The skin is the largest organ of the body. It’s responsible for protecting people from environmental stressors, regulating our body temperature, and producing vitamin D. However; it’s also one of the main reasons the skin ages so fast.
Aging and the Skin
One of the reasons why the skin ages faster are because it’s constantly exposed to free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage cells. Free radicals are produced by pollution, UV rays, and other environmental stressors. They cause the skin to become wrinkled, dry, and less elastic.
Your age also plays a fundamental role in how fast your skin will age. The skin’s natural regenerative ability starts to slow down as you reach your 20s. This means that the skin becomes less able to repair itself from damage, making it more susceptible to aging. Thankfully, there are several ways you can prevent your skin from aging prematurely. Here are some of them.
Use Sunscreen
UV rays can affect your skin by causing sunburns, dark spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer. Using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is essential to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Remember to reapply every two hours or more if you’re swimming or sweating. However, always apply it whenever you go out, or even if you’re just inside your home.
If you don’t want to use skincare products and want to use natural sunscreen instead, you have a few choices.
One of the best natural sunscreens is zinc oxide. It provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Titanium dioxide is another good natural sunscreen. However, unlike zinc oxide, it only protects against UVB rays. You can also make your sunscreen at home using ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax.
Wear Protective Clothing
Another way to protect your skin from the sun is by wearing protective clothing. This includes long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses. If you can’t cover up with clothing, use an umbrella or seek shade whenever possible.
In addition to clothing, unique fabrics offer a built-in sun protection factor (SPF). These include swimwear, sportswear, and activewear made with UPF 50+ fabrics. Wearing SPF clothing can help reduce your skin’s exposure to the sun by up to 98 percent.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is vital for overall health, but it’s also crucial for keeping your skin looking young and healthy. That’s because water helps to keep your skin cells plump and hydrated. It also flushes out toxins that can damage your skin. Aim to drink eight glasses of water a day or more if you’re active or live in a hot climate.
You can also increase your water intake by eating foods with high water content. These include consuming fruits, vegetables, and soups.
Quit Smoking
Smoking speeds up the skin’s aging process by causing wrinkles and premature skin aging. It also decreases blood flow to the skin, making it dry, thin, and discolored. It’s also responsible for all sorts of diseases such as skin cancer. If you want to protect your skin, then it’s essential to quit smoking.
Eating a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is vital for overall health, but it’s also essential for keeping your skin looking its best. Certain foods can help protect your skin from damage, while others can cause inflammation.
Some of the best foods for healthy skin include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These are found in oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. They can help reduce inflammation and protect the skin from damage.
- Antioxidant-rich foods: These include fruits, vegetables, dark chocolate, and green tea. They help to protect the skin from free radical damage.
- Vitamin C: This vitamin is found in citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, and leafy greens. It helps to repair damaged skin and boost collagen production.
- Vitamin E: This vitamin is found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. It helps to keep the skin hydrated and protect it from damage.
Making small changes to your lifestyle can have a significant impact on the health of your skin. However, sometimes, you’re going to need extra help. That help can come in the form of cosmetic surgery.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery can help to turn back the clock on your skin. It can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. However, some of these cosmetic surgeries can be invasive.
Invasive treatments require surgery, such as a facelift or neck lift. These procedures can be expensive and come with a risk of complications.
Non-invasive cosmetic treatments are those that don’t require surgery. These include injectables like Botox and fillers. These treatments can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They can also help to plump up sagging skin. The utilization of safe PDO threads is also one type of non-invasive cosmetic treatment that can help improve your skin’s appearance. These threads are made from polydioxanone, a material used in medical sutures.
When inserted into the skin, they cause a mild inflammatory response. It helps to stimulate collagen production, which can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are several ways you can make your skin look younger. Some of these methods require changes to your lifestyle, while others involve cosmetic surgery. No matter what route you choose, taking care of your skin is essential for maintaining its youthful appearance.
