One of the first places we notice aging is our skin. Elastin and collagen fibers provide the skin with strength and plumpness. As we age, these fibers reduce and cause wrinkles. The subcutaneous layer, below the surface of our skin, contains fat that supplies form and structure. This layer becomes thinner the older we get and causes our skin to sag.
While we cannot change this natural aging process, known as intrinsic aging, we can influence the environmental factors and lifestyle choices, known as extrinsic aging, that affect our skin and cause it to age prematurely. Keep reading to learn more about some preventive actions you can take to promote healthy skin aging.
Shield Your Skin From the Sun
Exposure to the sun contributes to the premature aging of skin and wrinkles. The sun’s peak hours take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and it is recommended to seek out shaded areas and avoid direct sunlight during this time. These actions minimize your chances of accumulating immediate ultraviolet radiation exposure.
To prevent premature aging as a result of UV radiation exposure, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun — and not just in the summertime. Wear sunscreen or sunblock with SPF 30+ and broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection — even in the winter months. You can add another layer of protection by wearing hats, sunglasses and protective clothing. You can check out all of our sunscreen products here.
Avoid Tanning Beds
Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds are much worse than the sun as the UV light is more intense. Most tanning beds emit approximately 12 times more UVA rays than natural sunlight. Tanning beds are a carcinogen (a substance that promotes cancer), just like cigarettes are a carcinogen — and just as there’s no safe amount of smoking, you can’t get a safe tan.
Gently Cleanse Your Skin Each Day
The way you wash your face can affect your appearance. Wash with warm water and a mild cleanser; don’t use soap. It is recommended to wash your face twice a day, in the morning and before you go to bed. Make sure to clean your face thoroughly before falling asleep. Sleeping with makeup on clogs pores and prevents the skin’s natural renewal process and prematurely ages skin. You can check out our cleansing products here.
Moisturize Daily
A moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated and helps give it a more youthful appearance. Our Powerhouse Cream contains human growth factors, peptide complex, antioxidants and other skin-restorative ingredients. It combats against signs of aging, enhances the production of collagen and elastin and rejuvenates the skin. You can check out the rest of our moisturizing products here. Â
Keep It Room Temperature
Warm air can dry your skin out. To counteract the drying effect of indoor heating, put a humidifier in your bedroom. Likewise, sitting too close to a heat source can break down collagen, thin your skin and cause premature aging.
Stop Smoking
You probably are aware that smoking is bad for your health, but did you know that it also greatly speeds up the aging process? Smoking can lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles and can cause the skin to turn an unhealthy and unnatural color. If you smoke, you should stop now to avoid and try to improve its damaging side effects.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Findings from a few studies suggest that eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent skin damage that leads to premature aging. A diet high in processed foods, carbohydrates and sugar can cause skin dryness and possibly even accelerate the aging process.
Avoid Repetitive Facial Expressions
Repetitive facial expressions like squinting and frowning are the most common causes of crow’s feet around the eyes. Frowning can cause deep wrinkles to develop on the forehead as well. Be aware that if you keep making the same facial expressions over a long period of time, the lines caused by contracting your face muscles can become permanent.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
Adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. Sleeping in certain positions may lead to sleep lines, which can turn into deep-set wrinkles over time. Lay on your back to minimize these signs of aging. Sleep also gives your body time to refresh and renew itself.
Visit Your Dermatologist | The Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC
If you would like to learn more about promoting healthy skin aging, or if you are concerned about signs of aging that your skin is experiencing, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Dermatologists help detect skin cancer and other concerns in the early stages and help diagnose and treat your skin’s needs.
At the Dermatology Center for Skin Care, PLLC, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. You benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.
Give us a call at (304) 598-3888 or click here to contact us online. We’re currently accepting new patients and encourage you to make your appointment soon. We look forward to hearing from you!
