How to Treat Your Aging Skin

When you think about things that cause wrinkles, sagging, and age spots, you probably blame the sun.

And you’d be right: Sun exposure is the number one culprit in aging skin – but there are so many other factors. Some we can control, and others, we can’t.

It’s normal for the actual structure of your skin to change with age. Its outer layer thins and the number of pigment-containing cells decrease, resulting in skin that appears thinner, paler, and more translucent.

Remember the strong, firm skin you used to have? That strong and resilient framework and structure that supported your skin for so long is now getting tired; it’s weaker and less elastic, affecting the strength and elasticity of your skin.

And you might bruise or bleed more easily: that’s because blood vessels become more fragile with age.

Our skin is also susceptible to irritants caused by pollution and harsh weather. And there’s no doubt that your lifestyle and diet show up on your skin. Take a look at a smoker’s complexion and you’re sure to understand the impact it can have. Smoking speeds up your skin’s normal aging process, according to the Mayo Clinic. The changes can be seen after only ten years of smoking. If you are a smoker, the best thing you can do for your skin is to quit smoking. This is by no means easy, but there are many products on Nicotine-Pouches.com which you could utilise to help.

There’s more, though. The forces of gravity, stress, obesity, your daily facial expressions, and even the way you sleep all have a hand in the way your skin chooses to age.

Maybe you’ve been awarded the lucky genetic card. You know the one I’m referring to: The card that gave you those coveted genes for smooth, pore-less, creamy and luminous skin, with little telltale signs of aging. Skin that looks gorgeous from the moment you lift your head off your silken pillow; skin that looks airbrushed (only it’s not).

But most of us don’t fall into that category. When the cards were shuffled and dealt, we got the joker.

All jokes aside, though, there are ways you can deal with aging skin.

Protect, protect, protect. Sunscreen is a must- even in the winter and on cloudy days. The sun’s UV rays are still capable of damaging your skin despite the cold, and the majority of these rays can also pass through clouds. Use an SPF of 30 or higher for best protection. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 is a primer and sunscreen (SPF 50) all in one.

Handle with care. Because your skin is more fragile, treat it that way. Avoid heavy scrubbing, which can irritate your skin. With gentle cleansing, you can still remove things like pollution, makeup, and sweat, which, if left unchecked can further irritate the skin. You should wash your face twice a day, advises the American Academy of Dermatology.

Stay away from harsh skincare products. If they burn or sting, it means your skin is being irritated, which in turn can make it appear older. Check out websites like letsdisco.com to learn about which skin care products may be best for you and your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, don’t buy products designed for dry skin! Keep in mind that some prescription anti-aging products may cause stinging or burning (check with your dermatologist to make sure that’s okay). If you do not have a personal dermatologist yet, Dr. Neal Schultz has been named top dermatologist in the upper east side of New York and may be able to help you, otherwise, you can check your local area for dermatologists that are closer to you.

Use a moisturizer. It helps by trapping water in the skin, which can make it appear plumper and more youthful.

Don’t tan. If you’re after that bronzed look, the art of self-tanning has come a long way since the orange yesteryear glow; there are many options out there. I haven’t tried any yet, but I know St. Tropez makes a great product.

Adjust your lifestyle habits. Exercise, a healthy and well-balanced diet, and cutting down on alcohol can all influence the appearance of our skin in a good way. Exercise boosts your circulation; lots of fruits and veggies can help prevent the damage leading to premature skin aging. And alcohol, since it causes dehydration, can make your skin look older. (Speaking of dehydration, though the jury is out on the anti-aging benefits of drinking plenty of water, but it can’t hurt!)

If you think it’s too late to do anything about your aging skin, it’s not. Protecting it from the sun may help it repair some of the damage. Good skincare products, a healthy diet, exercise, and adequate sleep can help give you a dose of extra-glow, too.

And for those who chose to go the professional route, there are loads of new treatments and less invasive procedures available from dermatologists that can help too. You just have to find the best dermatologist in your area. When choosing a dermatologist, be sure to check that they have the appropriate training and are experienced before going for treatments. Dermatology clinics, like The Devonshire Clinic, should be reliable and can offer their patients expert advice and treatments to slow down their aging skin. By doing that, the skin should return to a healthy and brighter complex, which we all want!

You might also want to read what I wrote about dry skin and menopause.