There isn’t a single person on earth that can escape the fact that their skin will eventually have wrinkles. Although, with proper care and education, you can definitely slow down the process and decrease the fine lines and creases.
There are a number of things one can do to help keep their skin looking smooth and youthful. Treatments, serums, moisturizers and a good diet are definitely beneficial, but there are certain triggers that need to be avoided that will increase wrinkles.
Let’s take a closer look at some common things that cause wrinkles:
1. Sun Damage
A study concluded that Ultra Violet exposure contributes to 80% of visual signs of aging on the face. Excessive sun exposure will increase hyperpigmentation, age spots, and wrinkling.
Sun damage will reduce the amount of collagen and elastin in the skin, which is what keeps the texture smooth, taught and wrinkle-free.
It is recommended to apply a sunblock with a minimum of 30 SPF. Using a higher SPF is beneficial as well, but no matter which SPF you choose, make sure you reapply it every two hours to keep it working to its maximum potential.
2. Free Radical Damage
Free radicals in the air can come from pollution, cigarette smoke, water, and soil. These free radicals attach to our skin throughout the day, creating damage.
One of the best ways to combat this damage is to wash your face before you go to sleep at night to remove these contaminants from the surface of your skin.
Another way is to limit your exposure by spending less time in a more populated city area and more time in rural areas.
3. Lack Of Moisture
Dry skin is flaky and will wrinkle and tend to have a crepe-like appearance. You can combat this by using a quality moisturizer for your skin type. Apply a lighter moisturizer in the morning and a thicker night cream before bedtime. Always wash your face before applying moisturizer.
It is also very important to treat the eye area, which is prone to “crow’s feet” and under eye bags.
Not only do you need to hydrate your skin from the outside, but you need to hydrate your skin from the inside as well. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. When your body is dehydrated, your skin will appear lackluster, and dry and will show more signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Stress
In today’s fast-paced world, it is often difficult to avoid stressful situations. Finding yourself always at a heightened state of stress is not only terrible for the health of your body, but it also does a number on the skin.
When the body is under an excessive amount of stress, blood sugar is increased. When this happens, the excess sugar will damage the elastin and collagen fibers in the skin.
Stress will also increase the cortisol in the body, which is a component that helps the body retain it’s hydration.
Meditation, yoga or just taking out time for yourself to relax is crucial in reducing stress levels and keeping them at bay.
Conclusion
By incorporating the details above into a healthy skincare routine, you should be able to maintain a glowing and youthful appearance. Your skin will be firmer, and smoother and you will also decrease the risk of developing skin cancer.
If you are looking for other ways to firm and tighten your skin, you may want to consider incorporating facial exercise into your daily regimen. It is a simple method of tightening the skin and strengthening the facial muscles,
For further reading on the subject, check out: 10 Minute Facial Exercise That Will Make You Look Younger and How To Get That Non-Surgical Facelift Without Using Product.
Image: Flickr