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No matter your age, we all tend to compare our skin to how it used to look. We all wake up and critique our faces, whether we’re looking at under-eye circles, a blemish, a dark spot or a fine line. Sometimes all you need to do to keep your skin looking younger, more energized or healthier is to update your morning routine.
We spoke to Fayne Frey, MD, board certified dermatologist and self-proclaimed “wrinkle defender” to learn how to update our beauty regimens for ageless skin. Frey’s approach is centered around keeping skin well-nourished and properly cared for.
“The goal is to stay healthy,” Dr. Frey told SheFinds. “And yes, healthy skin parallels a healthy body which parallels optimally looking skin.”
These are the four morning steps Dr. Frey recommends adding to your routine to optimize your skin’s health and appearance:
1. Start Your Day With Exercise
“Go for a morning run,” Dr. Frey said. “Exercise is paramount to healthy skin and a healthy body.”
Exercising can help keep your skin looking radiant because it boosts your circulation, making it easier for your body to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to your skin. It can even promote new skin cells and collagen production. You’ll see the best results if you add exercise into your routine on a regular basis.
2. Eat A Healthy Breakfast
Dr. Frey advises to “skip the topical vitamins and antioxidants,” in favor of a nutritious breakfast with edible vitamins and antioxidants.
Instead of taking ingestible supplements or relying solely on vitamin-based cleansers or serums, try eating Greek yogurt with chia seeds, blueberries and citrus every morning. This low-carb breakfast is high in antioxidants, omega-3 fiber and vitamins including D, C and K.
3. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
”Skin is the main barrier to the outside environment protecting us from microorganisms, chemicals, allergens and ultraviolet light,” Dr. Frey explained. “Well-hydrated skin allows skin to function at its best.”
You should get into the routine of moisturizing twice a day - especially in the morning. Use a lightweight day cream at the start of your day for comfortable wear that works under makeup. And good moisturizers don’t need to be pricey! You can find exactly what your skin needs in a drugstore beauty aisle.
4. Always Use Sun Protection
“Protecting the skin from harmful ultraviolet light not only prevents potentially scarring and damaging sun cancer but reverses the signs of photo-aging often associated with the aging process yielding the healthiest skin possible,” Dr. Frey said.
You should get into the habit of using sun protection every day - even in the winter and even on days that don’t seem too sunny. You may even find a moisturizer or foundation made with SPF 15 to help shield your skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
