Confidence is something that everyone strives for. It’s what gives us the courage we need to interview for that promotion, increase our bench press, or ask attractive ladies out. More importantly, it is men who feel and display self-confidence who succeed at all of these things.

Confidence is not cockiness because it is something that you achieve. You put in the work to be your best self and to know your worth. Many external factors can cause any man’s confidence to take a hit. Still, the insecurities stem from ourselves that can be the most difficult to navigate, though never impossible.

Part of being a Made Man means being up for the challenge. 

Something that can tamper with any man’s confidence is the effects of aging. As we age, our skin becomes thinner, we lose some of the protective layers of fat, we lose elasticity, and we get wrinkles and age spots. 

While aging is completely natural, it is also natural to want to prevent its effects for as long as we can. After all, 67% of a first impression is your appearance. 

While having confidence in your look is partly owning who you are, it is also putting in the effort to look your best. 

Today, we are going to be discussing tips for men to help you look younger and your skin look rejuvenated. 

7 Anti-Aging Tips

There are several different options for combating the effects of aging. We recommend reading through our list and selecting the methods and products best suited for you and your active lifestyle as you reclaim your lion confidence.

Retinol

Retinol is a type of retinoid made from vitamin A. When applied to the skin, retinoids function by going deep beneath the outer layer of the skin and neutralizing the unstable atoms responsible for breaking down our skin’s collagen called free radicals. While in the skin, retinol speeds up cell turnover and promotes cellular exfoliation. 

It is these properties of retinol that make it so coveted for treating the effects of aging. Retinol is often used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and age spots because of its contribution to collagen production. Its stimulation of new blood vessels is beneficial for brightening and evening one’s skin tone while fading age spots in the process.

Retinol is typically applied topically with a serum, cream, or spot treatment that features retinol as a key ingredient when looking to reduce signs of aging. There are both over-the-counter and prescription options available. 

Retinoids do sometimes cause dryness or irritation, especially on sensitive skin, so it is recommended that you work up to nightly applications by first using it only every other night. You can also use your retinol with an accompanying moisturizer to prevent dryness. It should also be noted that retinol does make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it is important to wear sunscreen throughout the day.

Regardless of what product you choose or how you decide to apply it, know that consistency is key. While retinol is highly effective, it can take months of regular use to see improvements in wrinkles and discoloration.

Sunscreen

There are more benefits to wearing sunscreen than just protecting your retinol-ridden skin. Sunscreen can also help to decelerate aging. Unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can increase signs of aging by causing wrinkles, a loss of elasticity, and sunspots on the skin.

Sunscreen uses ultraviolet filters to protect your skin from sun damage. You can use either physical sunscreen, which blocks and scatters the sun’s rays before they can penetrate your skin, or chemical sunscreen, which absorbs the UV rays before they can damage your skin. 

It is essential that, whichever you choose, sunscreen must have a sun protection factor of at least 30 and that it is broad-spectrum. A broad-spectrum sunscreen defends your skin against UVA rays, which penetrate below the top layers of skin, and UVB rays, which mainly damage the outermost layers of skin.

Some studies suggest daily application slows the aging process. You should apply a nickel-sized dollop of sunscreen every morning and reapply throughout the day if needed to render the product’s full effect.

Cleanser

An essential aspect of slowing the aging process is maintaining a healthy complexion. In order to do so, you should be cleansing your face at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. This will ensure that you rid your skin of any toxins collected throughout the day. 

Make sure that you are using the right cleanser on your face. We recommend The Resetter featured in The Re(Set) Collection. The Resetter is designed to give you a deep, but gentle refreshing cleanse. 

Most cleansers use harsh chemicals, which are not ideal for skin that is naturally thinning with age. The Resetter, however, is water-based, which ensures hydration and contains all-natural ingredients. The full list of ingredients can be accessed here.

Vitamin C

Two of the most important aspects of anti-aging are protecting and correcting. We want products that will help combat the signs of aging that have already appeared and prevent more from coming. Vitamin C is an ideal nutrient for addressing both of these desires.

Vitamin C is known for its participation in repairing damaged tissue in the skin. It is known to brighten and freshen up the skin, as well as help to reduce wrinkles.

When in the body, vitamin C also inhibits the enzyme responsible for converting tyrosine into melanin. This allows it to support depigmentation, which can soothe the discoloration that accompanies age spots.

To access the many valuable properties of vitamin C, you can use it as a topical. There are several serums containing vitamin C that are worth looking into. Better yet, consider investing in an anti-aging serum with a formula that includes vitamin C. 

Another good option for serum is an antioxidant serum. Antioxidants inhibit oxidation and protect your cells against the aforementioned free radicals. Antioxidant serums can protect against the irritation that typically accompanies active free radicals.

After consistent application, the serum should help to accelerate elastin production and keep your skin looking radiant.

Hydration

When your skin is not hydrated, it is because your body is lacking in enough fluids. This unhealthy state will prevent your skin from functioning properly and may cause it to crack, itch, and irritate. All of these consequences can allow the effects of aging to occur faster and appear stronger.

This is why it is essential to stay hydrated by drinking a sufficient amount of water every day. It is recommended that men drink about 15.5 cups a day. Studies have shown that having enough water improves not only the skin’s hydration levels but also elasticity.

Hydration of the skin can also be improved topically using hydrating products. There are moisturizers, gels, and even anti-aging products made specifically with the intention of hydration and nourishment.

Exercise

An essential part of any man’s anti-aging journey should include staying active. Keeping a regular exercise regimen will keep your heart pumping, blood flowing, and skin shining, and we don’t just mean from sweat.

Sedentary lifestyles, or inactive lifestyles, promote premature aging. Decreased blood flow will have you both looking and feeling old. Taking the time to take a run or hit the gym or go for a swim every day can keep your entire body looking and feeling more youthful.

Exercising can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin. In particular, the protein production that is caused by this triggers cellular activity. This supports the skin’s health and promotes new skin cells, which is helpful for anti-aging. Staying active seemingly keeps you young.

Not to mention, devoting time to working out will also allow you to strengthen and refine your physique. While muscle and strength might not have much to do with skin, it does have everything to do with your overall appearance and, in turn, confidence. 

Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet can contribute to maintaining your youthful appearance. Diet is the main way for your body to obtain nutrients and plays a larger part in your skin’s health than you may think.

When deciding what to eat, it is essential to prioritize fruits and vegetables because they naturally contain antioxidants that will protect the skin’s surface from oxidative damage.

The consumption of proteins is important for repairing skin tissue and supplying the body with energy. Foods that act as sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, seafood, and dairy products.

Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3s, are crucial to skin function and should be consumed to increase their levels in your body. In particular, omega-3 fatty acids improve the fatty acid composition in your skin, halt redness and swelling, and improve your skin’s hydration. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include seafood, plant oils, nuts and seeds, and fortified foods.

The consumption of vitamins is also crucial for preventing oxidative stress and reducing the signs of aging. We’ve already discussed vitamin C in detail, but another vitamin worth investing in is vitamin A. 

It is very common for vitamin A to be used as an anti-aging ingredient for its ability to regulate the expression of genes and matrix metalloproteinases, which typically, without regulation, will break down proteins, including collagen.

Conclusion

Aging cannot be prevented. At least not yet, anyway. But the signs of aging can be prolonged and reduced with some ambition and self-discipline. 

Remember, your skin is an organ. Taking care of your body as a whole means supporting your skin’s health. Establishing good habits will help you to maintain the look you desire and lead your life with confidence.

Sources:

Influence of the complex of retinol-vitamin C on skin surface lipids | PubMed

Sunscreen Application, Safety, and Sun Protection: The Evidence | PubMed

Diet and Skin Aging—From the Perspective of Food Nutrition | NCBI