According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are two primary types of aging: intrinsic aging, which is the body's natural aging process, and extrinsic aging, caused by environmental factors such as smoking, excessive sun exposure, repetitive facial expressions, sleeping positions, gravity and improper skin care. Improper skin care can make the skin appear older prematurely due to discoloration, wrinkles and roughness. While you cannot stop intrinsic aging, you can reduce the effects of extrinsic aging with proper skin care and avoidance of environmental triggers. Developing and maintaining a healthy and effective anti-aging skin care routine can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, smooth the texture of your skin and create a more youthful appearance.
Step 1
Determine your skin type and then choose products specifically designed for your skin. Products designed for use on dry skin are not suitable for use on very oily skin. Using the wrong product can dry out your skin or cause acne. Read the labels on skin care products and cosmetics carefully before buying.
Step 2
Apply sunscreen every morning to your face and neck to prevent premature aging caused by UV damage. You can wear sunscreen beneath cosmetics, or choose foundation with built-in sun protection. Avoid using tanning beds. The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and wearing protective clothing when outdoors.
Step 3
Clean your skin using only gentle facial cleaners or soaps. Harsh soaps can dry out the delicate skin on your face, increasing wrinkles and other signs of aging. Wash your face each morning when you wake up and again before going to bed at night.
Step 4
Exfoliate gently to remove dead skin cells that clog pores and dull your complexion. Avoid scrubbing your skin or using products with large grains, as this will damage your skin and cause redness and irritation. Exfoliating twice each week is generally sufficient to remove dead skin cells, improve the texture and appearance of your skin, unclog pores and enable moisturizers to penetrate more deeply into your skin.
Step 5
Remove makeup before going to bed at night to prevent clogged pores and acne outbreaks. Washing your face before bed is an important part of an anti-aging skin care routine and can be done immediately after brushing your teeth.
Step 6
Drink more water, at least 64 oz. every day, and apply a hypoallergenic moisturizer to your skin each morning and night. The National Institute on Aging reports that dry skin tends to become more common with increasing age, resulting in itching, a rough skin texture and an increase in fine lines and wrinkles. Taking long, hot baths or showers can also contribute to dry skin. Moisturizing traps water inside the skin and helps reduce fine lines and brighten the complexion, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Step 7
Limit your use of anti-aging skin care products. The American Academy of Dermatology says that using more than one product at a time can irritate the skin and actually increase the signs of aging. Instead of combining products, try a single product for at least two months and then switch to a different product if you notice no improvement in appearance.
Step 8
Check your skin for abnormal discoloration or other signs of skin cancer as part of your anti-aging skin care routine. Skin cancer is more common than any other type of cancer in the United States, and the risk of skin cancer increases with age, according to the National Institute on Aging. If you notice any changes in the color or texture of your skin, report your findings to your doctor immediately.
Things You'll Need
- Sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher
- Gentle facial cleanser/soap
- Exfoliant
- Hypoallergenic moisturizer
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