Aging skin can sag or thin out and you will likely develop more wrinkles or fine lines. So how can you care for your skin and help it age gracefully? Here are four tips to help your skin stay healthy at any age:
1. Protect your skin from the sun.
This is the same advice Dermatologists recommend at any age. You can minimize negative impacts on your skin by reducing your sun exposure. Everyone should wear sunscreen daily, regardless of whether you’re working in an office or driving in a car. It’s best to also avoid the sun during mid-day if possible and spend as much time in the shade when outdoors as possible. There are also many options now for clothing and hats with UPF protection.
2. Don’t smoke. Or if you do, stop.
Smoking negatively impacts many areas of your body, including your skin. J. Taylor Hays, M.D. with the Mayo Clinic shares, “Smoking can speed up the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles…. Aside from age, smoking is the strongest predictor of facial wrinkling in men and women.”
Increased wrinkles can occur from the narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin caused by nicotine. Nicotine reduces blood flow to your skin and with less blood flow, less oxygen, and important nutrients make it to your skin.
The chemicals in tobacco smoke also damage collagen and elastin in your skin, causing it to sag and wrinkle prematurely. The Truth Initiative has tips to quit smoking on its website.
3. Find the right skin care products to help minimize the effects of aging.
It’s best to make an appointment with a Skin Care Provider to get your skin checked annually and discuss the best treatments and products for any skin concerns or issues. Your Dermatologist will recommend skin care products to help you based on your individual skin care needs and goals, including products that can help minimize the impact of aging.
The American Association of Dermatology notes, “Using several anti-aging products at the same time can irritate your skin. When you irritate your skin, signs of aging become more noticeable.” You’ll also want to give some time to allow it to work and results to show. You may see a difference after using a moisturizer for just a few days, but many products take at least six weeks to work.
4. Get enough sleep.
Lack of sleep also negatively impacts your body in many ways. If you aren’t getting a solid seven to nine hours of sleep regularly, then you may find your skin lacks moisture and starts to show signs of aging more prominently.
There are many other positive steps you can take for your skin (and your entire body’s well-being) including eating healthy, exercising regularly, and washing your face twice a day. Speak with a Bend Dermatology Provider to learn more ways you can help reduce the effect of aging on your skin and look into treatments to help minimize the appearance of aging.