For many, looking younger is at the top of their wish list. But it is impossible to freeze the clock. So, in this article, we are discussing some of the most prominent skin care practices that can help you look and feel younger, regardless of how old you are!
A Little Sunscreen A Day Keeps the Wrinkles Away
One of the best-proven techniques to keep your skin appearing as young as possible is to use sunscreen. Many of the outward indicators of aging on your skin are caused by the sun, which is why dermatologists have created the unique category of photoaging for sun damage.
The breakdown of collagen and irregularities in elastin, resulting in thinner skin and wrinkles, which in turn results in the formation of irregular skin pigmentation. Due to this, the sun’s UV radiation can accelerate the aging process.
Research has proposed that sunscreen acts a lot like a shield by sitting on the surface of the skin and absorbing the UV radiation before it penetrates the skin. According to a current study, regular use of a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen for just three months can result in the reduction of wrinkles by 20%, enhancing skin texture, and removing age spots. So, it’s important to wear sunscreen not only while you are at the beach but also in your daily life.
Keep in mind that while crucial, sunscreen alone is not enough. You can adopt some other ways to safeguard your skin from the sun. Seek the shade whenever possible, wear sun-safe clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses, and avoid being exposed to the high noon sun for a total sun protection scenario.
Use Mild Cleansers for Your Face
A facial cleanser is a skin care product that is formulated to remove dead skin cells, natural skin oils, dirt, pollutants, makeup, and other skincare products which you’ve applied during the day. It also aids in keeping your pores clear and prevents skin conditions such as acne.
Picking cleansers with a low pH is extremely important as it keeps up an excellent skin balance. Whereas high-pH cleansers like natural soaps make your skin more susceptible to contamination and soreness due to its hard nature. So, to protect your skin barrier and avoid dehydration and harm, a mild cleanser would be your best bet.
Some cleansers may contain sodium lauryl sulfate, a hard component that can prove to challenge your skin. Cleansers spend a very short amount of time on your skin, so don’t spend too much money on expensive ones with fancy ingredients. Later processes, like the application of serum, make far more use of essential active substances.
Glow Better with a Toner
Toners refresh your skin by retaining its natural moisture. This implies that toners won’t irritate sensitive skin or cause excessive dryness. They also equip the skin to absorb post-cleansing moisturizers and any other treatments that you apply to your skin.
If you use a high-pH cleanser, a toner is vital as it retains the low pH of the skin. A low-pH cleanser is important to make sure there isn’t any further damage to your skin.
Exfoliate Your Skin
Dead skin cells should shed away when new cells are formed, but sometimes due to the process of aging, they hang around. This causes your skin to look patchy, blemished, and dull. Exfoliation of the skin is important because it helps remove old or dead skin cells to reveal the healthy new skin underneath.
Exfoliants can be either chemical or physical. Chemical exfoliants such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid and glycolic acid are best suitable for skin of any age. They remove the dead skin cells by cautiously breaking up the connection between old and new skin cells. Many serums, toners, and homemade peels also contain these acids for exfoliation.
Additionally, products with a combination of hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid are excellent as they have the attribute to exfoliate, diminish uneven complexion and hydrate your skin. Physical exfoliation involves using an abrasive ingredient on the skin, such as sugar or salt scrub. These salt or sugar-based scrubs can deliver an instant outcome by helping polish the skin.
But on the flip side, these exfoliators may be harsh and scratchy, causing micro-tears in the skin. Therefore, you should be mindful of your skin’s threshold to absorb the damage. So, it is better to use something soft like a Konjac sponge with activated charcoal or a washcloth to avoid any discomfort to your skin.
Hide Your Age with Anti-Aging Serums
Anti-aging serum aid in avoiding and reversing signs of aging. Pick a serum with ingredients proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration. Vitamin A derivatives known as retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, and tazarotene) and vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) are the best anti-aging components.
Normally, a higher attentiveness to active ingredients is present in serums than in moisturizers. Make sure that the ingredients in your serum combine well with the other products in your skincare routine.
Moisturize To Fix Dryness
Everyone’s body produces sebum – a sticky, oily substance made up of various fat molecules and squalene which keep the skin moisturized naturally. It does serve a good purpose, but a lot of people don’t like it because it can make their skin appear oily.
The production of sebum decreases due to aging, which means more dryness and fewer pimples. Skin dryness leads to the formation of fine lines – another sign of aging. Moisturizers are the solution to this “icky” problem!
An occlusive or moisturizing agent like petrolatum (commercially familiar as Vaseline), glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and mineral oil at night can retain the water content of your skin thus keeping it hydrated. Always have a glance at water-binding humectants while choosing your moisturizers.
Safeguard Your Skin from Trauma
Traumatic or extensive wounds are typically defined as cuts, skin tears, bites, burns, lacerations, or puncture wounds causing damage to both the skin and underlying tissues. It can cause severe damage to the soft tissues in the skin if they are not treated on time.
Trauma can have serious consequences on aged skin due to its fragile nature. Therefore, it makes sense to take extra precautions and refrain from vigorous rubbing and pulling movements when washing your face and applying skin care products.
