Eight Easy and Effective Tips for Healthy Glowing Skin

Marin Mommies presents a guest article by skin care expert, fashion blogger, and local mom Stephanie Wong.

Did you know that 80% of aging is due to environmental factors? Only 20% of aging is due to genetics. You can take small steps today to prevent the signs of aging. Remember these eight tips to keep the wrinkles away!

1. Don’t sip through a straw. The pucker shape of your lips can increase the tiny lines around your lips. A sip from a straw now and then is ok, but drinking from a straw every day straw can lead to wrinkles.
2. Sleep on your back. By sleeping on your side for eight hours a night, every night causes the creases to become permanent wrinkles on your face. Prevent the face plant in your pillow and train yourself to sleep on your back.
3. Shade your eyes. With a pair of oversized sunglasses you’ll prevent UV rays from blasting the delicate skin around your eyes and hence, increase the effects of aging. Sunglasses also prevent squinting which cause, you guessed it—more wrinkles! That said, wear your shades even on cloudy days.
4. Sunscreen that block UVB rays. Be sure to choose your sunscreen wisely. Did you know that there are two types of sun rays that increase our skin’s aging and cause wrinkles? There are UVA rays (ultra-violet long rays) which contribute to aging of the skin. UVB rays (ultra violet short rays) cause the skin to burn. Ultra violet rays are invisible to the naked eye. All sunscreens protect from UVB rays. But to protect your skin from UVA rays, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you should look for products that include stabilized avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide.
5. Cover up with a hat. Go wide with a broad brimmed hat. In this case, wider is better. Choose a light colored style that will reflect the sun’s rays. Foldable styles are best, you can easily keep your hat inside a handbag or tote. Keeping your hat accessible means and you’ll be more likely to wear it everyday.
6. A diet of colorful vegetables. Infuse your diet with a healthy stream of organic, fresh and brightly colored vegetables. Dark green leafy vegetables, brightly colored beets, and berries are packed with powerful anti-oxidants and assist in slowing down the signs of aging. We are lucky to have access to the world’s best locally grown organic produce. Pick up some plenty of these veggies at your local farmer’s market this week!
7. Remember to moisturize. Yes, your skincare routine and what you put on your face does make a difference. Invest in the best skin care regimen you can afford, your skin with thank you for it. Your skin covets moisture and although your skin may be oily or extremely dry - all skin types need moisture. Look for a moisturizer created especially for your skin’s condition such as aging skin, sensitive skin, sun damaged skin or adult-acne prone skin.
8. Hydration is essential. A healthy stream of water, eight glasses of day in fact, will help to maintain properly functioning body fluids. Your skin in fact contains plenty of water as it acts as a protective barrier against moisture loss. If you are dehydrated your skin is more apt to look dry and wrinkled. When hydrating on the go opt for stainless steel water bottles instead. Not only are they better for the planet, but plastic water bottles are known to leach harmful chemicals into the water. If using plastic water bottles look for plastics numbered 2, 4 or 5.

All of us are aging all of the time, but these daily habits can slow down the effects of Father Time. It’s also never too early to teach our kids these habits too, for a lifetime of healthy, glowing skin!

Stephanie Wong is self-proclaimed beauty product junkie, fashion blogger, and 40-something mompreneur who is passionate about mentoring her team and business partners to achieve their dream life. You can contact Stephanie at stephanie@stephaniewong.com, visit her website theskincaresocial.com or follow her on Pinterest @stylemaven. Stephanie lives in San Francisco with her husband and 5-year-old daughter who attends school in Corte Madera.