Hey everyone and happy Monday! Welcome to the final post in my fall guest bloggers series brought to you by Laura at Skincare Scope. Laura’s article will give you an abundance of tips on how to achieve youthful, gorgeous skin for the fall season. It is an excellent read and is so informative so take a look:

Flawless Fall Skin:

Did you know that 80% of your skin’s appearance is up to you? Only 20% is genetics! Read what experts say you can do to make a difference:

1. Avoid the sun. It’s the No. 1 cause of wrinkles, with dozens of studies documenting the impact. In one study that looked at identical twins, New York plastic surgeon Darrick Antell, MD, found sun exposure was even more important than heredity. Siblings who limited sun time had fewer wrinkles and looked younger overall than their sun-worshiping twins.
2. Wear sunscreen. If you must go out in the sun, the American Academy of Dermatology says, wear sunscreen! It will protect you from skin cancer and help prevent wrinkles at the same time. Buyer beware, not all sunscreens are effective. Look for this seal:

The Skin Cancer Foundation grants its Seal of Recommendation to products that meet the Foundation’s specific criteria for effective UV sun protection.

3. Don’t smoke. More studies are confirming that cigarette smoke ages skin – mostly by releasing an enzyme that breaks down collagen and elastin, important components of the skin. Sibling studies done at the Twin Research Unit at St. Thomas Hospital in London found the brother or sister who smoked tended to have skin that was more wrinkled and up to 40% thinner than the non-smoker.
4. Get adequate sleep. Yale dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, MD, says that when you don’t get enough sleep, the body produces excess cortisol, a hormone that breaks down skin cells. Get enough rest, Perricone says, and you’ll produce more HGH (human growth hormone), which helps skin remain thick, more “elastic,” and less likely to wrinkle.
5. Sleep on your back. Dr. Katie Rodan, (the Proactiv doctor) says, “sleeping on your back could be better than botox”. It is a simple, no cost way to avoid creating wrinkles. The AAD (American Academy of Dermatologists) says any repetitive facial movement overworks facial muscles, forming a groove beneath the skin’s surface. This groove eventually becomes a wrinkle.
6. Don’t squint – get sunglasses! Sunglasses will protect skin around the eyes from sun damage and further keep you from squinting.
7. Eat a healthy diet, more fish, fruits, and veggies. Cold water fish, like salmon are a great source of protein – one of the building blocks of great skin. It’s also an awesome source of an essential fatty acid known as omega-3. Fatty acids help nourish skin and keep it plump and youthful. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidant compounds. These compounds fight damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells), which in turn helps skin look younger and more radiant.
8. Use moisturizer. Women and men often overlook the power of a simple moisturizer. Many skin issues are due to a lack of moisture. Skin that is moist simply looks better, so lines and creases are far less noticeable.
9. Don’t over-wash your face. According to dermatologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center, tap water can strip skin of its natural barrier oils and moisture that protect against wrinkles. Wash them off too often, and you wash away protection. Unless your soap contains moisturizers, you should use a cleanser instead. Use your fingertips to wash your face.
10. Exfoliate! Out with the old, in with the new. Removing dead skin cells with gentle exfoliation will accomplish three important factors. But be careful and only use gentle exfoliation ingredients like sugar and salt. Even washcloths may be too harsh for your face!

• It accelerates turnover of dead skin cells.
• It clears the way for penetration of active treatment ingredients.
• It refines the skin’s surface to look more luminous.

• Apply ingredients to repair and replenish skin. Many ingredients have shown anti-ageing benefits. Does your product provide clinical proof that it works? It is not just the ingredient, but the application and formulation that makes the difference.
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). These natural fruit acids lift away the top layer of dead skin cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes.
• Retinoids (including Retin A). The only FDA-approved topical treatment for wrinkles is tretinoin, known commercially as Retin A. Retinol is a natural form of vitamin A found in many over-the-counter products. Studies show that in a stabilized formula, in high concentrations, it may be as effective as Retin A, without the side effects, such as skin burning and sensitivity.
• Topical vitamin C. Studies at Tulane University, among others, have found it can increase collagen production, protect against damage from UVA and UVB rays, correct pigmentation problems, and improve inflammatory skin conditions. The key, however, may be the type of vitamin C used. To date, most of the research points to the L-ascorbic acid form as the most potent for wrinkle relief.
• Peptides can increase collagen production in sun-damaged skin and diminished lines and wrinkles.

Take these steps to incorporate good habits for healthy, youthful looking skin. Your skin is your advertisement to the world.  Feel confident that you can put your best face forward.  Comment below to tell us what is your best wrinkle fighting tip.

^^^ Thank you so much again to Laura for such a great read! Once again, please check out her blog and give her some love. What are some of your must have skin care products? What is your daily skin care routine? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah