11 Ways to Reduce Premature Skin Aging

Beauty and Care
Sep 2020, Thu

Many things cause our skin to age. While there are some things we can't help, various factors can influence others involved in this process. One thing we cannot change is the natural aging process. Over time, visible lines appear, especially on the face. It is therefore natural for our face to lose some of its youthful structure. We notice more and more that our skin is becoming thinner and drier. Our genes largely dictate when these differentiations occur. The medical term for this type of aging is intrinsic aging. However, we can influence another type of aging that affects our skin. Our environment and lifestyle choices can cause our skin to age prematurely. The medical term used for this type of aging is extrinsic aging. By taking some preventive measures, it is possible to minimize the effects of this type of aging on the skin. The sun, in particular, plays a significant role in the premature aging of our skin. Other mistakes we make can also age our skin faster than it naturally should. Dermatologists recommend the following tips to their patients to help them prevent premature skin aging problems:

Protect your skin from the sun regularly every day. Whether you spend a day at the beach or run errands, sun protection is crucial. You can protect your skin by seeking shade, covering up with sun-protective clothing, and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 (or higher) and water resistance. You should apply sunscreen daily to all areas of your skin not covered by clothing.
Use tanning lotions instead of tanning. Every time you tan, you age your skin prematurely. This applies to the sun as well as other tanning equipment. All of these devices emit harmful UV rays that accelerate skin aging, just like the sun.
If you smoke, quit immediately. Smoking greatly accelerates the aging of the skin. It causes wrinkles and dull, sallow skin.
Avoid repetitive facial expressions. When you make a facial expression, you contract the underlying muscles. If you use the same muscles repeatedly for many years, these lines become permanent. Wearing sunglasses can help reduce lines caused by squinting.
Follow a healthy, balanced diet. Data from several studies suggest that eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help reduce the damage that causes premature skin aging. Data from experimental studies also indicate that a diet high in sugar or other refined carbohydrates can accelerate aging.
Use less alcohol. Alcohol is quite harsh on the skin. It dries out the skin and damages it over time. This can make us look older.
Exercise most days of the week. Data from several studies suggest that moderate exercise can improve circulation and strengthen the immune system. This can give the skin a more youthful appearance.
Cleanse your skin gently. Scrubbing your skin too hard can irritate it. Irritation, in turn, accelerates skin aging. Gentle cleansing helps remove dirt, makeup, and other pollutants without causing irritation to your skin.
Cleanse your face at least twice a day and after sweating heavily. Sweat irritates the skin, especially when wearing a hat, so it is important to wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.
Apply facial moisturizers every day. Moisturizers trap water in our skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.
Avoid using skin care products that burn. When your skin burns, it means it is irritated. Irritating your skin can make it look older.

It's Never Too Late for Skincare

Even people who already have signs of premature aging on their skin can benefit from making lifestyle changes. By protecting your skin from the sun, you give it a chance to repair some of the damage. If the signs of lost youth bother you, seeing a dermatologist is your best option.