What most of us miss about being a teenager is the lack of bills we had to pay, to the youthful wrinkle-free glow we had on our faces. The natural aging process is something we can't change, however we can trick our skin into slowing down the aging process.
With time, we all get visible lines on our faces and we tend to lose some of its youthful fullness. The medical term for this type of aging is “intrinsic aging”. We need to focus on what is in our control. Which is our environment and lifestyle, the choices we make that can either cause our skin to age prematurely (extrinsic aging) or by taking preventive actions, to slow down the effects aging has on our skin.
Here are 7 ways to reduce premature skin aging that dermatologists recommend:
1. Protect your skin from the sun.
Whether you are spending a day at the beach or going for a run, sunscreen is essential! Making sure you are using sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 (or higher), and water-resistant. You should apply sunscreen every day to all skin that is not covered by clothing.
2. Stop smoking.
With no surprise smoking is bad for your health- as it increases your risk of cancer and other serious health issues. Smoking greatly speeds up the process of aging. Even if you only smoke occasionally, you're making yourself look older and sicker with every puff. Smoking can cause wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion. “Choices such as smoking have a profound effect on the skin as the smoke and nicotine starve the precious cells of oxygen and nutrition,” says Dr. Shafer.
3. De-stress.
While we can't control crying babies, traffic jams, or intense work loads, trying to de-stress as much as possible can help you enjoy a more youthful-looking complexion. Getting enough sleep, exercising, and mediating can all help you live with less stress. "Stress directly affects our body's biochemistry by causing the release of specific stress hormones. These hormones have been shown to directly increase inflammation and reduce our body's ability to repair damage. Excess inflammation can make the skin less plump by breaking down collagen," says Dr. Tara Nayak a naturopathic physician.
4. Proper exercise.
Proper exercise is known to be one of the best possible anti-agers. The benefits work beyond our muscular, skeletal and cardiovascular systems- it can see massive improvements in your largest organ, your skin. Moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost our immune system. This, in turn, may give the skin a more-youthful appearance.
5. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
While anti-aging creams can be helpful, if you want meaningful change in the health and appearance of your skin, start with your food choices. Increasing your vitamin C intake will help the protein that connects your cells together to create your skin's elasticity and gives it structure. Consuming your vitamins and minerals plays a key role in younger looking skin!
6. Hydrate.
Drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day can help keep your skin healthy and youthful-looking. Reference our blog “Why is Water Important? 4 Tips to Help You Reach Your Daily H2O Intake”. Not drinking enough water can result in an increased appearance of wrinkles and lines, creating more dry areas and dullness. “Drinking enough water is key to keeping a healthy glow and that dewy appearance.”
7. Wash after workout.
Find yourself skipping the shower after the gym? Avoid this. Washing your face post workout can help keep dead skin and other grime from settling into your pores, making them look larger, a sure sign of aging. It is said to wash your face twice daily, especially after sweating heavily while working or exercising” says Dr. Ross Levy, dermatologist.
Don't over do it
More isn't always better when it comes to aging. Don't let your hard work be for nothing; implicate these 7 tips that will help you maintain that youthful glow.
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