The internet is filled with searches on how to prevent aging and how to stop it altogether! Unfortunately, we won’t be able to keep the skin of our 20s forever, but we can at least delay how fast our skin ages. Like all other organs, inevitably, the skin succumbs to the effects of time. However, unlike other organs, we get to see the effect of our health, general well-being, and lifestyle mirrored on our skin.
The goal of this article is not to “prevent” aging––which in itself is a blessing. Rather, it’s to enlighten you on how to prevent premature aging, which is when signs of aging show up on our skin too early due to stress, environmental factors, or poor skin care.
It is worth noting that not everyone ages the same way and not every area of our skin ages at the same time. Besides genetics, other factors come into play when it comes to aging. Factors like your daily skincare routine, UV rays, tobacco, diet, stress, pollution, the use of unsuitable cosmetics, lack of sleep, and more, take a toll on the skin eventually.
The skin cells are constantly renewing themselves, approximately every 28 days. However, over time, cell renewal becomes less successful. As a result, old cells start to accumulate on the surface and blur the complexion, the skin begins to dry out, etc., which then leads to what we all refer to as skin aging.
It may not be possible to fight against the intrinsic causes of aging, but it is quite possible to limit the risks of aging due to extrinsic factors. Once you hit your thirties, then you know it is time to up your skincare regimen—if you have not been doing so.
Check out 8 effective ways you can reverse early signs of skin aging…
#1. Reduce calorie intake
You already know that too many calories aren’t good for your health, but did you know that they aren’t good for your skin? Yes, research shows that excessive consumption of calories can speed up the aging process. According to the medical publication R.O., intermittent fasting, “an eating strategy where you limit how many calories you take in by alternating between periods of eating and periods of fasting,” can help in controlling your calorie intake. However, if this isn’t the route you’re thinking of exploring, then focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet. That works great, too.
#2. Ditch the smoke
There really isn’t so much good that comes out of smoking, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to ditch it. If not for the health of your lungs and how it can reduce your life span, then the fact that it increases the signs of aging should encourage you. Clearly, you don’t want to be 40 and be looking like you’re 70 just because you wouldn’t ditch the smoke.
#3. Get hydrated
Hydration is essential for anti-aging efforts. The basis is of course to drink enough water (a minimum of 8 cups per day and up to 12 cups if clear skin is a goal) to keep the skin young and supple. Be sure to consult with your doctor on how much water you should ideally consume based on your weight. Besides drinking water, you can also use a daily topical application of a deep moisturizing day cream adapted to your skin type.
#4. Be serious with exfoliating. Ways to prevent aging.
Be sure to remove your makeup once you’re through for the day to allow your skin to breathe. Once a week, exfoliate to remove all the dead skin and to make your skin more permeable to the products you apply. You can also opt for a gentle daily exfoliating cleanser.
#5. Use more Vitamin C
Besides having to increase your vitamin C intake via your diet, you also have to add it to your skincare routine. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen and helps maintain supple and firm skin. The use of vitamin C serums becomes expedient to prevent signs of future damage. It ensures the longevity of the skin cells, thus delaying the appearance of wrinkles.
Thanks to its antioxidant benefits, vitamin C effectively neutralizes free radicals responsible for skin aging. It is very popular in cosmetology because it participates in cell renewal. It is used to “prevent” aging, and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and spots. Additionally, it promotes better healing of the epidermis and limits skin inflammation.
#6. Use Vitamin A (Retinoids)
The term retinoids refers to vitamin A and its derivatives. Vitamin A is required by the body for a number of biological processes such as reproduction, vision, growth, differentiation of cells, and proliferation. Unfortunately, it is not synthesized by the human body; it is, therefore, necessary to provide it with food and possibly cosmetics to improve the appearance of your skin.
Retinoids are also ideal ingredients for acne-prone skin and have an anti-aging effect. These vitamins increase the production of collagen for firmer skin and they also make it possible to activate cell renewal and exfoliation of the skin. They prevent acne by reducing the size and secretion of the sebaceous glands.
#7. Incorporate peptides into your routine
Peptides are true beauty allies when it comes to fighting skin aging. They are chains of amino acids that help increase the production of valuable proteins, such as collagen or keratin. Peptides help provide hydration, firmness, and elasticity to the skin. They are therefore essential for the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin).
#8. Never go without sunscreen
The sun’s rays are very harmful to our skin and exposing your skin without protection over a long period of time will lead to premature aging of the skin. The UV rays attack the cells of the skin and break their DNA chain thereby causing the cells to produce less melanin, collagen, and elastin, which contributes to the aging of the skin.
Before any exposure to the sun, it is therefore important to apply an effective protective cream. We know black doesn’t crack but you’ve got to protect your skin to keep it from cracking, literally!
Also, consider using night repair serum. Our Editor-in-chief, Elfonnie swears by the youthful restorative power of the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair.
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Featured image: Ron Lach/Pexels
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