10 Effective Tips For Preventing Premature Skin Aging
It’s no secret that your skin will eventually age along with the rest of your body. But sometimes, it’s not only your age that leads your skin to undergo aging. There are also other factors that could affect your skin’s aging such as stress, genes, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. While you can’t do anything to control your skin’s aging, there are a few things you can do which would help slow down and prevent your skin’s premature aging.
As long as you’re committed to changing a few of your habits, switching to a healthier lifestyle, and practicing a good skincare routine, your skin will remain looking youthful and healthy for as long as possible.
Of course, professional treatments help prevent premature skin aging. Examples include Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), which can be combined with other cosmetic procedures like microneedling, dermal fillers, or laser therapy for enhanced results. Talk to your healthcare provider about PRF vs PRP skin treatments.
Here are ten effective tips you must do to prevent premature skin aging:
1. Use Sunscreen Every Single Day
Out of all the factors that trigger your skin’s premature aging, it’s the sun that plays a massive role in it. As you constantly expose yourself to the sun when you’re outdoors, the ultraviolet (UV) rays will penetrate a deeper layer of your skin and contribute to premature skin aging. Furthermore, too much UV rays can also lead to sunburn and eventually damage your skin’s outer layers. What’s worse, the sun’s UV rays are also known to cause various skin cancers.
Thus, whether you’re having a beach day or simply going outdoors for a quick errand, you need to use sunscreen and apply ample amount into your skin. Preferably, go for a sunscreen with SPF 30 with a label that says ‘broad-spectrum.’ This label means it can protect your skin against both UVA and UVB sun rays. You must also reapply the sunscreen every 60 to 120 minutes for maximum protection, especially if you intend to linger outdoors for a more extended period.
More importantly, focus on applying sunscreen on body parts not covered in clothing such as your neck, face, arms, and hands. If you’ve already developed face links and wrinkles around your face, consider getting cosmetic injections from Find My Cosmetic Injector and other dermatology clinics in your area to soften those lines and wrinkles as well as reduce your skin’s aging look.
2. Wear Sunglasses
Besides putting on sunscreen, it’s also recommended that you wear sunglasses when spending time outdoors. Being exposed to the sun’s UV rays won’t only cause wrinkles around your eyes, but it’ll also result to face lines due to frequent squinting. With sunglasses, it’ll protect your eyes from the sun and prevent premature skin aging.
3. Quit Smoking For Good
Everyone knows how dangerous smoking is for your overall health, including your skin. The nicotine found in cigarettes or tobacco constricts the flow of blood vessels, preventing oxygen and other nutrients from penetrating your skin. As a result, occasional and frequent smokers are more likely to have wrinkles and develop a dull skin complexion. Thus, as much as possible, motivate yourself to slowly quit smoking day by day. Besides your skin, your overall health will thank you for it.
4. Maintain A Healthy Diet
Every food and beverage you consume directly impacts how fast your skin ages. Your skin repairs and rejuvenates itself, but it’ll only be successful if your body has the proper nutrients to support it. Thus, it’s vital to maintain a healthy diet to provide nutrients for your skin and prevent premature skin aging. Focus on eating foods that provide vitamins A, B, C, and E.
Some of the anti-aging foods you can incorporate into your diet include vegetables, fruits, fatty fish, nuts, and beans. Moreover, avoid eating refined carbohydrates, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats, which will only promote faster skin aging.
5. Avoid Repetitive Facial Movements
Did you know that your facial expressions and movements can also influence your skin’s aging? Doing the same facial movements simultaneously for a long time could cause the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines into your face, leading to premature skin aging.
Some of the common repetitive facial movements many people do for years may include involuntary squinting, sipping a straw or cigarette, and intentional or unintentional frowning. If possible, be mindful of the facial expressions and movements you make and massage your face every night before you sleep to put your facial muscles at ease.
6. Reduce Alcohol Intake
Too much alcohol intake will dehydrate your skin. While drinking a glass of alcohol won’t do much harm to your internal organs, it can already be enough to damage your skin and eventually accelerate its aging process. So, do your skin a favor and reduce your alcohol consumption, especially during special occasions.
7. Engage In Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is good for your skin as it helps maintain your skin’s youthful appearance. Each time you engage in physical activity, it promotes blood circulation, which is needed to bring oxygen and nutrients into your skin. Furthermore, regular exercise will strengthen your immune system and protect your skin from environmental pollutants and the sun’s damaging rays.
Benefits aside, exercising will also help lower your stress levels, which in turn minimizes your skin’s risk from acne and other stress-related skin issues. Plus, knowing that you’re consistent with your workout routine will make you look and feel better about yourself.
8. Practice Frequent Skin Cleansing
Your skin absorbs dirt and pollutants every day, especially if you’re always traveling outdoors for school or work purposes. Thus, before you sleep, practice your nighttime skincare routine that includes cleansing your face and washing your skin thoroughly. Keep in mind that your skincare habits can influence how your skin ages.
So, make sure to set aside time to cleanse your skin with water and a gentle face wash every night. Doing this will remove dirt, dust, and other damaging pollutants. Furthermore, avoid scrubbing your skin too hard, which will only cause irritation and lead to premature aging.
9. Use Moisturizer
After cleansing your skin, make sure you also moisturize it religiously. The moisturizer will keep your skin hydrated, making it look healthier and more youthful. Moisturizing at night will also prevent your skin from drying out during your sleep.
10. Strive For A Good-Quality Sleep
During your sleep, your body earns a chance to repair and heal itself, including your skin. Your immune system will recharge as you sleep, and your muscle tissues will fix themselves. All these will help your skin heal and rejuvenate itself too.
On the other hand, if you’re not getting enough sleep, your body and your skin wouldn’t be able to recover and prepare themselves for the next day, leading to wear and tear. So, along with your skincare routine and healthy lifestyle choices, don’t forget to include getting a good-quality sleep on your priority list.
Key Takeaway
While you may not be able to stop your skin’s aging process, these things will slow down your skin’s aging and help preserve your skin’s youthful and healthy appearance. So, follow these anti-aging tips and enjoy healthy and younger-looking skin for as long as possible.