Forgetting Sunscreen
When it comes to taking care of your skin, there's nothing more important than sunscreen. Finding a broad-spectrum sunscreen (one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays) is a crucial step in any anti-aging skincare routine. Likewise, when it comes to preventing sagging skin and other signs of aging, there's nothing more important.
Plump, firm skin is usually the goal. However, regular sun exposure can make that next to impossible (no matter how much retinol serums you use at night).
According to WebMD, "The ultraviolet rays from the sun penetrate into the skin. There, they damage the elastic fibers that keep skin firm, allowing wrinkles to develop. Sunlight is also responsible for age spots or 'liver spots' on the hands, face, and other sun-exposed areas."
Too much time in the sun -- especially without the appropriate sun protection -- can make it difficult to maintain a youthful appearance.
Besides finding a sunscreen that you'll stick to (and reapply throughout the day), it's also smart to wear a hat or stay in the shade if you're out in the sun for awhile.
It's much easier to prevent sagging skin than it is to get rid of it. If you wait to treat your sagging skin, you'll likely need to resort to more extreme measures and procedures. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), a laser resurfacing treatment is "the most effective procedure for tightening loose skin."
Once this procedure is done, you will need to reserve a window of recovery time. "You’ll need to stay home for 5 to 7 days," the AAD explains.