Your skin reveals how well it is taken care of. On the other hand, it might show how much neglect it has gone through. It ages prematurely, and nobody wants that. The youth of your skin largely depends on the amount of effort you put into your skincare regime.
There is no escape from aging, and it is as evitable as change. Although it is a fact you simply have to accept, you always have the power to delay it! You can still make impactful lifestyle choices and changes even if you already have signs of premature skin aging.
Stay under the shade.
The sun is not the only factor in the total appearance of your skin, but it does play a huge role. Damage from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays result in 90% of your skin’s visible signs of aging. UV rays cause the elastin in your skin to collapse. This is why your skin might be saggy and dull in appearance. Perhaps you also have wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone here and there.
Dermatologists time and again emphasize wearing a quality broad-spectrum sunscreen with a rating of at least SPF 30. A broad-spectrum sunscreen helps block both UVA and UVB rays. Always remember that the sun’s rays are ever-present, so be sure to wear sunscreen every day. Also, it is never a bad idea to re-apply for maximum protection.
Water is your best friend.
Youthful skin is well-hydrated. Good water consumption does not directly affect the skin. Hydration greatly benefits the cells once absorbed into the bloodstream and filtered by the kidneys. At the cellular level, water flushes impurities from the system, making the organs healthier and perform well. Hydration, therefore, results in good health, and best believe that your skin will exhibit the tell-tale signs of it.
Dehydration can rapidly cause your skin to look dry and dull. Dry skin emphasizes wrinkles and fine lines that do not look youthful.
Moisturizer is your other best friend.
A good moisturizer consists of two components that benefit the skin: humectants that draw moisture in from the air to your skin and emollients that reinforce your skin’s lipid barrier to keep the moisture in. So while water makes you stay hydrated from the cellular level, you can help your skin even more by consistently using the right kind of moisturizer.
There is an emphasis on using the correct type of moisturizer since they are not created equally. There are clinical-grade moisturizers that are better absorbed by the skin. While some also come with more active ingredients that are aimed at achieving the best results. Overall, both are backed by clinical studies which proves to nourish and protect the skin.
Prioritize sleep.
Maintaining an ample amount of rest each day is key to attaining youthful skin. Cell turnover and renewal take place during sleep. Your body also produces collagen during sleep which is a crucial part of your skin’s repair process. It is wise to use sleep to your advantage.
Age-defying actives like retinoids and beta hydroxy acid are powerful exfoliants known to reduce if not erase wrinkles. Apply them before going to bed and reap better benefits from your sleep. It is important to note that these increase your sensitivity to sunlight, so it is best to go extra on the sunscreen.
It is also a good idea to upgrade to satin sheets and pillowcases if you haven’t already. Tossing and turning over the rough fabric as cotton contributes to the disintegration of the collagen in your skin, and wrinkles appear when the collagen breaks down.
Eat your way to glowing skin.
The benefits of a plant-based diet are boundless. Fruits and vegetables give you key nutrients that are essential to overall healthy aging. They are also rich in phytonutrients that aid your body in fighting cellular damage caused by free radicals from the environment.
A minimum of five portions of fruits and vegetables daily helps you improve your skin tone. Beautiful skin begins with nourishment from within. Older cells are constantly replaced by new ones, and a sustained supply of key nutrients is essential to support this process. Fruits and vegetables are not called glow foods for nothing.
Move and sweat it out.
Research reveals that vigorous exercise slows down aging at a cellular level by almost ten years. Regular exercise also increases blood flow and distributes oxygen and key nutrients throughout your body, resulting in a more youthful glow. Moreover, it is fundamental in maintaining strength and muscle mass, which prevents the skin from wrinkling and sagging.
Regular exercise and sweat production are known to have anti-aging effects. Sweating purges the body of toxins, and it helps kill harmful bacteria on your skin’s surface that can cause acne and blemishes. It even flushes away alcohol, cholesterol, and salt.
Prevention is always better than cure.
In this day and age, various advances and innovations are handed to us on a silver platter. We could not even imagine having beauty and skincare tools in the past are now a reality. One of these is the 3D Skin Analysis system.
Various skin conditions and concerns emerge from the deepest layers of your skin. Meaning they are invisible to the human eye. If you could see these skin issues before they become visible on the surface of your skin, then you could lessen, if not halt, the impending skin damage.
This revolutionary skin imaging technology allows your dermatologist to formulate targeted treatment to address your skin issues. Instead of seeking to treat your skin once the problems occur, your dermatologist can point them out in the early stages and treat them to prevent their progression.
3D skin analysis provides a more comprehensive insight into your overall skin health. With this insight, you can achieve your optimum skin vitality at any age you are in.
Establish a winning skincare routine.
Maintaining a good skincare routine can undo or even prevent any skin problem. Too much scrubbing can irritate your skin, which eventually hastens skin aging. Gentle washing helps to remove gunk, makeup, and other impurities without irritating your skin. Make sure to use a gentle cleanser and exfoliant. Your serums and creams must also target to treat your skin issues.
Never use skincare to prove results of products that sting or burn. If and when your skin stings or burns, skin irritation occurs. Skin irritation can make your skin look older. However, if you have to use these products, make sure your dermatologist prescribes them. You have to religiously follow the application instructions properly.
Cut back on alcohol and caffeine intake.
Alcohol and caffeine can be both good and bad for your skin. When consumed in moderation, it can provide health benefits. Too much, however, can easily mess up your skin. Both can dehydrate your body but also deplete key nutrients needed by your skin.
Unfortunately, some of these effects tend to be permanent. Alcohol expands your pores, leading to whiteheads and blackheads. Without proper treatment, it can cause inflamed skin papules and cystic acne.
Caffeine constricts the blood vessels on the surface of your skin. As a result, the blood vessels are unable to deliver as many antioxidants and nutrients to promote collagen production. Dermatologists say drinking too much coffee can cause the skin to wrinkle prematurely, while prolonged consumption can cause the skin to lose elasticity.
Get facial massages.
You can perform facial massages either with a practitioner or on your own. Facial massages involve stimulating pressure points on the face, neck, and shoulders.
You can use mild lotions, oils, or cleansing balms to ease skin friction during facial massages. Tools like a jade roller and a flat gua sha are also good, as they can have numerous benefits for the skin.
Facial massage aids in promoting healthy skin and relaxing your facial muscles, and its rejuvenating effect can make you look and feel good. Whether you want to use facial massage purely for relaxation or treatment of a specific skin condition, there are plenty of techniques to zero in on your purpose.
Facial scars that are starting to heal can also be addressed by facial massages. Massaging the scar tissue and the skin surrounding it may increase blood flow, loosen up the tissues, and flatten bumps.
Smoking is a no-no.
Long-term effects of smoking include:
- Dry skin.
- Uneven skin pigmentation.
- Baggy eyes.
- Saggy skin on the jawline.
- More pronounced facial wrinkles.
It is common for the skin of a young heavy smoker to resemble that of an old nonsmoker. Current theories on the connection between smoking and skin damage include the disintegration of elastic fibers in the skin, constriction of blood vessels, production of more free radicals, and depleted levels of vitamin A in the skin.
Youthful skin takes effort.
The appearance of your skin dramatically affects how old you are perceived to be, and the perception could also impact your self-esteem. To prevent this, recognize that achieving youthful skin takes effort. The lack of action could easily show on your skin and would often present itself as an irreversible skin issue. It is best to consider that anything worth having is worth all the effort. Bask in your confidence with fabulously youthful skin regardless of your age.
