A No-Nonsense and Simple Guide to Aging Gracefully
Hello Friends and Enemies,
How do I slow down the appearance of aging? This is a question I get A LOT. So here is my best (educated) advice.
I want to start by being clear, aging is a privilege. If you and I have ever had chat about your skin and aging this is always what I start with, I know this to my core. BUT, looking your age or beyond? Optional.
Let’s be real—none of us are out here trying to speed-run wrinkles, but with stress, questionable sleep habits, and the occasional (frequent) cocktail, our skin has opinions. So, if you’d like to keep your face looking fresh while still living your life, here’s the actual, science-backed way to prevent premature aging-no snake oil required.
1. Sunscreen. Every. Single. Day.
If you take one thing from this, let it be this: Wear. Your. Sunscreen. The sun is responsible for 90% of visible aging, which means your expensive anti-aging serums are basically useless if you’re out here raw-dogging UV rays.
Get yourself a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and apply it like your rent depends on it. And no, the SPF in your foundation doesn’t count…be better than that.
2. Retinoids: The Gold Standard for a Reason
If you’re serious about keeping your skin firm and glowy, it’s time to become besties with retinol (or, if you’re hardcore, a prescription retinoid like tretinoin). Retinoids increase cell turnover, boost collagen, and basically tell fine lines to take a seat.
Start slow (2-3 nights a week) and buffer with moisturizer to avoid looking like a peeling lizard. Because, fun fact, irritation is not a sign of success, it just sucks.
3. Stop Playing Games With Your Skin Barrier
Over-exfoliating, using harsh products, and treating your face like a science experiment will wreck your skin barrier. When that happens, you’ll age faster and look perpetually irritated, both physically and emotionally.
Stick to gentle cleansers, hydrating serums, and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and niacinamide. Because nobody ever said, “Wow, I love my dry, inflamed, reactive skin.”
4. Moisturize Like Your Life Depends on It
Dry skin makes fine lines more obvious. That’s just facts. A good moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and glycerin keeps your skin plump and bouncy, aka youthful.
Find one you love, use it consistently, and fight the good fight against dehydration. Your skin will thank you.
5. Antioxidants: Your Skin’s Bodyguards
Pollution, stress, and UV rays create free radicals—tiny skin-aging villains that break down collagen. The solution? Vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidants.
Vitamin C, in particular, is an MVP for brightening and protecting your skin. Just make sure you get a stable formula because half of them oxidize faster than your will to go to the gym mid January.
6. Stop Smoking, Chill on the Booze, and Maybe Sleep Occasionally
I know, I know. But hear me out:
Smoking speeds up collagen breakdown and makes your skin look dull, saggy, and sad.
Alcohol dehydrates your skin, leaving it puffy today and wrinkled tomorrow.
Lack of sleep means less skin repair and more dark circles. So maybe stop binge-watching true crime at 2 a.m.? Just a thought.
7. Facial Massage: Science and Self-Care Can Coexist
Lymphatic drainage, gua sha, and even just using your hands can boost circulation, reduce puffiness, and keep your face looking snatched. You don’t need to go full influencer mode, but a little gentle massage while applying your skincare? Endless benefits.
Final Thoughts
Aging happens. But looking 20 years older than you actually are because you never wore SPF? That’s a choice.
Stick to the basics—sunscreen, retinoids, hydration, and smart lifestyle habits—and future you will look in the mirror and say, “Damn, I did that.”
Now go forth and age gracefully, or at least on your own terms.
May the odds be forever in your favour,
Samm