5 Skincare Habits That Help You Look Younger

We all want to keep our skin looking fresh and youthful for as long as possible. While genetics play a part, your daily skincare routine has a huge impact on how your skin ages over time. By adopting a few key habits, you can help your skin stay vibrant and healthy.

Here are five essential skincare habits that can help you maintain youthful skin, boost hydration, and protect against premature aging.

1. Cleanse Your Skin Properly

Cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine, and it’s important to do it properly. It’s not just about washing away makeup and dirt it’s about removing the buildup of oils and pollutants that can clog pores and cause breakouts.

Choose a cleanser that suits your skin type. If you have dry skin, go for a hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin of its natural oils. For oily skin, opt for a gel-based or foaming cleanser to balance oil production.

Don’t skip this step, and be sure to cleanse your skin twice daily once in the morning to remove any overnight buildup, and once before bed to ensure all makeup and dirt are gone.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Hydration is key to youthful skin. When your skin is well-hydrated, it looks plump, radiant, and smooth. Dry skin, on the other hand, is more prone to wrinkles and fine lines.

Start by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for around 8 glasses of water, depending on your activity level and environment.

Additionally, use a hydrating moisturiser twice daily. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides, which help lock moisture into the skin and keep it feeling soft and smooth. If you have oily skin, choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to avoid clogging pores. For a range of hydrating moisturisers, check out this collection.

3. Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Sun protection is one of the most important steps in maintaining youthful skin. Exposure to UV rays causes premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots, not to mention the risk of skin cancer.

Make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, even if you’re indoors or it’s cloudy outside. Choose a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30, and apply it every morning as the final step in your skincare routine. If you’re going to be outside for extended periods, reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.

Consider using a moisturiser or foundation with built-in SPF for added protection. Don’t forget your neck, chest, and hands, as these areas are often neglected and show signs of aging too.

4. Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can cause your skin to look dull and lifeless. It also helps your skincare products penetrate deeper, making them more effective.

There are two types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants, like scrubs, should be used sparingly, as they can be abrasive and may cause irritation, especially on sensitive skin.

Chemical exfoliants, like AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids), are generally gentler and can provide more even results. They help to gently dissolve dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, leading to smoother, fresher skin.

Exfoliate no more than 2-3 times a week, depending on your skin type, to avoid over-exfoliating and irritating the skin.

5. Get Enough Sleep

A good night’s sleep is essential for healthy, youthful skin. During sleep, your skin goes into repair mode, regenerating cells, repairing damage, and boosting collagen production.

Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night to allow your skin time to rest and repair. If you’re not getting enough sleep, it can show in your skin with dark circles, puffiness, and dullness.

A consistent sleep schedule and a calming nighttime routine can also help improve the quality of your sleep. Consider using a silk pillowcase, which is gentler on your skin and can help reduce wrinkles and irritation.

Bonus Tip: Maintain a Healthy Diet

While this doesn’t fit into the typical skincare routine, what you eat can have a direct impact on your skin. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats can help maintain a youthful glow.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts) help maintain your skin’s elasticity, while antioxidant-rich foods (like berries, spinach, and avocados) protect the skin from oxidative damage.

Ready to enhance your skincare routine?

Incorporating these five simple skincare habits into your daily routine can make a significant difference in how your skin ages. Consistency is key, so make these habits part of your lifestyle, and you’ll notice improvements in no time.

If you want to upgrade your routine with simple essentials, explore Maggs London’s skincare picks, including gentle cleansers and everyday beauty must-haves.