If you are over 40, chances are you have already started noticing some signs of natural aging, maybe even premature aging. The most common signs include wrinkles, dryness, hyperpigmentation and sagging. Aging is natural, but sometimes it happens faster than it should.
The blame usually falls on environmental factors, and our lifestyle habits. While there isn’t much you can do to reverse the damage that's already been done, there are definitely some things you can start doing today to slow the aging process down. And for those younger readers, please take notice; there are things you can start doing now that will make a world of difference for your skin later on. Trust us on this, your older self will thank you!
7 things you should start doing today to prevent premature aging:
-
Protect your skin from the sun every day
Applying sunscreen every day is key, but many skip it. Sure, you use it on the days you are at the beach or at a ball game, but what about cloudy days? Or when you’re just out running errands? Those make up hundreds of days where your skin is unprotected – and it adds up!
-
Use a retinol cream
As our skin starts to age, cell turnover slows down. Skin can start to look dull and aged. Using a good retinol cream can help gently improve the turnover rate, potentially reversing some signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.
- Stop smoking
Smoking wreaks havoc on your body, inside and out. It greatly speeds up the skin's aging process, causes wrinkles and sagging, and leaves the skin looking sickly and dull.
- Use self-tanner instead of getting a tan
Tanning definitely prematurely ages your skin. And I mean in a BIG way. Harmful UV rays accelerate the rate at which the skin ages, leaving behind thicker looking skin, sun spots, blotchiness, sagging and lots of wrinkles. The only tan that anyone should be getting is one that comes from a bottle.
- Eat healthy
As the old saying goes, you are what you eat. Studies have shown over and over that eating a healthy diet of lean proteins, and a variety of fresh fruits and veggies can help prevent damage from oxidation and nutrient deficiencies, therefore, reducing premature aging. Research also suggests that diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can actually accelerate aging.
- Use a good Vitamin C serum
Vitamin C (and retinol) are in the top tier of skincare actives proven to do what they claim. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that fights free radical damage, and has even been shown to boost the skin’s natural protection against UVA and UVB rays. Vitamin C may also help brighten the skin, improve firmness, and soften your lines & wrinkles.
- Apply moisturizer daily
Last but certainly not least, we have moisturizers. This essential skin care product is, in our opinion, a non-negotiable. They trap water in your skin which gives you a plump, youthful appearance, and a healthy glow from within. This alone can take years off your appearance. It can also improve skin’s elasticity, make wrinkles less noticeable, and hydrated skin is less vulnerable to damage from sunburn and other UV damage.
Small changes can make a big difference in your long-term skin goals. It's never too late to make these simple changes and the rewards will be worth it - we promise.