed Central revealed that aging can be highly influenced by diet. Specifically, foods rich in protein and fatty acids relieve skin aging by enhancing skin cell turnover. Some examples of this include olive oil, salmon, and avocado. On top of this, antioxidant-rich food has also been proven to help flush out toxins. Conversely, if toxins are allowed to fester in the body it can exacerbate aging and encourage the formation of other diseases. Some of the best antioxidant-rich foods you can easily incorporate into your diet are berries, leafy greens, and teas. When eaten regularly, and paired with a good amount of fluids, these foods can help skin stay healthy for longer.

Although aging is often presented as scary or unattractive, it’s actually a beautiful and perfectly natural experience. When greeted with a positive attitude and the right skincare and lifestyle efforts, aging can be just as fun and exciting. Since you’re never too young to start taking care of yourself and your skin, try slowly but surely adopting the tips we relayed above. In this way, you’re making an investment your skin will thank you for.

For more on skincare and beauty, please visit the rest of the blog at MOD Mag.