Wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation, dullness, and other signs of aging are absolutely normal to appear, especially when we are over 30. However, because of our busy routines and lifestyle, the signs of aging develop at a faster pace than they are supposed to.
That can be triggered by many factors, including an unbalanced diet, malnutrition, oxidative stress, pollution, dehydration, lack of sleep, exposure to sun (UV light), and inefficient skincare routine.
Yet, many women are looking at, and adopting different methods to maintain their skin healthy and delay the appearance of aging signs as long as possible. YES! There is a way to keep your skin young for longer without intrusive plastic surgeries or botox.
And this article will show you 5 easy ways to keep your skin young and fresh!
How often should you cleanse?
Washing your face properly and cleansing the skin with suitable products for your skin type is crucial when it comes to preventing the appearance of aging signs. [1]
Cleansing is part of every skincare routine because it removes all the makeup residue, dirt, harmful bacteria, sweat, microorganisms, etc. Just keep in mind that when you go out, your face “captures” microparticles flying in the air, which stay on your skin until you wash it well. [2]
And if your skin is not cleansed, it may age faster, wrinkles may appear, and the pigmentation can becomes uneven.
On the other hand, choosing a cleansing product, which is suitable for you is crucial, because even though every cleanser does the job of removing harmful bacteria, not every product on the market is suitable for you.
If you experience breaking out, peeling, itchiness, or redness after using your product, try another one until you know that your cleanser is good for you. This way, you can ensure that your skin is clean, healthy, AND young looking.
What are the benefits of moisturizing daily?
Changes in temperatures, drying cosmetic products, and consumption of not-enough omega 3 and 6 fatty acids may have a direct effect on your skin’s health. As a result, those three factors may negatively impact the natural production of sebum in the dermis (the second layer of skin, where the sebaceous glands are located.) [3]
For skin showing signs of aging, the sebaceous glands are usually underactive, and they cannot produce enough “oil” to naturally moisturize and nourish the skin from inside. In fact, a study in Skin Research and Technology suggested that usually, dry skin is prone to premature aging.
Using a high-quality moisturizer daily can ensure that your skin has enough oils and nutrients, which to keep it healthy, nourished, flexible, and supple. Besides, using moisturizing cosmetic products can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the dermis. [4]
Those two are proteins that together form compounds responsible for the strength and elasticity of the skin. As we age, the compounds break, causing fine lines and wrinkles to appear. So to boost the production of collagen and elastin, we need to moisturize regularly! [5]
Learn more about the function and structure of your skin in our dedicated article!
How does hydration affect skin?
Healthy epidermis has about 20% water. But when this ideal percentage drops below 10%, the skin may become dehydrated. [6] And this condition is a prerequisite for the appearance of aging signs.
By hydrating yourself from inside, meaning to drink about 6-8 glasses of water per day, you can give your skin the water it needs to prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. [7] As a result, it can become stronger, more flexible, elastic, and supple.
Why should you use SPF daily?
UV light can be a great way to get our vitamin D but it can also be the worst enemy of our skin. The reason for this is the fact that the UV light penetrates into the skin and reacts with the skin cells to stimulate the production of melanin. Along with that, sun radiation can trigger the appearance of freckles, pigmentation, and wrinkles. Not to mention that if you get a sunburn, you significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer. [8]
By using SPF, you block the harmful effect of the UV light and keep your skin young and healthy for long. [9]
Keep in mind that sun protection is not only needed when it’s sunny outside! The UV rays penetrate through clouds, so it’s important to build a habit of using SPF regularly and daily.
Learn what are the benefits and drawbacks of sunbathing!
How serum helps your skin?
Using a serum is a must for every skin that is prone to aging.
Serums are different from moisturizers: they can penetrate deeper into the skin (because of their molecular structure) and boost the regeneration of skin cells together with the production of collagen and elastin. [10]
Therefore, this type of cosmetic products can prevent and diminish the visibility of wrinkles, uneven texture, and fine lines. Besides, depending on the type of serum, it may balance the sebum production, additionally moisturize, or brighten the skin.