The Secret Skincare Tricks To Slow Down Aging Skin, Dermatologist Says

When it comes to longevity, self-care, and the desire to slow down aging skin, it's easy to fall for scams. You know the kind we're talking about—products that promise to make you look and feel 20 years younger by taking one magical potion. If the fountain of youth could only be bottled in a special concoction, it would certainly be a best-seller. But are there some secret skincare tricks out there that can actually help slow down aging skin? Surely there must be some solid treatment to deal with that pesky, relatable issue?

Well, we spoke with Dr. Leyda Bowes, board-certified dermatologist who reveals her best, secret skincare tricks to slow down aging skin. Read on to learn more, and next, check out The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.

There are a ton of skincare myths out there

older woman admires her glowing skin in mirror — Shutterstock

When it comes to your skin, there are many misconceptions. For instance, according to Harvard Health, there is little proof to back up the claim that using vitamin E can reduce the appearance of scars. And of the hundreds of skin products on the market that promise to treat your skin and make it look incredibly youthful, the reality is, using sunscreen and not smoking is really the best combination.

Oh, and when it comes to washing your skin with antibacterial soap to keep it cleanest? Well, it's not needed every single day—regular soap gets the job done just fine. In fact, washing thoroughly and consistently are really the two key ingredients to keep germs from spreading.

And if you're wondering about a healthy, glowing tan, there's nothing that proves that having a suntan is healthier than not having a suntan, although sunlight is key for stimulating vitamin D in your skin (which is vital for maintaining strong bones, increasing your immune abilities, and may even lessen the risk of developing some cancers).

Follow a vitamin-rich diet with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Bowes explains to us that it's important to give your skin proper care—but not simply on its surface. She advises to "nourish your skin from the inside out." Now there's an interesting concept! And she tells us exactly how to do it: "Add to your diet foods that are high in vitamins with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to avoid premature aging and boosting the skin's elasticity."

The foods you should add to your daily rotation include apples, berries, salmon, olive oil, avocados, and vegetables. When it comes to what veggies are best, Bowes places a special emphasis on leafy greens, carrots, pumpkin, bell peppers, and broccoli.

Have a spot of green tea

These foods aren't the only items you should bump up in your diet, according to Bowes. As far as a great beverage, a spot of green tea is an amazing drink to enjoy for younger-looking skin.

Studies have proven that green tea contains anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory prospects, making it very therapeutic for various skin conditions. Green tea has been found to be an effective supplement for skincare and quite possibly has a huge bearing on treating skin disorders in the future. So, do your skin a favor, and drink up!

Sleep in the right position

woman wearing fuzzy sleep mask in bed — Shutterstock

According to Bowes, the position you sleep in can impact how quickly you develop wrinkles. She says, "Sleep on your back. This will reduce the mechanical compression forces that can accelerate wrinkle formation."

Wear clothing that protects your skin from the sun

happy woman over 40 runs on a beach — Shutterstock

Wearing just the right sun-protective clothing whenever you can is so important—and your skin will thank you. "This will afford the best sun protection to areas that are difficult to cover consistently with just sunscreen, such as the arms," Bowes explains. "Removable sun-protective sleeves are one such example. Along the same lines, become accustomed to wearing caps or hats early on, as they provide additional sun protection to your face and will definitely slow down the aging signs induced by ultraviolet sunlight."