10 Natural Ways to Keep Skin Looking Youthful

Aging is a part of life.  There is no rule saying we have to like it though.  That’s why Foul Gal has put together 10 natural ways to keep your skin looking youthful and glowing!  Why natural?  Because it’s cheap, safe, and most importantly, you get to brag to all your friends about the fact that your rested, youthful glow is not a result of any–ahem–work.  It doesn’t matter if you’re a senior in high school, a senior in college, or the type of senior that attends a weekly water aerobics class, it’s NEVER too late to start a healthy skincare routine.  We can’t promise you’ll look 22 forever (then again who would want to?) but if you follow these tips, you’ll be posting borderline sexual pictures of yourself with a strawberry in your mouth in no time!



STAY OUT OF THE SUN.
In case you haven’t heard, the sun is kind of the enemy.  It’s the #1 cause of wrinkles and increases your chances of a little thing called SKIN CANCER!  And yet, every day, people skimp on sunscreen, use tanning beds, and fail to protect the largest human organ (as much as your man tries to convince you…no, his penis is not the largest human organ): your skin!  News flash: tan skin doesn’t look all that hot if you bear a striking resemblance to a leather sofa.  Be sure to lather on the SPF, grab your favorite hat, and don’t forget to lather, rinse, repeat!



DON’T OVERWASH.
Ever heard the saying, “cleanliness is next to godliness”?  Turns out the key to getting a goddess-like glow isn’t having spic n’ span skin.  While of course we want to wash our face everyday, overwashing can lead to problems.  Instead, opt to wash your face once a day with a mild cleanser that won’t strip your face of it’s natural oils.  If you’re really hardcore, you can look into au naturale options such as washing your face with oils or honey.  However, there are many gentle cleansers out there that will do the job no problem!



MOISTURIZE.
This may seem like Skincare 101 but it is insanely important to find a moisturizer that works for your skin.  Regardless of your skin type, there are limitless options to keep your skin hydrated.  When moisturized, your face holds water in it’s outermost layer of the skin, preventing wrinkles.  It also can act as a barrier thus protecting your skin from pollutants, improve skin tone, and improve skin texture.  If you don’t believe us, take male model Derek Zoolander’s word for it.  He was quoted as saying, “Water is the essence of wetness and wetness is the essence of beauty.”  Moisturize and we promise, your skin will be so hot right now.



EXFOLIATE.
When it comes to sexy, smooth skin, exfoliating is KEY.  Don’t get it twisted though.  Washing your face and exfoliating are two entirely separate processes.  Washing your face results in a clean face but exfoliating results in a face free of dead skin cells.  Regular exfoliation will help clear up breakouts, improve your skin’s texture, and reduce the appearance of large pores.  Additionally, it will maximize the effectiveness of your other products as there won’t be any dead skin cells preventing proper absorption.  Keep in mind though, similar to washing, you can over exfoliate your skin.  Start off by exfoliating twice a week and see how your skin reacts.  If your skin is red and irritated, you’re probably overdoing it.  If it is soft and smooth, then give yourself a pat on the back…or a celebratory cocktail.



RETINOIDS ARE YOUR FRIEND.
If you’ve never heard of tretinoin, then get your ass on Google right now!  Tretinoin is the only FDA approved topical treatment for wrinkles and unlike a lot of the BS out there, it actually works!  Tretinoin (known commercially as Retin-A) can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and repair sun damage.  It works by increasing the cell turnover rate and boosting collagen. This natural form of Vitamin A can be found in over the counter creams or if you’re super gung-ho, you can get your MD to prescribe you a more potent version.  Just make sure to use it at night because exposing your Retin-A clad skin to the sun can leave you looking more like a tomato than anything else…



WEAR YOUR VITAMIN C.
Studies have shown that topical vitamin C can increase collagen production, protect against harmful rays, and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles!  Professionals believe it’s the L-ascorbic acid in the vitamin C that makes the difference!  However, make sure when purchasing your topical vitamin C, you get a serum that ranges between .3% and 10% as that is the proven range that has been found to be most effective.  Do you “C” what we mean?



DITCH THE CIGS.
This also seems like a no brainer but we HAVE to say it.  Why?  Because every damn day, women, young and old, buy their Camel Lights and get their smoke on.  Even though, study after study confirms that cigarette smoke speeds up signs of aging by releasing an enzyme that breaks down collagen and elastin which are crucial for your youthful glow.  In case you forgot, here is a short list of other bad things that will happen to you if you pick up smoking: DEATH.  Yep, that about covers it.



SORRY, NEMO.
Protein is one of the building blocks of amazing skin.  Guess what has a ton of it?  Ding ding ding!  You guessed it!  Not only is fish–especially salmon–rich in protein, it is also packed with omega-3, an essential fatty acid that is essential for great skin.  Omega-3 will keep your skin plump, nourished, and help reduce wrinkles as well!  Not a fan of fish?  No problem!  There is a limitless supply of fish oil supplements that you can choose from.  Additionally, flaxseed oil offers the same benefits!



HELLO H2O!
Remember how we talked about the importance of moisturizer?  Well, in order for your moisturizer to “lock in” water, the water has to be there in the first place.  You can achieve this by none other than–you guessed it–drinking water.  Groundbreaking.  I know.  Not only is drinking water good for your insides, it does wonders for your skin.  Dehydration will cause your skin to look dry and wrinkled.  Whereas, drinking enough water will keep you looking healthy and hydrated!  You can either count your glasses or even easier, do the pee test!  If your pee is yellow, you’re in need of water, if it’s clear, you’re good to go.  Boom. SCIENCE.



GET SOME SHUT EYE.
Not that you needed one, but we’re about to give you ANOTHER reason to hit the sack early.  Not only does lack of sleep turn you into a colossal biatch, but it’s pretty bad for you as well!  Lack of sleep worsens your skin by causing increased inflammation and an increase in breakdown of collagen.  It also messes with your body’s ability to rebalance hydration causing the oh so sexy puffy bags under your eyes.  So next time your friend give you shit for wanting to call it a night at 10pm on a Saturday, tell her to shut her effing mouth because you’re on a mission to achieve flawless skin!