Alcohols can dry out and damage skin (actually speeding up the breakdown of collagen in the skin) and many facial products contain this. So it is best to go organic and look for products that are alcohol-free and are in gel or cream form (foaming cleansers can be too drying).
Same goes with toners and moisturizers - alcohol-free only!
If your skin is dry, opt for more cream or oil-based cleansers. (If you have combo or are acne-prone, stick to gel cleansers).
Over-exfoliating can also be damaging, as well as over-scrubbing, and any facial products with coarse texture or beads (they actually cause microscopic tears in your skin). So stick to gentle products and don't overdo it.
Retinol is one of the most recommended anti-aging ingredients, however some people's skin is too sensitive to use it. (There are many products which contain retinol, however most of them also contain a lot of chemicals and fillers, so I personally would not use them.) Antioxidants like green tea, astaxathin, Vitamin A and C are all great for fighting free-radicals (which lead to premature aging.)
Be sure to wear sunscreen every single day (even if it's cloudy). And always moisturize (under makeup and before bed).
Keeping hydrated (with water, green tea, coconut water) and eating healthy are also important in having vibrant skin. ( **Consuming too much sugar makes your skin's collagen break down faster. )
Consume more water-rich foods (fruits and veggies) as well as dark leafy greens.
Lean protein also helps keep skin (and hair) strong and healthy.
Also be sure to include healthy fats and oils (like those found in fish, avocados, walnuts, and olives) to keep skin supple, as well as Vitamin D (helps your skin retain moisture, along with omegas).
Hyaluronic acid is another important ingredient that can help skin looking young and healthy.
Products I use/recommend:
Sunscreen:
- Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46
Moisturizers:
- Earth Science's Fragrance-Free Almond Aloe moisturizer (day or night)
- Oshiglow's oil-free Hyaluronic Acid moisturizer (day or night)
- REN's Evercalm Global Protection Cream (heavier cream suitable for drier skin types) for daywear, under makeup
Cleanser:
- Eilieen Mai's Salicylic Acid gel cleanser (if you are still prone to breakouts)
- NYLSkincare's Rose Water face wash (very mild, gentle cleanser; non-exfoliating)
- Detox Charcoal Cleanser by HolisticOrganics (etsy)
- deliziososkincare's Watermelon & CoQ10 cleanser
Toners:
- deliziososkincare's Green Tea toner
- deliziososkincare's Watermelon & CoQ10 toner
- Derma E's Age-Defying Toner with Astaxathin and Pycnogenol
- Astara's AHA Nutrient Toning Essence Lotion
- Aphrodite's Aloe & Olive oil toner (if your skin is dry)
- SilkNaturals' AHA and BHA toners
I also recommend checking out Gabriel Organic's organic skin care products, as well as The Body Deli's, and the organic FacenEarth skincare line (etsy).
Consider incorporating facial steaming into your skin regimen (a couple times a week) to really help open up and cleanse your pores.
Keeping the air in your home clean (with an air purifier or houseplants) also helps your skin. (Avoid being around smokers, as second-hand smoke can also cause premature aging.)
Daily supplements: Green tea, ginger, vitamin c, astaxathin, resveratrol and a hyaluronic acid supplement.
Drink with plenty of water. And never, EVER skip sunscreen.
While much of skin's aging is predetermined by genetics, we can control the environmental factors (photoaging) and how we treat our skin.
So always be gentle and take time to invest in the right products, lifestyle and regimen.