Dermatology Secrets for Slowing Our Skin’s Aging Process
Wrinkle reducing treatments are growing more and more popular every day. But is there a way to slow down your skin’s aging process before your wrinkles really start to form? Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
Wear Sunscreen Every Day
As simple as it might sound, sun protection is one of the best ways to slow down aging in your skin. Radiation from the sun, particularly UVA and UVB rays, have been proven to contribute to premature aging and skin damage. If you’re not careful about protecting your skin from the sun, you could start to see signs of premature aging such as age spots, wrinkles, and leathery skin texture. The simplest solution? Wear sunscreen every day! When you’re selecting a sunscreen, make sure it has at least SPF 30 to protect your face. In addition to sunscreen, it’s helpful to invest in sun protection gear like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. The better protected your skin is from the sun, the less likely you are to age prematurely.
Stop Smoking
Cigarettes are one of the more surefire ways to expedite the aging process. That’s the exact opposite of what you want to be doing! Whether you smoke daily or have one on occasion, it’s important to stop right away. Not only does smoking contribute to a dull, sallow complexion, but the action of inhaling when you smoke can create deep wrinkles around your mouth. Smoking is unhealthy for countless other reasons, but it can also be incredibly harmful to your skin.
Use a Retinoid
Retinoids are one of the most essential items in any anti-aging skincare routine. Derived from vitamin A, these products often come in the form of a topical cream or gel and reduce eye wrinkles, mouth wrinkles, and may even promote the production of collagen in the skin. It’s important to speak with your dermatologist before investing in a retinoid, though. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid products with a higher percentage of retinol in them.
Moisturize Daily
Moisture is what helps our skin stay supple and smooth throughout our lives. While staying hydrated helps internally, it’s critical to use a good moisturizer to help the outermost layers of your skin absorb and retain moisture. Before you pick up the first moisturizer you see, make sure you have a solid understanding of what your skin needs. If you have oily skin, you might want an oil-free moisturizer. Acne-prone skin may need a moisturizer with salicylic acid as an active ingredient. If you’re not sure what kind of moisture your skin needs, it’s important to consult with your dermatologist. Keep in mind that your skin’s needs will likely change over time! So if your current moisturizer just isn’t doing it for you, it could be time to invest in a new, better moisturizer and wrinkle reducer.
Aging is a natural part of life, but that doesn’t mean your skin has to look its age! If you have questions or you’re thinking about starting an anti-aging skincare routine, set up your consultation with SE Dermatology Specialists today.