5 Things You Can Do to Prevent Early Signs of Skin Aging

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

UV radiation is one of the key factors behind premature skin aging. To minimize its effect on your skin, you should use sun protection products all year round. A moisturizer with SPF may be enough in winter, but as soon as summer comes, you should start applying sunscreen before going out in the sun. For additional protection, wear a wide-brimmed hat that will keep your face in the shade.

Check this out: How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Your Face

Cut Back on Bad Habits

Smoking, drinking alcohol, and a diet containing lots of sugar and unhealthy fats can significantly accelerate skin aging. Smoking causes a dull complexion and damages collagen and elastin in the skin, and alcohol dehydrates the skin, making you look older.

We realize that it’s hard to lead a perfectly healthy lifestyle, but if you want to look young, you should definitely reduce your alcohol consumption, start eating healthier, and at least try to give up smoking. It’s perfectly okay to indulge in a glass of wine or your favorite dessert every now and then, but don’t go overboard.

Check this out: How to Break a Bad Habit

Get Enough Sleep

Beauty sleep is called beauty sleep for a reason. While you’re sleeping, your skin regenerates and produces collagen, which is responsible for its tightness and elasticity. If you’re not getting enough sleep, your skin simply doesn’t have time to repair itself and renew its natural protective barrier. So please, find a way to sleep more and better, and maybe start using overnight skincare products that will help your skin regenerate and give it a boost.

You should also keep in mind that your sleeping position may have an effect on your skin. If you sleep on your side or stomach, your face might be pressed into your pillow, causing your skin to form premature wrinkles. To prevent this, try sleeping on your back.

Check this out: 5 Tips for Improving Your Beauty Sleep

Moisturize

As you age, it becomes harder for your skin to retain moisture; dehydration is one of the first signs of skin aging. To keep you skin looking youthful and radiant, you need to make sure that it stays hydrated at all times. This means a) drinking enough water and b) using moisturizer at least twice a day.

There are three main types of active ingredients found in skin moisturizers: humectants, emollients, and occlusives. Humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea) draw moisture to the skin, while emollients (squalene, vegetable oils, fatty alcohols) lock it in. A good moisturizer must contain both humectants and emollients.

Check this out: What Is the Difference Between Emollients, Humectants and Occlusives?

Be Gentle to Your Skin

Irritation and mechanical damage make your skin age prematurely, so it is important to be as gentle to your skin as possible. Avoid irritating skincare products, such as sulfate-based cleansers or harsh scrubs; don’t rub or stretch your skin; don’t wash your face with excessively hot or cold water.

Check this out: 5 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Face Wash