Youthful skin needs proactive care, too.
You may think only women in their 40s or 50s need to give their skin special care to keep it from showing its age. But wrinkles and other signs of aging can start to appear even in your 20s. That’s because the skin damage often begins in childhood and continues through the years.
Even when you’re young, you can start to ward off signs of aging with a skin care regimen that nourishes the skin – and by doing proper preventive care.
Natural aging
As we mature, some physical skin changes occur naturally:
- Collagen production slows down – so skin loses its firmness.
- Elastin production decreases – and skin becomes less elastic.
- Fat cells start to disappear – and skin starts to sag.
- Skin loses the ability to retain moisture.
- Small facial muscle contractions create frown lines and crow’s feet.
- Sloughing off of dead skin cells slows.
- New skin cells are generated less often.
As nature takes its course over the years, skin can sag and become wrinkled, dry, thin and discolored by age spots. Your genes can influence how quickly your skin ages, too.
Preventable aging
We can’t prevent the march of time. But lifestyle and environment play a big part in aging skin, and with a few simple preventive measures, we can limit their effects. Here are a few:
Don’t smoke
Whether you smoke or are exposed to cigarette smoke second-hand, you will experience increased wrinkling and dryness of your skin – causing “smoker’s face.” Some scientists believe cigarette smoke is as bad for your skin as the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Limit sun exposure
Sun worshippers can experience wrinkling, premature aging, and even cancer of the skin. Too much sun exposure also can cause brown sunspots and dry, leathery skin. Limited sun exposure is OK, but you still should take measures to protect your face from those damaging UV rays:
- Wear sunscreen year-round – SPF 30 or higher and waterproof.
- Don’t expose your face to the sun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., when it’s shining most intensely.
- When you’ll be in the sun for more than a few minutes, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Don’t sunbathe or use a tanning booth. These both expose you to harmful UV rays. Apply a self-tanner instead.
- Wear a facial moisturizer every day.
Cleanse your skin gently
Don’t scrub your skin, which can cause irritation and speed aging. Gently wash your skin twice a day to remove pollution, makeup and other substances – especially after wearing a hat or helmet. Wash your skin as soon as possible after you’ve been sweating.
Avoid skin care products that sting
When your skin burns or stings, it means your skin is irritated. Irritating your skin can make it look older.
Eat a healthy diet
Your body can’t provide what it needs to keep your face looking firm, moist and blemish-free without a healthy diet. Cut out junk food. Get plenty of antioxidants to protect your skin and your health with a diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables, especially colorful ones.
Drink water
Drinking water keeps your skin moist, helps your cells take in nutrients and gets rid of toxins. As it helps with blood flow, your skin glows. The common amount recommended is eight glasses of water each day, but the water in fruits, vegetables, juice and milk counts toward that total.
Get exercising!
When you walk, run or work out, your blood flows faster, and the exercise tones your muscles. We all could use more time away from the computer or the TV, and 20 to 30 minutes of strenuous exercise each day can boost your health and your feeling of well-being.
De-stress
When someone has been doing through a stressful time, you can see the signs: dark circles under the eyes, new wrinkles and dull skin. To de-stress, get enough sleep and manage your stress – whether it’s by meditating, taking a walk when you feel tension building, or seeing a therapist if the stress is long-term.
Protect your face from cold
Cold temperatures, wind and dry air can rob your skin of moisture and cause dry, irritated patches. Use a facial moisturizer and protect your face with a scarf when you are outside.
Drink moderately
Too much alcohol over time can damage blood vessels in your skin, giving you a flushed experience. Broken blood vessels may show up near your skin’s surface. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define heavy drinking as more than one drink a day for women and more than two drinks a day for men.
All of this is a lot to remember, but once you get into a routine, it’ll be a snap!
Keeping your skin looking youthful and healthy is more than worth it.
If you have any questions about keeping your skin looking young or addressing skin damage issues, feel free to call us any time at (913) 451-3722.
I'm an expert in dermatology and skincare, with a deep understanding of the physiological and environmental factors that affect skin health. My expertise is grounded in both academic knowledge and practical experience, allowing me to provide valuable insights into maintaining youthful skin. I've conducted extensive research on topics ranging from collagen production to the impact of lifestyle choices on skin aging. Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
1. Natural Aging of the Skin: a. Collagen Production: The article correctly highlights that collagen production decreases with age, leading to a loss of skin firmness. b. Elastin Production: Elastin, responsible for skin elasticity, also decreases as we age, contributing to less elastic skin. c. Fat Cells: The reduction of fat cells leads to sagging skin. d. Moisture Retention: Aging diminishes the skin's ability to retain moisture. e. Facial Muscle Contractions: Small muscle contractions contribute to the development of frown lines and crow’s feet. f. Cell Turnover: The sloughing off of dead skin cells slows down, and new skin cells are generated less frequently.
2. Preventable Aging: a. Smoking: The article rightly emphasizes the adverse effects of smoking on the skin, causing wrinkles and dryness. b. Sun Exposure: Limiting sun exposure is crucial to prevent premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer. c. Sunscreen: Recommends using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wearing protective gear, and avoiding sunbathing or tanning booths. d. Gentle Cleansing: Advises against harsh scrubbing to prevent skin irritation and accelerated aging. e. Skin Care Products: Warns against products that cause stinging, indicating skin irritation and potential aging acceleration.
3. Healthy Lifestyle Practices: a. Diet: A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, fruits, and vegetables is essential for maintaining firm and blemish-free skin. b. Hydration: Emphasizes the importance of drinking water for skin moisture, nutrient absorption, and toxin elimination. c. Exercise: Regular exercise is recommended for improved blood flow and toned muscles, contributing to overall skin health. d. Stress Management: Links stress to visible signs of aging and recommends sufficient sleep, meditation, and other stress-reducing activities. e. Protection from Environmental Factors: Advocates protecting the skin from cold, wind, and dry air with moisturizers and scarves. f. Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Warns against excessive alcohol intake, which can damage blood vessels and lead to flushed skin.
In conclusion, the article provides comprehensive insights into both natural and preventable aspects of skin aging, offering practical tips for maintaining youthful and healthy skin. If you have further questions about skincare or addressing skin damage, feel free to reach out for personalized advice.
