Everyone’s skin ages differently, but commonly, signs of aging are seen when there is a loss of collagen in the skin as we age—leading to more wrinkly skin, reduced hydration, and most importantly: sun damage.
In women, dermatologists say that skin concerns also appear due to hormonal changes—which can include dehydration, melasma, leathery skin, blotchy complexion, flaky skin, rosacea etc.
According to American Academy of Dermatology, an effective anti-aging regimen starts with a healthy lifestyle and healthy skincare. Even before you rush to the drugstore to get the anti-aging products, you should alter your lifestyle for healthy skin. These include:
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Exercising:
Exercise increases blood circulation to the skin, thereby nourishing it. It also slows the overall process of aging and keeps the body in top shape.
Stop smoking:
Tobacco smoke contains harmful chemicals and toxins that cause oxidative damage to the skin. The result is a dry, dull complexion with loss of elasticity and premature signs of aging and wrinkles.
Eat healthy:
Skin is a reflection of what the body’s internal environment is like. If the internal environment is healthy—due to a healthy diet, then it reflects on the skin. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins that fight the signs of aging and oxidative stressors. You will always see healthy eaters with a glowing complexion.
Now let us talk about some anti-aging products that can help you fight the signs of aging.
Sun protection:
Sun protection forms the basis of a skin care regimen. Sun rays contain two types of damaging rays: UVA and UVB. These harmful rays penetrate the skin and cause damage to the inner layers.
This type of aging is known as ‘photo-aging’ and the signs of this are not apparent immediately. Rather, the effect of not wearing sunscreen in, say your 20s or 30s will be apparent in your 40s when you will see skin that is more damaged than any other age fellow.
To protect yourself, wear a sunscreen that protects from both types of UV rays. Make sure that your sunscreen has SPF 30 or up, and is water resistant. Chemical sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are better than physical sunscreen that get absorbed in the blood.
Cleanse the skin:
It is important to keep the skin clean from pollutants and grime. Be sure to wash your face at least twice a day with a mild cleanser that is gentle on the skin. Avoid washing with soap or exfoliating gels with large beads that irritate the skin. Also make sure to take the makeup off and go to bed with clean, hydrated skin.
Moisturize:
A good moisturizer that is free from fragrances and perfumes, will help keep the moisture locked in. This will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Be sure to lather on moisturizer as soon as you wash your face or shower, to help keep the water in the skin.
Good moisturizers should contain omega fatty acids, polyphenols, and other barrier-bolstering lipids. Many products in the market now also contain anti-inflammatory niacinamide, vitamin C and other radiance enhancing ingredients.
Incorporate Retinol in your routine:
Retinol is derived from vitamin A and is a great agent for fighting skin aging. It promotes cell turnover and stimulates collagen production thus hydrating the skin and reducing wrinkles. Even though they take some time to show improvement in the skin texture, they are the most promising anti-aging products. Be sure to use a sunscreen with retinol as it can make the skin more sensitive to the penetrating rays of the sun.
If you need professional help to find a skincare regimen that suits your needs, then book an appointment with top dermatologist in Peshawar, Karachi, and Islamabad through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT doctor for your concerns.
