10 Ways to Get Firmer, Younger Skin

Tired skin? Lackluster complexion? Here are 10 ways to speed up your skin’s cell function to reveal a youthful, glowing complexion!

Each year we age a little more. That little black dress gets a little tighter, those skinny jeans fit a little less well. Our skin loses it’s glow, starts to sag and becomes sallow. You see, the skin’s metabolic rate measures how fast your cells talk to one another, respond, and take action. In our youth, skin cells self-exfoliate, UV damage gets repaired, and collagen is produced. But with age and exposure to external aggressors (like smoke and sunlight), that system starts to break down, resulting in slower cell communication, and dullness, dark spots, and wrinkles will emerge. But the right habits, products, and lifestyle choices can keep your skin’s metabolism stoked, so you look younger!

photo credit – a1earth [dot] com

1. Add Collagen and an Acid
During the Day: Try a collagen cream and to this add a drop of Hyaluronic Acid or ascorbic acid. Delivering high levels of pure L-ascorbic acid (not derivatives) into the skin, is absolutely the best form of ascorbic acid serum to stimulate collagen growth, improve skin texture, smooth fine lines, and reduce skin discoloration. This powerful antioxdiant serum can turn the treated skin firmer and smoother with improved texture, tone and overall radiance in a short time. At night: Retinoidsstimulate circulation and increase cell growth, which speeds up the skin’s regeneration process and ultimately its metabolism. Skin will be smoother, firmer, and more even-toned. Before bed, rub on a pea-size amount.

2. Add a Homemade Collagen Facial

Once a month, try making a collagen based facial mask  and getting sis to help you apply it- this will help with the wear and tear of your skin.There are many different homemade facials that can do the trick, one of the best being the egg and cucumber face mask. This facial combines some of the key ingredients for collagen production, including vitamin C, silica (if you use the cucumber skin) and the amino acid proline. Add some frankincense essential oil to promote cellular regeneration, and you have a great recipe for helping the body create new, gorgeous skin, no expensive pills or beauty supplies required. Here’s a post on how to make your own masks at home.

3. Stop Smoking
Smoking damages your mitochondria, cells that produce energy, and this has devastating effects on cellular chatter and metabolism. Smoking inhibits communication that’s normal and good, and sends out signals to break down existing collagen, which causes wrinkles. Even the occasional smoke reduces blood flow to the skin, which is enough to slow its metabolism. The good news is that once you quit smoking, cells start the repair process immediately.

4. Fight Free Radicals
Free radicals damages DNA, and it’s DNA that dictates how our cells function. Use a SPF 15- 30 and UVA absorbers (such as zinc oxide or avobenzone) to protect against free radicals and use antioxidants (such as vitamin C – please refer to first point) to neutralize the ones that get through. You can also boost your DNA-repairing enzymes more by using algae or plankton products to help fix existing cell damage, which helps skin cells do their jobs more efficiently.

5. Exercise
Ever notice the glow on your skin after a workout? By increasing blood flow, you enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery to skin cells. Exercise involving large muscle groups such as running, biking, or doing lunges and squats maximizes this effect.

6. Don’t shower too long!
Prolonged exposure to water wears away the skin’s lipid barrier to the point that your skin isn’t able to defend itself against damaging irritants and UV light, so take shorter showers! Also try using pH-balanced facial and body cleansers to keep your skin’s barrier at its optimum best – i.e. at an acidic pH of 5.4.

7. Shock your skin
Topical ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and algae can trigger the skin’s metabolic process by increasing blood flow, meaning skin looks immediately brighter.  Mangosteen, often called “the queen of the fruits,” it contains polyphenolic compounds which provide potent antioxidant properties. Try Origins VitaZing(TM) SPF 15 Energy-Boosting Moisturizer with Mangosteen – a terrific way to brighten up skin.

8. Beauty Diet

Vegetables that are high in beta-carotene, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, are the food equivalents of retinol, which promote cell turnover. Antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies act as a first line of defense and barrier for the skin. Try adding acai and goji to your diet.

9. See a Professional (Skin) Trainer
I don’t really do this as it thins out the skin too much but one way to “stress” your skin is to ‘damage” it a little, so that it heals itself. Microdermabrasion has been proven to increase cytokines in the skin, proteins involved in cell interactions. It damages your skin, which sends a signal to cells that something’s threatening your skin, and this message kicks your skin’s metabolism into high gear.

10. Check Your Meds
Some medications may slow the body’s metabolism, which in turn will impair the skin’s metabolism. Of these, the worst culprits are drugs for depression or anxiety, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or blood pressure. If changing your prescription isn’t an option, hit the gym. Exercise helps counteract the effects.