Ways to Reduce Premature Skin Aging

Photo by Velizar Ivanov on Unsplash

Many things cause our skin to age, some we can’t control but others we can. While the natural skin aging process can’t be stopped (over time our skin loses fullness, gets thinner and dry due to the natural fluctuation of hormones) we can influence other types of aging caused by lifestyle and environment. If you take a few preventive actions, you can slow the effects of aging and reduce premature signs of this unfortunate process. Here’s what you should do to hold on to your youthful skin.

Protect your skin from the sun

No matter if you’re just stepping outside to run errands or if you’re spending a day at the beach, sun protection is crucial for the youthful appearance of your skin. There are various ways you can stay safe from harmful sun rays: seek shade, cover up with clothing (lightweight shirts, pants, hats and sunglasses) and use a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF that’s water-resistant. For the best effect, apply sunscreen every day and reapply every 2 hours or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming. Don’t get us wrong, the sun is not bad for you, but too much harsh sun radiation can wreak havoc on your skin.

Moisturize every day

Your skincare routine probably already involves a moisturizer, but this part of skin protection is so important, that it bears repeating. Moisturizers function by trapping water in the skin, giving it a fresh and plump appearance. Creams and serums with hyaluronic acid are especially effective in moisturizing the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, replenishing cells with moisture and speeding up wound healing. These products are safe for all skin types, but are mostly recommended for people with dry skin. If you’re curious about this ingredient, check out /blogs/herbal-dynamics-beauty/hyaluronic-acid-serum-uses-and-benefits for a more in-depth explanation on how hyaluronic acid benefits the skin. It’s never a bad idea to get extra education!

Freshen up your skin with chemical peels

Chemical peels can also help you shed years from your skin. This procedure removes the damaged top skin layer affected by toxins and the sun and welcomes a fresh and youthful skin layer that’s glowing. Peels made with hydroxy acids also help lessen the appearance of wrinkles, dry skin and age spots. Any skin type or color can benefit from a chemical peel and you will love how much better your makeup works on your smooth and vivacious skin.

Consider using retinol creams

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a cream ingredient that prevents premature skin aging. It’s available in many over-the-counter products at doses of up to 2%. For doses higher than that, you will need to get a prescription from your dermatologist. Your skin will take some time to adjust to retinol, so start by applying small doses every other day until your skin gets used to it (a week or two). If you experience any irritation or redness, stop the use of retinol and see your skin doctor just in case.

Eat well and ditch harmful habits

What you eat and drink can also affect your skin aging processes. According to some studies, eating plenty of fresh fruits and veggies can keep your skin plump for longer. On the other hand, people who ingest a lot of sugar and refined carbs can expect to see more severe aging effects sooner in life. Other habits like smoking and drinking can also speed up this unwanted process. Smoking is especially harmful to the skin and can cause deep wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion. Alcohol is less harmful, but it can cause skin dehydration which can cause skin damage. A healthy and balanced diet will positively affect every part of your body, skin included.

It’s never too early or too late to start proper skincare, so try to adopt these beneficial skincare habits and watch your skin stay youthful for a long time.