Aging is a natural beautiful process. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take care of your skin. Aging gracefully can be easily achievable if you pay extra attention to what it needs. Wrinkles and fine lines are some of the early signs of aging and may surprisingly already be visible for people in their early 20s.
Wondering how to stop early aging and maintain a youthful complexion? We’ve got the answers for you. Read on!
Consider Using an Anti-Aging Skincare Routine
The best way to prevent aging is by tackling it early on. Many starts using anti-aging products in their early 20s, others start in their 40s or early 50s. When it comes to taking care of your skin, there is no certain age at which you need to abide by — though it is easier to prevent skin aging than to reverse it.
Even kids as early as 12 years old should know the importance of healthy skin. Teaching them simple methods like face washing, sunscreen, and moisturizing can be a good start to better skin health.
Skincare Ingredients to Consider for Anti-Aging
Fine lines and wrinkles appear as you age, and your once youthful-looking skin begins to lose its elasticity and glow. When it comes to skincare products, here are some ingredients to consider to fight the early signs of aging:
Peptides
Peptides are one of the most popular skincare ingredients in the market. This is because peptides keep the skin barrier strong and help stimulate collagen production. This helps make the skin look firmer and more supple.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 has antioxidant properties that fight oxidative stress and free radicals that can potentially harm the skin and accelerate aging. Some studies suggest that CoQ10 helps in the reduction of wrinkles and helps maintain healthy skin smoothness and elasticity.
Retinoids
Retinoid is a compound derived from Vitamin A and is used for diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Another benefit of this ingredient is that it helps lighten dark spots, boost collagen production, and unclog pores. We advise you start with a low dosage once or twice a week and increase from there.
It is best to consult with your dermatologist before combining it with your other skincare products.
Vitamin C
According to a 2017 study, Vitamin C may help improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face and neck. It has also been shown to help protect the skin from UV rays.
Niacinamide
According to a clinical trial in 2005, topical niacinamide or Vitamin B3 has been shown to help improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation, blotchiness, fine lines and wrinkles.
AHAs
Another emerging anti-aging skincare ingredient is AHAs, or Alpha hydroxy acids. A journal published in 2012 suggested that the benefits of AHA’s for the skin are moisturization, collagen synthesis, dark spot lightening, and firming of the skin.
General Skincare Guide for Combating Fine Lines & Wrinkles
1. Invest in a Good Cleanser
Cleansing is always the first step in any skincare routine. Start by removing the excess oil and dirt you accumulated throughout the day.
When choosing a facial cleanser, avoid harsh chemicals, sulfates and alcohol, which can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and fine lines. Instead, look for nourishing ingredients like antioxidants and peptides that help to maintain the skin's natural moisture balance.
2. Exfoliate Regularly
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. As we age, our skin's ability to shed dead skin cells slows down, leading to a dull, tired-looking complexion. Exfoliating regularly can help brighten and smoothen the skin while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are two main types of exfoliants: physical and chemical.
Physical exfoliants work by physically removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface. Scrubs, washcloths, brushes, and exfoliating gloves are all physical exfoliants. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, use ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to dissolve dead skin cells and unclog pores.
When selecting an exfoliant, it's important to consider your skin type and sensitivity. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a gentle exfoliant that contains fine grains or mild enzymes. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a chemical exfoliant that contains salicylic acid may be more effective.
Be careful not to over-exfoliate, as this can lead to irritation and sensitivity. For most people, exfoliating once or twice a week is enough.
3. Hydrate Inside and Out
Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides, which help to lock in moisture and keep the skin plump and supple. These ingredients work by attracting water to the skin and preventing it from evaporating.
In addition to using a moisturizer, it's also important to hydrate from the inside out. Drinking plenty of water and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
4. Use Sunscreen Every Day
One of the most significant contributors to making yourself look older is sun damage. UV rays from the sun can break down collagen and elastin — two proteins that are essential for maintaining youthful-looking skin.
To protect your skin from sun damage, use sunscreen every day, even on cloudy or rainy days. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating. In addition to sunscreen, it's a good idea to wear protective clothing and stay in the shade during peak sun hours.
5. Get Plenty of Sleep
At night when you sleep, your skin cells undergo a process of repair and rejuvenation, producing new healthy skin cells that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Getting at least eight hours of sleep each night can help to promote healthy skin. If you struggle with getting enough sleep, try establishing a regular bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine and electronics before bedtime, and creating a dark and quiet sleep environment.
Maintaining a youthful complexion requires a combination of good skincare habits and healthy lifestyle choices. Investing in a skincare routine from an early age can help protect the skin from premature aging. Remember: Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. Taylor your skincare routine to your specific needs. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can help to promote healthy, youthful-looking skin for years to come!
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Sources:
Gallagher, G. (2022, May 12). Peptides and Your Skin Care Routine. Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/peptides-for-skin#benefits
Pullar, J., Carr, A., & Vissers, M. (2017). The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080866
Bissett, D. L., Oblong, J. E., & Berge, C. A. (2005). Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] , 31(7 Pt 2), 860–865. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31732