Skin visibly ages as we grow older due to a combination of external influences and the natural aging process. Beginning around age 20, the skin's production of collagen begins to decrease so that, according to dermatologist Suzan Obagi, the average person loses an additional 1% of it each year. This decrease in collagen makes skin thinner, and, as a consequence, more fragile. Other signs of aging skin include dryness, wrinkles and changes in pigmentation. While everyone will experience some degree of skin aging, there is hope. Good skin care habits can greatly slow the aging process of skin.
How to Keep Skin Younger
Step 1
Protect yourself from the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that the number one extrinsic cause of aging is exposure to the sun's rays. Photoaging occurs when a person's skin is exposed to the sun, resulting in damaged skin that has difficulty repairing itself. Over time, this leads to freckling or dark spots and "leathery", weak skin.
Whenever possible, avoid being out in direct sunlight between 10 AM and 2 PM, and when you are outside, wear sunscreen and a protective hat with a wide enough brim to provide shade for the face. It is important to wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 year round, even on shady or overcast days.
Step 2
Stop smoking. According to the American Association of Dermatology, "a person who smokes 10 or more cigarettes a day for a minimum of 10 years is statistically more likely to develop deeply wrinkled, leathery skin than a nonsmoker." People who smoke regularly often develop "smoker's lines" around the mouth from inhaling. The good news is research indicates much of the damage that smoking causes to the skin can be halted or even reversed when someone quits.
Step 3
Exfoliate your skin. Dermatologist David Bank notes that while healthy skin regenerates on average about every 28 days, the process slows as we age. Exfoliation removes dry, dull dead skin from the surface of the complexion to reveal softer, fresh skin below. Exfoliants are available in chemical varieties, such as formulations that contain alpha hydroxy acids, or scrubs that contain fine particles that remove dead skin cells. An exfoliant can be used on both the face and body up to three times per week.
Step 4
Moisturize your skin. As skin loses collagen, it also loses moisture and appears dull and flaky. The skin on your body has significantly fewer oil glands than your face, making it even more prone to dry skin woes. Use a light moisturizer on both the face and body daily. Adequate daily water intake also helps keep skin smooth and hydrated.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen with a Minimum SPF of 30
- Facial and Body Moisturizers
- Gentle Facial Cleansers
Member Comments