While there’s nothing you can do to reverse the aging process, you can slow down its effects with healthy and positive lifestyle changes. These can help prevent premature skin aging, as well as give your skin a chance to repair some of the damage brought by bad habits and lifestyle choices.
Medspa centers in Utah share some of the things you can do to prevent and reduce the premature aging of your skin.
Protect skin from the sun
UV rays from sun exposure are a major cause of visible skin aging, such as wrinkles, sunspots, and pigmentation. This makes it important to slather on sunscreen regardless of the weather. Be sure to choose a water-resistant and broad-spectrum product with an SPF of at least 30. You can further protect your skin from the sun by:
- covering up with clothing (long-sleeves and long pants)
- wearing shades
- seeking shade
- limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Stop smoking
This habit accelerates the aging process, causing fine lines, wrinkles and dull complexion. It causes wrinkles not just on the face but also on other body parts. This is mainly because the habit impairs blood flow to the skin, limiting its supply of oxygen and other nutrients. Heat from burning cigarettes and the facial expressions you make when smoking (squinting eyes and pursing lips) also contribute to wrinkles.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Apart from slathering on sunscreen and quitting smoking, you can further protect your skin and body with healthy habits. These include:
- Eating a balanced diet – Load up on fruits and vegetables every day. Some of the top anti-aging foods include carrots, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes and avocados. Also, avoid eating junk foods or those that contain lots of sugar, as they can speed up aging.
- Exercising daily (or most days of the week) – Exercise offers skin nourishment by increasing blood flow and promoting circulation to the skin. Regular physical activity is also found to reduce stress, which can then improve your appearance.
- Limiting alcohol consumption – Excessive alcohol dries up the skin and deprives it of nutrients it needs to prevent aging. It can also create inflammation throughout the body and the skin, as well as leave your hair dry and brittle.
- Get enough sleep – A good night’s sleep does more than give you energy the next day; it can also improve your skin health. It boosts blood flow to the skin (for a glowing complexion) and promotes the production of new collagen (to prevent sagging skin). It also helps in reducing swelling to avoid puffy eyes and dark circles.
Consider injectable treatments
If you already notice premature skin aging, you can turn to Botox and dermal fillers. Botox is effective in treating dynamic wrinkles or those that were formed due to repeated facial expressions like smiling and frowning. Dermal fillers, meanwhile, are great for softening facial creases, reducing wrinkles, plumping the lips and enhancing facial contours.
Choose your skincare products wisely
Avoid irritating cleansers or those that burn or sting when you use them. Such products can only dehydrate your skin and make you look older. Also, avoid scrubbing your skin when washing or removing makeup. This irritates the skin and speeds up aging.
Don’t let bad habits age your skin sooner. Follow the tips mentioned above or consult an aesthetic doctor to learn more about the treatment procedures that can give you a glowing and youthful skin.
