4 Anti-Aging Tips from Astronauts

If you think a seasonal change or higher altitudes are rough for your skin, just imagine what freakin' space travel can do to your complexion. According to recent studies, living amidst microgravity can cause premature aging, as in increased thinning of the skin, changes in elasticity, and hindering cell regeneration. (Cute.) While obviously these symptoms are minor when you consider that these astronauts are living their interplanetary dreams, they're helping advance skincare technology for us down on earth—and it goes far beyond just slapping "antigravity" on the label. Here are  four ways you can take a more NASA-minded approach to your own skincare routine.

Ask an astronaut about their skin in space and the first thing they'll tell you is how dry it becomes. In fact, skin cells can actually "molt," floating around in thin air. (Yes, like a bug.) Needless to say, moisturizing at least twice a day is essential. And while us earthlings aren't living with microgravity conditions, why not take advantage of outer-space-worthy tech? That's where Ioma's Youth Booster moisturizer comes in. Utilizing technology that was literally used inside a Mars exploration robot named Curiosity, it measures levels of hydration in your skin that work to keep your skin at peak moisturized condition. (The magic lies in the MEMS sensor cap with LED lights that monitor your progress.)  Alas, if the $220 price tag is too much, you can always go with your regular moisturizer and use a skin moisture meter to tell if it's working or not. 

Ioma Youth Booster, $220; beautyformoi.com.

In addition to dryness, NASA reports that skin also falls victim to increased sensitivity to its environment. Inspired by extreme environmental aging, Dr. Filippo Ongaro worked alongside two astronauts from the European Space Agency to create his Comfort Zone line, which utilizes a "Longevity Complex," that is so effective it produces 50 percent increase in cell activity. (Not to mention is totally anti-inflammatory for stressed skin.) We love their Duo Cleanser, which combines a cleanser and gentle toner (an essential step for calming skin and balancing pH levels) in one distilled, orange-hued water formula that leaves a protective film over the skin. In our minds, it's the ultimate shield against the bad stuff in any environment, whether you're orbiting earth or dealing with city smog.

Comfort Zone Skin Regimen Duo Cleanser, $23.76; lifeandlooks.com.

We've said it before and we'll say it again, what serums lack in weight, they make up for in potent, skin-enriching power—particularly in outer space. And that reason alone is why cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides worked with space scientists to create a serum based off of the antioxidant supplements given to astronauts to protect their skin. The patented formula they created, NAC Y2, boosts collagen, improves skin elasticity, and increases cell regeneration for skin healing, which is integral to the anti-aging process. The key antioxidant to look for in serums if you're looking for something a little more wallet-friendly?  Glutathione, which helps fight against signs of aging and aids skin in repairing itself.

111SKIN Theorem Repair Light Serum NAC Y2, $350; barneys.com.

Earlier this month, we wrote about our newly-minted habit of sleeping with a copper-infused pillowcase for its skin benefits, which include helping treat acne, preventing breakouts, aiding the production of collagen, and more. But we're not the only fans of copper linens, as they have been tested by NASA and approved for their skin-healing and microbial properties—not to mention, they require less washing, a clear bonus while up in space. Considering how much we all love sleep (and less laundry loads), this is probably the easiest trick to steal from an astronaut.

illuminate Skin Rejuvenating Satin Pillowcase With Copper Oxide, $60; sephora.com.

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