Aging is a natural part of life. Everyone will experience the signs of aging at some point. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the signs of aging usually begin somewhere in your 20s, due to a decrease in collagen and elastin production, two substances that keep your skin elastic and firm. Additionally, when you start to age, your dead skin cells aren't shed as quickly as they once were. The typical signs of aging include the appearance of wrinkles and thin, dry, itchy or sagging skin. While you can't halt the aging process, there are some steps you can take to prevent or slow down these signs.
Step 1
Apply a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 at least 20 minutes prior to going outdoors, even if it's overcast. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreen is one of the most important anti-aging products you can use. It helps to protect your skin from premature aging caused by the sun's damaging rays.
Step 2
Wash your face with cold cream, cleansing milk or a cleansing oil. According to "Elle Canada," these products will not strip your skin of its natural oils like gels or foaming facial cleansers do, helping to reduce the amount of moisture lost and keeping your skin hydrated, more supple and less likely to wrinkle.
Step 3
Moisturize your skin after washing. Use a facial moisturizer that contains vitamin C. According to dermatologist Sandy Skotnicki-Grant, MD, medical director of the Bay Dermatology Centre in Toronto, vitamin C has antioxidant properties and has also been proven to increase the skin's production of collagen.
Step 4
Talk to your dermatologist about preventative Botox injections. In "Elle" magazine, Miami- and New York-based dermatologist Fredric Brandt, MD, states that getting Botox injections early enough can prevent wrinkles from forming along fault lines caused by muscle contractions, such as frown lines.
Step 5
Dab an eye cream containing stabilized vitamin C on the delicate skin under your eyes daily to prevent fine lines. According to Dr. Sandy Skotnicki-Grant, eye creams containing stabilized vitamin C have been shown to decrease fine lines, increase the production of collagen and reduce pigmentation.
Step 6
Quit smoking, if you smoke. Quitting smoking can help to prevent or greatly reduce the appearance of wrinkles and signs of aging caused by smoking. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, even heavy smokers experience an improvement in skin texture and tone and less wrinkling once they quit smoking.
Things You'll Need
- SPF 30 sunscreen
- Cold cream
- Cleansing milk
- Cleansing oil
- Vitamin C facial moisturizer
- Vitamin C eye cream
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