Skin aging is a natural process. However, there are factors that can accelerate the rate at which your skin tends to age. These factors include sun damage, environmental factors, smoking, unhealthy diet, dehydration, lack of sleep, and stress. Here are a few tips to prevent premature skin aging.
- Avoid smoking
Exposure to tobacco smoke increases your risk of premature skin aging, wrinkles, and lines around your mouth. Cigarette smoke contains around 4,000 chemicals which are absorbed into the skin and lungs. As well as damaging the outer layer of the skin, the smoke causes blood vessels to constrict, which decreases the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to the skin. This can make the skin appear older more rapidly than normal. Quitting smoking will not only improve your overall health, but it will also help your skin look healthier and more youthful!
- Wear sunscreen every day
The harmful rays of the sun can cause premature aging by damaging your DNA and breaking down collagen. Using a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from sun damage and keep wrinkles at bay. Sun exposure causes damage to the skin’s structure by breaking down collagen fibers that keep the skin firm and smooth. Wearing sunscreen daily can help prevent this damage and slow down the signs of aging. In addition to wearing a daily moisturizer with SPF, you should also wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors to protect delicate facial skin from sun damage. Sunscreen should be applied at least thirty minutes before sun exposure and then reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. You should also replace your sunscreen each year for ongoing protection against harmful UV rays. Certain medications can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so talk to your doctor about the best sun protection practices for you. Also, try to stay in the shade when possible and avoid the sun when it’s strongest, typically between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Stay hydrated
Drinking water helps to hydrate your body, which helps keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant. When you drink water throughout the day, you also encourage the flushing of toxins and waste products in the lymph nodes. This is important because when waste builds up in your body, it can end up in your pores, causing blemishes and acne breakouts on the skin’s surface. Flushing out these toxins also helps firm up skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Keeping the body hydrated is also essential for helping skin cells regenerate and replenish themselves. When skin is dehydrated, the cells do not replenish themselves as quickly or effectively, which can lead to dry, dull-looking skin that ages faster. So, keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol since they can contribute to dehydration. If you do drink them, be sure to balance them with a glass of water.
- Use quality makeup and skincare products
Unfortunately, there are hundreds of skin care products on the market that contain harsh chemicals that can actually dull your skin over time. However, if you have sensitive skin or prefer a natural alternative, there are plenty of quality makeup and skincare products available that are free of parabens and other harmful ingredients. If you’re interested in trying new products but are unsure what will work best for you, consult with your dermatologist, who can recommend the best options. They can even recommend certain makeup colors and formulas that will best complement your skin type and tone. That way, you can feel confident knowing that you are caring for your skin in the healthiest way possible!
Please reach out to our practice in Wyandotte, MI, to have a consultation with our doctor, Dr. Abrahamson. Please call us at (734) 287-3000 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.
