Reducing the Signs of Premature Skin Aging
People have always been concerned about ageing, and all throughout history and literature, we’ve been trying to find the “fountain of youth” or some way to reverse ageing. The harsh reality is that it’s going to happen – the body is going to age, and it will be visible on your skin. Ageing will make your skin thinner and drier, it will lose elasticity and plumpness as collagen diminishes, and wrinkles will appear from wear and tear and sun exposure.
Most things you can’t control, but there are some measures you can take to reduce the signs of premature skin aging and here are several useful tricks and tips.
Wear sunscreen every day
Whether the sun is shining or the sky’s overcast, wearing sunscreen is a must! Dermatology experts recommend wearing sun protection with at least 30 SPF and a label that says “broad-spectrum”. This will give you protection against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreen should be water resistant.
Make sure you apply enough of the cream and reapply it as instructed, usually every one to three hours, depending on how much you swim or sweat, and stay in the sun. It’s not going to work unless you put enough of it and often enough, on all parts of your body, including your neck, hands, and arms.
Avoid tanning
Speaking of protection against the sun, it goes without saying you should avoid tanning at all costs. That is one of the biggest skin mistakes you can do, regardless of your age. Your skin will suffer damage from ultraviolet radiation and it’ll look worse, lose its elastin and collagen, and probably have uneven colour distribution.
If you desire a tanned look, it’s better to go for sunless tanners in form of creams, lotions, sprays, gels, and wipes. But bear in mind, these offer no protection against sunburn, meaning you still need to apply sunscreen regularly.
Wear sunglasses and protective gear
Wearing sunglasses and protective clothing is another must. Sunglasses will not only protect your eyes from the sun but also the sensitive skin around them. And, you’ll be squinting less which won’t make the skin wrinkle as much.
Wear your sunglasses along with sunscreen, broad-brimmed hats and maybe even a parasol if it goes with your style! If you spend a lot of time outdoors, consider buying protective clothing. They don’t look any different from regular clothes, but they have been manufactured so they provide at least SPF 30 protection against UVB and UVA. Not only is this practice beneficial for your health, but it’s smart anti-ageing prevention as well.
Consider cosmetic procedures
If you want a more concrete approach, turn to your dermatologist for certain procedures that address skin ageing more aggressively at a deeper level. These procedures can help with your current skin issues but also prevent future ones. One example is the oxy dermabrasion facial that includes skin analysis, cleansing, oxygenation, ultrasound and high frequencies which all affect the skin at a deep level boosting its collagen production and leaving your skin rejuvenated, hydrated, and radiant with balance tone and texture.
Use suitable cosmetic products
You can start using various cosmetic anti-ageing products as early as your twenties unless you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, in which case you should first consult your doctor. If you still don’t have any significant sun damage, you could wait for a while, but it is a good anti-ageing strategy to start early as a prevention measure. Start with products containing retinoids which are prescription face medications that can help skin look younger, but you can find their weaker forms, retinol, which are sold without a prescription.
It goes without saying that you should have a solid skincare routine already established. It should include washing your face with a gentle cleanser, applying a moisturizer with a retinoid at night, and using serums as well that contain peptides and antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and E. Skin products with antioxidants should be applied in the morning and followed by a sunscreen moisturizer. These products can work in combination to protect skin from damage.
Adopt a healthier lifestyle
If you lead an unhealthy lifestyle, your skin will show it. Smoking brings no benefits to your body and skin, only harm – it speeds up the breakdown of collagen, constricts blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to your skin, and changes the skin tone. It also creates additional wrinkles around the mouth.
Similarly, too much alcohol consumption is also harmful as it dehydrates your skin and dilates your blood vessels which can break making your skin appear red. Furthermore, unhealthy eating habits, such as the yo-yo diets will cause the skin to repeatedly stretch leaving it sagging in the end.
All of these are good reasons to re-evaluate your eating habits and make crucial lifestyle changes that will not only improve your skin but your overall health as well.
Even if you’ve noticed signs of premature skin aging, you can still benefit from making lifestyle changes. Giving up smoking and alcohol, and improving your nutrition will enhance the look of your skin. Moreover, staying away from the direct sun will help you minimize the damage it was done previously. Ultimately, you can always turn to professionals for a sign of skin damage that still bothers you, but all in all, with some effort, you can have the glowing, younger-looking skin you dream of!