9 Anti-Aging Tips to Know Now

Looking younger doesn’t require a magic wand. But it does take the right products—and a healthy lifestyle. We asked Avon’s consulting dermatologist, Dr. Kim Nichols, to share her best tips for getting the most youthful complexion ever. Here’s how to put your best face forward.

1. Wear sunscreen.

We know, we know, you’ve heard it before. But this is why: Wearing sunscreen is the number one thing you can do to prevent wrinkles and dark spots. Period. Dr. Nichols suggests choosing a broad-spectrum, SPF formula, and wearing it every single day, rain or shine. Your skin will thank you later.

2. Slather on an antioxidant serum.

SPF isn’t all you need. For an extra boost of protection against skin-harming free radicals, smooth on an antioxidant serum just before applying sunscreen. “Antioxidant serums act as a barrier to protect your skin from sun and pollutants,” says Dr. Nichols. “Look for one with vitamin C, which has been proven to be one of the best antioxidants available.” Try Avon ANEW Vitamin C Brightening Serum.

3. Exfoliate regularly.

Feel like your skin looks duller as you get older? It’s not your imagination. “Skin cell turnover slows down as we age,” says Dr. Nichols. And when cell turnover slows down, dead skin builds up, reducing that youthful glow. “The best thing to do is to start using retinol and scrubs to increase skin cell turnover,” she says. Her pick: Avon ANEW Clinical Extra Strength Retexturizing Peel. “These pads are very effective, but not too harsh, and I like that they have soothing ingredients added to glycolic acid,” she says.

4. Cleanse twice a day.

One evening-only wash isn’t going to cut it. For your best skin ever, you need to cleanse morning and night. “Cleansing in the morning removes dead skin and forms a good base for makeup and sunscreen application,” says Dr. Nichols. “A nighttime cleanse removes makeup and any pollutants that have gotten on the skin during the day, allowing your night cream to better penetrate.”

5. Plump up wrinkles.

“When your skin is dry, makeup sits in fine lines, making you look older, but a good moisturizer can fix that,” says Dr. Nichols. Smoothing on a rich cream will hydrate parched skin, plumping wrinkles instantly, while also improving their appearance over time. Try Avon ANEW Ultimate Supreme Advanced Performance Crème, which contains rare Tahitian black pearl extract to improve skin’s moisture levels.

6. Stress less

Whatever you are worrying about, it can show on your complexion. “Stress is a big cause of skin issues,” says Dr. Nichols. “It causes cortisol levels to rise, which causes inflammation, leading to the breakdown of collagen and also acne.” For your skin’s sake (and that of your psyche!), consider trying proven stress-relieving activities such as yoga, meditation, or even taking a few deep, cleansing breaths.

7. Get some zzzs.

Turns out, we do need our beauty sleep! “When we don’t get enough sleep, cortisol levels go up,” says Dr. Nichols. As a result, skin won’t have the proper opportunity to build collagen and can end up looking dull and dry. So switch off Netflix and power down that iPhone—aim to get at least seven hours each night and you’ll wake up rested and radiant.

8. Don’t forget to exercise.

Working out benefits far more than just your cardiovascular system. “Exercise is a huge part of skin health,” says Dr. Nichols. “It decreases cortisol and keeps skin cells turning over. Skin is our biggest organ, so what’s good for our bodies and is good for our skin.” Whether you choose spinning, jogging, swimming, or kickboxing doesn’t matter—just get moving!

9. Eat right.

Youthful skin starts from the inside out, so what you eat matters. Cut down on sugary junk foods, which can lead to inflammation and wrinkles, and load up on complexion-beautifying foods like antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies and foods with omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon. “Omega 3 are good for your heart, but also help with lipids to keep skin hydrated,” says Dr. Nichols.

For more skin care advice from Dr. Nichols, check out her latest video where she shares her tips for a nighttime skin care routine: https://youtu.be/QhLj4yviLAI