A lot of things come with age, like wisdom, experience, and of course, fine lines and wrinkles. Growing up and becoming older and wiser is one thing—seeing signs of it is another thing completely. While aging is a gift that shouldn’t be taken for granted, being able to magically slow down the aging process would also be one as well.
Of course, Botox is always an option. The problem with this? Botox is expensive AF, and most of us can’t dish out the cash needed to get it done with the astronomical cost of living. So, I set out to create the ultimate guide to looking younger, according to experts.
Allow me to introduce to you six ways to look younger without Botox. These expert-backed tips and at-home remedies will give your skin a more youthful and radiant glow without the hefty price tag. Keep scrolling to learn more.
1. Apply sun protection daily
Sunlight may be the best source of vitamin D, but prolonged unprotected sun exposure can do more harm than good. Cosmetologist, Dermatologist, and Trichologist, Dr. Firdous Ibrahim, explained that sun exposure is a major culprit of premature aging because the sun’s UV rays can damage the skin's collagen and elastin. When this happens, the skin loses its elasticity and firmness, which in turn makes it sag and appear older.
The good news is that you can still spend time in the sun, so long as you’re diligent about protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. According to Dr. Ibrahim, this means wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher daily, even when it’s cloudy. “This is perhaps the most important thing you can do to prevent premature aging,” she explained. Just be sure to pay attention to the directions on your sunscreen so you can re-apply as needed.
2. Moisturize regularly
“Keeping the skin well-hydrated is essential,” skincare expert and Founder of Beautiful Features, Naomi Doswell, told me. On top of drinking plenty of water and hydrating skin from the inside out, this also means moisturizing every single day, morning and night. This will keep the skin hydrated and give it a more youthful glow.
“A good moisturizer helps maintain the skin’s barrier function and prevents fine lines from becoming more pronounced,” Doswell explained. However, whether you reach for a lighter formula that’ll work well with oily or normal skin or a heavy-duty cream that’ll nourish dry skin is unimportant. Rather, what matters are the ingredients in the formula.
Case in point? Dr. Mark Anton, a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, cautions against using products that contain harsh chemicals. He explained that ingredients such as phthalates, parabens, and fragrance can not not cause hormone disruption throughout the body but also damage skin. Likewise, Doswell recommends looking for moisturizers that are formulated with peptides and hyaluronic acid. While peptides support collage production and skin elasticity, hyaluronic acid keeps the skin hydrated and plump.
3. Balance your lifestyle
Not getting enough sleep or exercising regularly, living with chronic stress, and eating an unbalanced diet can also accelerate the aging process. To prevent this from happening, Dr. Ibrahim implores you to eat a healthy diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants, and get seven to nine hours of sleep each night; this will allow your skin to repair itself while you’re catching up on your beauty sleep. And of course, finding ways to manage your stress via things like exercise, meditation, or yoga is also key.
“Overall wellness including nutrition, exercise and sleep are key to skin health and slowing signs of aging,” Dr. Anton said. “A balanced lifestyle will keep skin looking its youngest.”
4. Use antioxidant serums and retinol or retinoids
Both Doswell and Dr. Anton swear by incorporating antioxidant serums into your skincare routine. According to Doswell, serums with vitamins C or E protect the skin from environmental damage and improve texture. Dr. Anton echoes this sentiment, saying that serums with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C can “boost collagen production and cell turnover.” He then went on to say that oils with fatty acids like rosehip, argan, and jojoba can also nourish the skin and give it a more youthful appearance.
Additionally, Doswell recommends adding a retinol product or retinoids into your routine as well. “These vitamin A derivatives are powerful in promoting cell turnover and boosting collagen production, which helps in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” she said. Because these products are known to be irritating, especially for sensitive skin, Doswell recommends starting slow. This means using a formula with a lower concentration of retinol or retinoids one to three times per week before bed, and gradually increasing as your skin builds a tolerance.
5. Cleanse and exfoliate regularly
In addition to the tips above, Dr. Ibrahim also recommends cleansing your face twice a day and following up with a toner. She explained that cleansing the skin will help remove dirt, oil, and makeup, while using a toner will help balance the skin’s pH level and remove any remaining impurities or grime. Using a mild cleanser is key and toner without alcohol in the formula is key here. This will prevent your skin from drying out from over-cleansing and toning.
Furthermore, Doswell said it’s important to exfoliate regularly. She explained that exfoliating with gentle acids like glycolic or lactic acid will help remove dead skin cells, and this in turn will promote cell turnover and give it a smoother, more radiant glow. Of course, how often you exfoliate will wholly depend on your skin type and sensitivity level. But starting with an exfoliation one time per week or every other week is a great place to start; you can gradually work your way up to three times per week from there.
6. Get facial massages
If you’re looking for an excuse to treat yourself to a facial, consider this it. According to Doswell, incorporating facial massages into your skincare routine can improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and promote lymphatic drainage—all of which can give the skin a more youthful glow. To do this, try using tools like a jade roller or red light therapy wand. Both products will stimulate blood flow and reduce puffiness to make the skin look younger—no Botox necessary.
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