10 Natural Anti-Aging Tips (Dermatologist & Research-Backed)

Anti-aging products were valued at about 47 billion US dollars in 2023, but you don’t have to break the bank to promote youthful skin. Below, we’ll share natural anti-aging tips from a dermatologist and research.

Research shows you can reduce common signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging, and discoloration with appropriate sun protection, a healthy diet, daily skincare, and more. The best part? It’s never too late to start caring for your skin to slow down, reverse, or prevent premature aging. 

1. Use Sun Protection

It’s often said that sun damage ages your skin the most. Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at DermOnDemand recommends wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, regardless of the season. If you’re outside for an extended time, apply sunscreen once every couple of hours.

While sunlight is good for us in many ways, it can also damage your skin if you don’t protect it. For example, too much sun exposure can dry out your skin, cause wrinkles and sunspots or discoloration, and result in skin cancer.

2. Manage Stress

One of the best home remedies for aging skin is to manage stress. Skin is the largest human organ, and when your body is exposed to too much stress, your skin will naturally be affected. Chronic stress can damage your cells and cause inflammation, which can accelerate aging. 

Dr. Kopekman recommends prioritizing stress management for skin and overall health benefits. Some of the most effective strategies for overcoming stress include understanding the cause, taking warm baths, doing physical activities, and practicing mindfulness.

3. Eat a Healthy Diet

It’s no secret how much our diet affects our whole body and well-being – and our skin is no exception. In fact, there’s a direct link between poor eating habits and aging skin due to the effects nutrients and dietary habits have on our bodies.

Not only can nutrition keep our skin healthy, but it can also repair damaged skin. When thinking about a balanced diet, consider the following components and how they benefit the skin:

• Water - Helps retain moisture, flush out toxins, and reduce inflammation

• Protein - Repairs skin tissue to make skin more firm and less prone to wrinkles

• Copper - Stabilizes proteins that keep the skin healthy

• Zinc - Reduces inflammation, regulates oil production, and promotes cell regeneration

• Iron - Delivers oxygen to skin cells to help with wound healing and boosts collagen production for better skin structure

Ultimately, you can naturally promote younger skin by incorporating protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables into your daily diet.

4. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is one of the simplest natural anti-aging tips, says Dr. Kopelman. Well-hydrated skin helps with elasticity, making your skin look more radiant and youthful. Hydration also helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Not only is it helpful to drink plenty of water throughout the day, but you can also hydrate your skin with nourishing baths and skincare products. Oakwell Cosmetics Beer Body Lotion is made with shea butter and natural oils, which help hydrate your skin.

5. Get High-Quality Sleep

“Sleep is one of the most underestimated tools for skin health,” says Dr. Kopelman. “Your body repairs itself overnight, so I always encourage prioritizing good sleep.”

The following tips can help you get high-quality sleep:

• Invest in a comfortable mattress and bedding

• Block out light

• Reduce noises

• Keep the temperature cool (65 to 68 °F)

• Get at least seven hours of sleep

• Follow a consistent sleep schedule 

• Relax for half an hour before bedtime

• Limit caffeine in the afternoons

6. Use a Silk Pillowcase

Dr. Kopelman recommends using a silk pillowcase to minimize friction, which can help prevent wrinkles and promote healthy skin.

Silk pillowcases are also said to have water-repellent properties, letting your skin retain moisture for hydration. Silk is also hypoallergenic, so it’s good for all skin types.

7. Avoid Smoking

Various studies have found that smoking cigarettes contributes to premature aging. 

Tobacco smoke causes molecular changes in the skin, causing skin wrinkles and other signs of aging. Smoke also contains many non-water-soluble components that activate the AhR pathway, which controls many biological processes and can play a role in aging skin.

Smoking can also result in poor wound healing, melanoma, acne, and other skin conditions.

Even if you’ve been smoking for a while, it’s never too late to quit. According to Dr. Debra Sullivan, your skin can repair itself and even reverse some of the damage. After you quit smoking, you may start to see skin improvements after one month.

8. Embrace Aging Skin

One of our favorite natural anti-aging tips is to embrace the changes. While it’s common to want youthful skin, it can also be empowering to welcome the natural aging process.

“I believe aging skin tells a story,” says Dr. Kopelman. “Our skin reflects the life we’ve lived, our expressions, and even our resilience.”

Instead of focusing on erasing signs of aging, Dr. Kopelman encourages her patients to prioritize skin health that can enhance natural beauty. For example, hydration, barrier repair, and sun protection are simple ways to maintain a radiant, healthy appearance while celebrating the natural changes that come with age. 

“Perfect skin isn’t the goal – feeling good in your skin is,” explains Dr. Kopelmen. “When we approach skincare with this mindset, it becomes about self-care and empowerment, not just appearance.”

9. Implement a Simple Skincare Routine

A simple and attainable skincare routine is more effective than a complicated one, says Dr. Kopelman. She recommends the following products and routines for morning and night.

AM skincare routine:

• A gentle cleanser to refresh your skin

• An antioxidant serum, like one with vitamin C, to brighten and protect against free radicals

• A lightweight face and body moisturizer to lock in hydration

• A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to avoid sun damage

PM skincare routine:

• A gentle cleanser to clean dirt, oil, and debris (double-cleanse to remove makeup)

• A retinol or retinoid to boost cell turnover and stimulate collagen (if you have sensitive skin, bakuchiol is a better alternative)

• A face and body moisturizer to support overnight hydration and repair

10. Be Mindful of Skincare Products

As the most popular beauty product category, there are countless skincare products, many of which claim to be the perfect home remedy for aging skin. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the products you’re using, as some are more beneficial than others.

When it comes to addressing premature aging, Dr. Kopelman always recommends the following skincare ingredients:

• Retinoids, like retinol or retinal - Proven to stimulate collagen, smooth fine lines, and improve texture

• Vitamin C - Brightens the skin and protects against environmental damage

• Peptides - Rebuild the skin’s structure to help it feel healthier and more youthful

• Hyaluronic acid - Provides deep hydration that plumps and softens the skin

• Ceramides and niacinamide - Help maintain a strong skin barrier and improve moisture retention

Dr. Kopelman also suggests avoiding harsh physical exfoliants, fragrances, and products with high alcohol content because these can damage your skin.

Natural Anti-Aging Tips: Conclusion

While younger skin can help you feel confident, embracing natural changes is also important. We hope you found this article helpful and are excited to slow down premature aging while loving your skin.