When we age, our skin may be the part that gives our age away. What you do for your skin in your 20s and 30s can determine how your skin holds up. A little bit of care can go a long way if you start caring for your skin sooner than later. Here are some tips from dermatologists on how to care for your skin to prevent the signs of aging.
Sunscreen – Just as we brush our teeth every day, we should be applying sunscreen to our face. The sunscreen should be protecting you from UVA and UVB rays that come out year round. It should also be at least SPF 30. Use sunscreen on areas that will see the sun, especially your hands, which we often forget about. Reapply if you are outside for longer than a continuous hour or if you are sweating or swimming.
Tanning – This is something you should avoid if you can. Indoor or Outdoor tanning is harmful to your skin and actually ages your skin due to damage of collagen and elastin. There are creams that can bronze your skin and even spray tans that last for a few days that give you the ultimate sun-kissed glow without the harmful UVA/UVB rays.
Cut Out Smoking/Drinking – Smoking is not only bad for your health, it is bad for breaking down of your skin’s collagen. It constricts blood vessels in your skin that brings oxygen and nutrients through your body. Wrinkles will start early in life and teeth and nails will turn yellow due to the ingredients found in cigarettes. Drinking in excess dehydrates your skin and also constricts blood vessels. Drinking too much will actually break blood vessels, causing redness of the skin and even acne.
Eating Disorders – Many people suffer from eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia. These type of eating disorders will damage your body and especially your hair, skin, and nails that require nutrients you may not be getting in your diet. Yo-yo dieting can also cause skin to stretch and eventually sag, as it is not able to recover from the weight loss and weight gain.
Products – There are many products out there that can slow down the effects of aging. Products that contain retinol are able to keep wrinkles away. There are also serums and moisturizers that contain peptides and antioxidants that can keep the skin from wrinkling and they can replace lost nutrients like collagen to keep the skin plump and wrinkle-free.
Silk Pillowcase - Regular cotton pillowcases have wrinkles and creases that can leave you with wrinkles and creases on your face. Silk pillowcases allow your skin to slide on the pillow and there is much less friction, which keeps your skin from wrinkling. A bonus is that it also prevents frizzy hair.
Humidify – Use a humidifier in your sleeping environment and end up waking up with less fine lines and hydrated skin that will look more supple. Water in general is great for keeping yourself healthy and hydrated and your skin will look radiant.