Many products promise to prevent premature aging of your skin or reduce the appearance of damage that has occurred. Your response to these therapies will depend on your genetics, age, skin type and other factors you can do little to change. Research continues to show, however, that you might keep your skin looking younger longer by letting go of a few bad habits and choosing the right skin care products.
Step 1
Quit smoking or don't start. Dermatologists note that biochemical changes in your body associated with smoking accelerate the aging process, according to AgingSkinNet. Smoking 10 cigarettes a day for 10 years increases the risk of developing deeply wrinkled skin, decreases skin tone and leads to skin discoloration. Stopping smoking can eliminate these risks or diminish the already visible signs of aging caused by smoking.
Step 2
Take steps to avoid sun damage. Avoid tanning and apply sunscreen liberally before going outside. You also should limit or avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. whenever possible since the sun's rays are strongest during that time. Wear protective clothing such as wide brimmed hats and use sunglasses regularly to help prevent the squinting that can lead to wrinkles at the corners of your eyes. The effects of sun damage include age spots, spider veins, leathery skin, blotchy discoloration, wrinkles, wartlike blemishes and skin cancer.
Step 3
Change your sleeping position. According to AgingSkinNet, sleeping with your face pressed against a pillow can lead to wrinkles or sleep lines. If you sleep on your side, you will typically develop sleep lines on your cheeks or chin. If you sleep with your face pressed into a pillow, sleep lines usually develop on your forehead. If you sleep on your back, you are not likely to develop sleep lines.
Step 4
Apply products that repair damage at night. The ingredients in many lotions or creams designed to repair the skin, such as antioxidants, become inactive or cause irritation with sun exposure. Over-the-counter products that might help repair sun damage or reduce the signs of aging include those that contain copper peptides, retinol and coenzyme Q10, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 5
Cleanse your face gently twice a day with a cleanser designed for your skin type--oily, dry or combination skin. Abrasive scrubs and alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate, or remove, dead skin cells. This process helps promote new skin cell growth and periodic use of these products might reduce the appearance of aging. Follow directions carefully, however, since exfoliation can significantly irritate skin. Dermatologists recommend you avoid facial scrubs that contain crushed apricot seeds or walnut shells since they may scratch the skin at a microscopic level.
Step 6
Moisturize regularly and apply the product when your skin is damp. Many moisturizers contain ingredients such as collagen and keratin, which leave a film of protein that temporarily stretches the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines. Be sure to check the label of your moisturizer for any ingredients that might cause sun sensitivity and follow warnings regarding use.
Step 7
Try another product if your first choice causes significant irritation or produces less than optimal results. Finding an effective skin care regimen can take a little experimentation. Even products praised by your friends might not work as well on your skin. Don't get discouraged. Your next purchase could be perfect for you.
Tips and Warnings
- Visit a dermatologist for recommendations regarding a comprehensive skin care regimen. These physicians have many options for treating existing damage or can suggest products that will help prevent premature aging if your over-the-counter therapy is not providing adequate results.
- Avoid products that promise to take decades off your appearance or otherwise make claims too good to be true.
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