No one wants to look in the mirror and discover a new wrinkle. Unfortunately, aging is inevitable. The good news is that you can take steps to slow down the aging process. Regardless of your age, the following tips will keep your skin healthy and radiant.
Avoid Tanning
While you may feel that you look more attractive and healthier with a sun-kissed tan, sun is the enemy of youthful skin. Basking in the sun can lead to the loss of elasticity and collagen, resulting in thinner and older-looking skin. Unsightly age spots and wrinkles are often the result of exposure to the sun. Rather than laying out or using a tanning booth, try using a sunless tanner or makeup bronzer instead.
Apply Sunscreen
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to your skin, which protects against UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are the culprit of premature aging and hyperpigmentation, while UVB rays cause sunburns. Look for a sunscreen with the active ingredient avobenzone, mexoryl, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to ensure UVA protection. You should also look for SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30 or higher and make sure that your sunscreen is water resistant. Apply generously to your skin and reapply every two hours.
Wear Sun Protective Gear
The skin around your eyes is much thinner and delicate than the rest of your face. This area is generally the first to show signs of aging. Wearing sunglasses protects this area from the sun and helps to prevent squinting, which is also a culprit of wrinkles. Sun hats are also a great way to protect your face and eyes from the sun. Wear sun protective clothing that is designed specifically to reduce your skin’s exposure to the sun and provides a minimum protection equivalence of SPF 30.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking contributes to wrinkles by constricting the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the skin. It also increases the break down of collagen and is another culprit of wrinkles.
Seek Treatment for Damaged Skin
For those who currently have sun damaged skin, treatment is available. Microdermabrasion, light peels and laser treatments can aid in removing sun spots and acne scars. And Retinoids, derived from Vitamin A, accelerate the rate of skin cell turnover. They aid in inhibiting the breakdown of collagen by increasing collagen production. Ask your provider about prescription or over-the-counter forms of Retinoids.
Prevention is Key
Taking steps to prevent skin damage is the key to healthy, younger looking skin. It’s never too early nor too late to start. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Your skin will thank you.
