How to Have Beautiful Skin Over 40

Would you love to have beautiful skin even after you turn 40? It's possible to have glowing skin over 40, but you need to to know that you have to follow a step by step process to get the most beautiful, glowing, fresh, and young looking skin. It is important to take care of yourself on the inside just as much as on the outside. Good nutrition, good habits, and taking the time for yourself. That is the key to having beautiful skin after 40.

I am 45 years old and very proud and not afraid to say it! My skin looks youthful and glowing and it is all because I take care of myself. It's that simple. If you take care of yourself you will reap the benefits. Here is my advice on having amazing skin after 40. These are the steps I do to take care of my body and my skin.

#1 - My number one tip to having beautiful glowing skin is to never smoke! Smoking takes all of the color from your skin. If you look at someone who smokes. Take a look at their face. It is usually deficient of color. If you look at someone with light skin, it will look grey. Please don't smoke. Not only is it bad for your health in general as we all know but, It is the worst thing besides over exposure to the sun for your skin!

#2 - Yep, you guessed it. Over exposure to the sun. It is already widely known that too much sun can cause serious damage to your skin and it causes premature aging. Just don't overdue it. It is healthy to get a small dose of sun. The sun provides a good source of vitamin D, which we need, but make sure you use sunscreen if you are planning to stay out in the sun for a prolonged period. Make sure you apply your sunscreen on your face and your neck. I do it every day.

#3 - I drink lots of water. Water is fantastic for your skin! It not only plumps up your skin so it looks younger and hydrated, but it also flushes toxins out of your body. I keep a water bottle at my desk at work and refill it as the day goes on from the office watercooler.

#4 - I eat a healthy, skin loving diet. Make sure you eat plenty of food that has healthy fats in them. I like to snack on almonds, and walnuts. These nuts have fats that are really great for your skin also I eat fish. Salmon is a fantastic source of Omega 3 which is really great for your skin and your heart. I also use olive oil when cooking. One of my favorite foods is Avocados. Avocados are excellent source of vitamin E and B vitamins which is good for your skin. An added benefit is that avocados can lower cholesterol.

#5 - Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is very important for your skin because when you get sleep your cells regenerate. It's important to wash your face with a gentle cleanser and put on some type of moisturizer. Most women over 40 should use moisturizer. There are a few of you with oily skin. If this is the case, I still recommend moisturizer. Just pick a light weight moisturizer. While you are sleeping your moisturizer will sink into your skin while your sleep.

One extra tip that I do is I use straight olive oil about 3 times a week on my skin before bed. I know it sounds funny, but it is amazing on skin!

#6 - I exercise regularly. I mix it up with exercise because I get bored really fast. I like to walk, Do Zumba DVD, and I lift weights and use resistance bands. It's hard for me to keep up with exercise. I'm not going to lie, I don't really enjoy it but I know it has to be done to make sure my body and my skin stay healthy. I think of exercise as a beauty treatment, and then it gets me motivated to do it.

#7 - I use basic skin care products. I don't get too fancy. I do like to try new products, but some of them can be too harsh. Stick with what works for you. Use a mild cleanser and a moisturizer. Right now I am using Dermalogica products and it works very well for my skin. Exfoliate about once a week and that is about all you need for washing your face and moisturizing.

In a time when we are stuck indoors and unable to get to our regular salon or nail salon appointments, it's important to do self care at home.

I have found out that I love my quite moments and have turned it into beauty time. I now take the time to do extra beauty steps like deep conditioning my hair, masks for my skin, doing manicures and pedicures myself, more exercise and more sleep.

By having more time on your hands you can find ways to relax and enjoy your beauty routines.

Here are a few more ways to relax.

Meditate

Try Yoga

Go for a swim

Take a long bath