There’s a common misconception that you’re either born with good skin or you’re not. As such, many people simply accept their fate and put no effort into their complexion. However, what if we were to tell you that you could have flawless skin even over the age of 80? While you may not have the same skin texture as a child does, you can have a radiant face with just a little bit of effort. Don’t believe it? Here are some secrets for flawless skin that you should know.

Exfoliating is Essential

One of the most important steps that many people aren’t familiar with is exfoliation. And we’re not talking about your mom’s old apricot scrub that required abrasive scrubbing. We’re talking about a liquid exfoliant like AHA or BHA. These chemical exfoliants will strip your skin of its impurities and make way for fresh new skin cells. Initially, you can start once a week, and slowly work your way up to every other day. Just make sure that you don’t overdo it in the beginning. Doing too much too soon can lead to a strong physical reaction, so gradually work your way up instead of rushing in.

Hydrate From the Inside Out

Hydration is key, but not in the sense you might think. Many people think that putting cream on your face alone is enough to nourish your skin, however, this is only the beginning. You need to hydrate from the inside out, meaning, you should drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will hydrate your body in ways that will benefit you not only with the quality of your complexion but also the way that you feel. You’ll have better digestion, and even increased energy.

Protect From the Sun

Even though the sun is beneficial for us in a wide variety of ways, it’s your skin’s biggest enemy. It’s critical that you protect yourself from the sun every day by applying an SPF of 30 or higher. This will help prevent age spots and wrinkles. Perhaps most importantly, it will help you stay safe from cancer. Remember, the sun can be extremely dangerous.  Even though it’s nice being tan once in a while, it’s truly not worth the risks that come with it. Always protect yourself from the sun with a strong enough SPF, and you’ll thank yourself for it in the long run.

Consistent Cleansing

Every day, whether we’re wearing makeup or not, our skin accumulates all sorts of dust, grease, and other particles. It’s important that you wash your face every morning and every night with a high-quality face cleanser. Following your cleanser, always make sure that you use a toner or micellar water. This will ensure that you get even the dirt and grime trapped in the tightest of crevices and areas of your skin.