No matter how many medications you use or surgeries you get, the aging process is one of the human body’s most natural and inevitable occurrences. With time, our faces start losing their youthful fullness and instead get drier, thinner, and wrinklier, depending upon our genes. The medical term for this change is known as intrinsic aging.
A variety of factors can contribute to premature or timely aging. And although you cannot stop all of them, you can diminish their effects by incorporating certain habits into your lifestyle to look younger than you really are.
This type of aging, which is dependent on our lifestyle choices and can be controlled by taking preventive measures, is called extrinsic aging and will be the main topic of our discussion today.
The common symptoms of aging include the appearance of facial lines, wrinkles, and dried, thin skin.
But fortunately, dermatologists state that these signs can be avoided by following a few anti-aging secrets and making changes to your surroundings and day-to-day choices.
Causes of Premature Aging
Extrinsic aging describes the impact our environment and other preventable factors have on our skin’s aging process.
Our skin starts exhibiting signs of premature aging as we grow older and witness changes in our environment and other lifestyle variables. It is usually caused by preventable factors that can otherwise be easily managed or avoided.
Prolonged sun exposure
Limiting sun exposure is one of the top celebrity anti-aging secrets, and it is understandable to know why.
Sun exposure can accelerate the progression of tanned and wrinkled skin. This is because the harmful UV light in the sun can damage the collagen and elastin within your skin and cause it to sag. It can also result in dark patches by triggering a rise in melanin production.
Many other skin issues are also brought on by sun exposure. When exposed to the sun, your skin ages more quickly. In addition, UV radiation can also harm the skin cells, causing early changes like age spots and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Therefore, you should always wear sunscreen when engaging in outdoor activities. Other preventive measures include wearing a cap and long-sleeved shirts in outdoor areas like the beach, lake, or swimming pool.
Smoking
You might already be aware of the consequences of smoking on the heart, lungs, and brain, but did you know that it can also result in premature aging?
This is because the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke can constrict the oxygen-supplying blood vessels and prevent them from performing their function adequately. And this lack of sufficient oxygen to your skin can cause it to wrinkle and sag. It can also adversely affect your hair follicles, resulting in hair loss and thinning.
Poor eating habits
The effect of sugary meals and processed food is not only just limited to your waistline. People with unhealthy eating habits are more likely to suffer from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can aggravate skin problems like acne and accelerate the aging process by stimulating the shortening of telomere, the gene associated with intrinsic aging.
Therefore, consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is mandatory to help slow down this process. In addition, foods containing adaptogens and saturated fats can work wonders for your skin and body by fighting stress and protecting you from inflammation and its detrimental effects.
Excessive intake of alcohol
Excessive alcohol intake can dehydrate your skin, disrupt its oil balance, and promote premature aging.
Stress
Chronic stress can be dangerous for your skin and other vital organs. Cortisol, or the stress hormone, has the potential to inhibit telomerase production and promote premature aging. This can result in wrinkles, dry skin, and other skin alterations.
Anti-Aging Secrets
Scientists have, for years, been exploring medications and substances that can alleviate aging symptoms and keep your skin-tight, young and fresh.
To do so, you need to adopt strict strategies that will help lessen the consequences of aging and maybe even extend your life.
And to help you get started, here are the best anti-aging secrets that you should know and follow:
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Your physical health is reflected in your skin and hair. If your diet is unhealthy, no number of topical treatments you apply will help prevent your skin from aging. Avoid eating sugar, processed, and junk food because these can significantly speed up the process of aging.
Instead, consume foods enriched with antioxidants, such as berries and oranges, to battle free radical damage and enhance your skin’s self-healing capabilities. Examples of such foods include Omega-3 fatty acids and adaptogens.
Wear Sunscreen
The tone, texture, and fine wrinkles are just a few symptoms that can be improved by routine sunscreen usage.
Before going outside, you must use a broad-spectrum sun protection product. Besides protecting your skin from damaging UV rays, sunscreen can also help reverse selected symptoms of photoaging, like hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
The more you protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, the more time it has to heal itself.
The idea that you only need to use sunscreen when it’s sunny is a prevalent misconception. On the contrary, you should use sunscreen every time you go out, even on days when the sun doesn’t shine bright because UV rays are present even in such weather.
Use Serums
Although serums are still not as popular as other skin products, they are gradually being accepted and used as essential components of skincare routines.
These non-viscous liquids are made from high concentrations of active chemicals that can easily penetrate your skin’s deepest layers. Moreover, they contain antioxidants like ceramides and amino acids that can improve the overall health of your skin.
Take Collagen Supplements
Your skin, hair, and nails are all made of collagen, an essential protein. Although collagen is best obtained from the protein-enriched meals you eat, you can also ask your doctor to recommend a supplement in case you don’t meet its required dose from your diet.
Using Retinol
Dermatologists frequently recommend retinoic acid (Retin-A) and tretinoin for aged skin. Retinoids prescribed by a doctor are far more effective than some retinol treatments sold over the counter. It increases collagen synthesis, which can then reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
Using a Gentle Cleanser
Cleansing your face twice a day is a famous Korean anti-aging secret. It is an essential step for getting rid of makeup or other products you may have used throughout the day or any collected bacteria, pollutants, and natural skin oils. Additionally, it helps your skin care products easily penetrate through your skin and perform better.
It is best to use a gentle cleanser to protect your skin barrier and make it resilient to damage and dehydration.
Natural soaps and other harsh cleansers with high pH levels can make your skin more prone to illness and discomfort. Whereas low-pH cleansers help maintain the skin’s ideal pH value and optimum function.
Sodium lauryl sulfate is one chemical to stay away from because of its extreme harshness.
Using an exfoliant
As you grow older, your skin takes longer to regenerate. As a result, it becomes dull and uneven and may even crack because dead skin cells aren’t replaced sufficiently by the new ones as quickly as before. However, you can always turn to exfoliants to remove dead skin cells from your skin.
Physical and chemical exfoliants are the two basic types. Avoid harsh physical exfoliants like sugar scrubs and cleansers with beads because they can increase the likelihood of your skin sagging. Instead, use a washcloth or soft sponge to accommodate your skin’s needs.
Chemical exfoliants allow skin cells to separate gradually by breaking the connection binding them together. Additionally, they are suitable for users of all ages. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, are the finest exfoliants for aging skin and are present in toners, serums, and at-home peels.
Moisturizing
An anti-aging beauty secret that most people vow to is moisturizing.
Insufficient skin hydration is one of the leading causes of fine wrinkles, but luckily, it is easy to treat with a decent moisturizer.
You should always go for a moisturizer with humectants, such as glycerine and hyaluronic acid, since they provide the most hydrating effect.
In addition, you can prevent water from evaporating off your skin by applying an occlusive substance such as mineral oil or petrolatum (commonly referred to as Vaseline, though Aquaphor also works). But ensure your skin is clean before application to avoid bacterial encrustation.
Avoiding rigorous rubbing and pulling of your skin
One of the leading causes of wrinkles is skin damage, and since older skin is more delicate, trauma can have more significant repercussions.
Studies have revealed that resting your face against a pillow as you sleep can result in long-lasting “sleep wrinkles.“
Therefore, it makes sense to take extra precautions and refrain from vigorously rubbing and pulling movements when washing your face or applying products.
Stopping Gluten intake
Gluten has been the centre of attention as an ancient anti aging secret during the past years. Some believe that taking it can lead to skin inflammation; therefore, removing it from your diet can help relieve inflamed, red skin and other skin conditions, including eczema or psoriasis.
But in reality, cutting it out from your diet can only help if you have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. If you don’t, chances are that gluten possibly is not affecting your skin and excluding it won’t impact your skin. Instead, cutting on major gluten-containing food groups can make you vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies and lead to health problems.
Flossing regularly
Health physicians say flossing your teeth once a day can reduce gum inflammation. They state that inflammation is one of the leading causes of aging, which raises the risk of infection, cancer, cognitive dysfunction, and immune system impairment.
The leading cause of this inflammation is gum disease, which can be avoided by regular flossing and seeing a dentist at least twice a year.
Aspirin
Daily low-dose aspirin intake can slow down aging and lower the risk of stroke or heart attack, but you must check in with your doctor about this treatment’s suitability since it can also increase the risk of uncontrolled bleeding and strokes.
This article states that daily aspirin can lower the chances of nine primary malignancies. Although low-dose aspirin has been prescribed for centuries, doctors now advise against starting it without a professional’s guidance because the hazards can occasionally outweigh the benefits.
Coffee
One of the best anti-aging tips is something you might already be doing: drinking coffee or tea regularly.
These beverages are often linked to a lower risk of dementia, Parkinson’s, diabetes, and cancer.
For those suffering from gastrointestinal distress, headaches, or heart palpations, caffeine can help in restoring their health.
In addition, the advantages for both of these substances increase with the amount consumed, but up until the threshold value, after which users can start experiencing side effects.
Using Vitamin C
Antioxidants like vitamin C play a significant role in protecting your skin from free radicals, which are highly reactive chemicals.
Exposure to various external factors, including cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals, and even ozone, can lead to the development of these harmful radicals.
According to research, these molecules can damage cells and cause noticeable signs of aging. From moisturizers and masks to eye creams, this potent vitamin can act as a valuable complement in almost all steps of your skincare regimen.
Another component that promotes healing is L-ascorbic acid, the chemically active vitamin C form. It is excellent for reducing wrinkles because of its anti-aging properties. In other words, vitamin C helps not only prevent but also reverse the effects of aging.
Face Oil
Aging and dry skin always come hand-in-hand. This indicates that you should take proper care of your hydration and sustenance. We advise including a facial oil in your regular regimen to moisturize your skin and make it soft and supple. Likewise, these oils can also aid in skin restoration and lend you a younger-looking morning complexion.
Conclusion
Skin aging is a process that cannot be paused, but the aforementioned anti-aging tips can help slow down this process and make you feel confident for a much longer. The key to aging healthily is to follow an active lifestyle that embraces your skin’s nature and design a personalized skincare routine based on your body’s needs.
