11 WAYS TO SLOW DOWN THE AGEING OF THE SKIN

Photo courtesy of Apothekari.com

Our skin ages due to a variety of factors. Some things are beyond our control, while others are. 

The natural ageing process is one thing we cannot change. It is very important. We all get visible lines on our faces over time. It is natural for our faces to lose some of their youthful fullness as we age. Our skin is becoming thinner and drier. When these changes occur is largely determined by our genes. Intrinsic ageing is the medical term for this type of ageing.

We can influence another type of aging that affects our skin. Our environment and lifestyle choices can cause our skin to age prematurely. The medical term for this type of aging is “extrinsic aging.” By taking some preventive actions, we can slow the effects that this type of aging has on our skin.

HOW TO PREVENT PREMATURE SKIN AGING

It is natural for people to experience thinner, drier skin as they age, as well as an increase in wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Your environment and lifestyle choices, on the other hand, can sometimes cause your skin to age prematurely. Board-certified dermatologists recommend the following simple steps to prevent premature skin ageing. 

The sun contributes significantly to the premature ageing of our skin. Other things we do can also cause our skin to age faster than it would naturally. Dermatologists provide the following advice to their patients to help them prevent premature skin ageing.

1. Every day, protect your skin from the sun. Sun protection is essential whether you're spending the day at the beach or running errands. Seek shade, cover up with sun-protective clothing — such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses — and use sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 (or higher), and water-resistant. Every day, apply sunscreen to all exposed skin that is not covered by clothing. Look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label for better protection.
2. Rather than getting a tan, use self-tanner. You prematurely age your skin every time you tan. This is true whether you get your tan from the sun, a tanning bed, or another type of indoor tanning equipment. All of them emit harmful UV rays that hasten the ageing of your skin. 
3. Reduce your alcohol consumption. Alcohol is abrasive to the skin. It dehydrates the skin and, over time, damages it. We may appear older as a result of this. 
4. Avoid making the same facial expressions over and over again. When you make a facial expression, the underlying muscles contract. These lines become permanent if you repeatedly contract the same muscles over a long period of time. Squinting lines can be reduced by wearing sunglasses.
5. Consume a nutritious, well-balanced diet. According to the findings of a few studies, eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin ageing. According to the findings of research studies, a diet high in sugar or other refined carbohydrates can hasten ageing. 
6. Stop smoking if you do. Smoking hastens the ageing process of the skin. It results in wrinkles and a dull, shallow complexion. 
7. Most days of the week, you should exercise. A few studies have found that moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system. This, in turn, may impart a more youthful appearance to the skin.
8. Every day, apply a facial moisturiser. Moisturizer holds water in our skin, making it appear younger. 
9. Wash your face twice a day and after heavy sweating. Perspiration irritates the skin, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, so you should wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating. 
10. Gently cleanse your skin. Scrubbing your skin clean can cause irritation. Irritating your skin hastens its ageing. Gentle washing removes pollution, makeup, and other substances from your skin without irritating it. 
11. Stop using stinging or burning skin care products. When your skin burns or stings, it indicates that it is irritated. Irritating your skin can cause it to appear older.

Note: Some anti-aging products prescribed by a dermatologist may burn or sting. When using a prescription anti-aging product, this can be OK. Just be sure to let your dermatologist know.


NEVER TOO LATE TO BENEFIT

Even those who already show signs of premature skin ageing can benefit from lifestyle changes. By shielding your skin from the sun, you allow it to repair some of the damage. When smokers quit, they often notice that their skin looks better. 

If the signs of ageing skin bother you, you should consult a dermatologist. Many people now have younger-looking skin thanks to new treatments and less-invasive procedures for smoothing wrinkles, tightening skin, and improving complexion.