There are very few things we have control over in life, and aging is one of them.
If we have to age, though, we can at least make sure we do what we can to reduce its effects on our body and skin.
A healthy diet, regular exercise, and less stress are great places to start. When it comes to well-aging skin, there are a few other preventative measures we can take.
1. Moisturize
There are a lot of good reasons to moisturize your skin regularly. It protects your skin barrier, which in turn results in a healthier-looking complexion.
But regular moisturization can also be beneficial as you age.
While wrinkles can still form, hydrated tissues will be plump so wrinkles will be less noticeable. If you have particularly dry skin, moisturizing regularly will also prevent scratching and other irritation which may cause scarring.
The most important thing is to find the best moisturizer for your skin type. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, or anything in between, there is a moisturizer formula that can help you to meet your skin’s needs.
2. Wear Sunscreen Everyday
“Put on your sunscreen” is advice you’ll often hear repeated by dermatologists and cosmetologists. And for good reason!
Daily exposure to the sun can cause both short-term and long-term effects.
There are obvious and immediate reasons why you should wear sunscreen on a daily basis. Foremost, it protects you from sunburn which can be unsightly and painful.
Sunburn, and even just regular sun exposure, goes beyond the current-day risks. Unmediated sun exposure can cause damage to your skin in the long run. This can lead to premature aging and skin discoloration. It also puts you at risk of developing skin cancer.
3. Don’t Smoke
We all know it – smoking is a bad habit with many ill health effects. But other than wrinkles around the lips, what other effects does smoking have on your skin?
The skin is made up of various proteins and fibers, including collagen and elastin. These are what give skin their firmness and elasticity. Nicotine has actually been shown to inhibit collagen synthesis as well as a reduction in elastin production.
This means your skin will be slow to repair and signs of aging (like wrinkles) will show more quickly.
Of course, the bigger concern with smoking is that you won’t live to see old age. So either way, smoking is a lose-lose situation.
4. Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
A balanced diet, one that meets your nutritional needs and avoids any known allergens, is important for your overall health. It may also do wonders to protect your skin.
A healthy diet, particularly one with sufficient levels of vitamin A, ensures your skin is getting everything it needs. This helps you to maintain a natural balance with your skin even as you age.
Notice that is says balanced. This means you don’t have to miss out on your favorite chocolate cake or your nana’s fried chicken dinner. As long as your hitting your macronutrient and caloric needs 90 percent of the time, you can have a treat without guilt or concern.
5. Cleanse Your Skin the Right Way
Your skin goes through a lot during the normal course of your day. From makeup products to weather to environmental irritants, there is a lot to wash away at the end of the day.
There is a right and a wrong way to cleanse your skin, though. Some cleansing products and techniques can strip your skin of its natural oils completely.
So what’s the right way?
This will depend on your skin type.
For oily skin, for example, choose a cleanser with lactic acid. For dry skin, a cleanser without acids or clays is best.
Whichever skin type you have, though, you should try to use natural ingredients with proven benefits. These include hyaluronic acid, retinoids, and vitamin E just to name a few.
If this list of preventative measures seems overwhelming, don’t sweat it! Start slow by introducing one or two of the above measures first. Then continue to add to your skincare routine as you’re able.
Small, sustainable steps are better in the long run. This is true for many things in life, including skincare.