It’s almost easier to look at this question by looking at the opposite of it—how do you accelerate the aging of your skin? Two major and numerous minor factors can speed this process. Ultraviolet light from the sun, tanning beds, and a few other sources as well as cigarette smoke are the two major factors that can strongly speed the aging process in the skin.
The more minor factors can include various things, such as not maintaining good hydration of the skin through moisturization or exposure to products that dry out the skin.
How to Slow the Aging of Your Skin?
Top dermatologists offer many recommendations and treatments to offset these negative factors that age the skin, to slow or reverse their detrimental effects.
First and foremost, we at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands feel that sun protection is essential year-round. To protect your skin, seek shade, use sun protective clothing, and use a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30-50 (or higher), and water-resistant. You should apply sunscreen every day to all skin that is not covered by clothing. We specifically recommend two applications, spaced 20 minutes apart before expected sun exposure. The sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours.
Never use a tanning bed. If you want to look tanned, use a sunless tanner.
If you smoke, stop smoking! Avoid exposure to second hand smoke. The chemicals in smoke are well-known to cause increased wrinkling, yellow discoloration, fine cysts, and other pigment irregularities in the skin.
Repetitive facial expressions should be avoided. These expressions cause creasing of the skin triggered by the underlying muscles. Repetitive creasing eventually leads to what we refer to as “etched lines” (these are a type of wrinkling in the skin). Perhaps the most avoidable repetitive facial expression is squinting which causes crow’s feet next to the eyes. Using sunglasses can help with this problem, and that can help slow the aging process in your skin.
Eating well can also help slow the aging process. A well-balanced diet is beneficial for your skin. The skin needs many different nutrients to have the best health. Research studies suggest that a diet with lots of sugar or other refined carbohydrates can speed aging.
If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Alcohol is harsh for the skin. It can cause dehydration of the skin, and this in turn may age the skin more rapidly over time.
Exercise is also good for your skin. Studies suggest that exercise can improve circulation and the immune system. This can help achieve a more youthful appearance in the skin.
Cleanse your skin gently. Good skin hygiene is important but remember to be gentle. Harsh scrubbing is damaging to the skin, and this too may age the skin prematurely over time. Use a gentle cleanser, such as Dove or Vanicream soap. It is a good idea to wash your face twice a day. This removes excess oils and other undesirable environmental chemicals that may be harmful to the skin.
Daily moisturizer use on your face is very important. By locking in moisture in the skin, you can achieve a more youthful appearance. Some moisturizers are superior to others. There are different skin types, and your skin type may impact the best choice of moisturizer for you. Try experimenting with different moisturizers to find one that meshes best with your skin. Moreover, there are many prescription and nonprescription products that have been engineered through extensive testing for optimizing the appearance of the skin, protecting the skin, and reversing some of the effects of aging. We at Advanced Dermatology of the Midlands have extensive experience in the rapidly evolving field of anti-aging skin care and can work with you to find the best regimen and products!
Our vision is to deliver the highest level of dermatological care, using the most advanced technology and evidenced-based medicine in a personalized and compassionate environment. We are a patient-centered team committed to being the best place to work while also providing the highest quality of dermatology care. Our goal is to exceed our patients’ expectations while building a reputation as being the top dermatology practice in the Midlands. For any information or to make an appointment please contact us.