Do you ever wonder why people of the same age may look different? A lot of you would believe that youthful skin comes from good genes. But is that truly enough? The key to looking and feeling young is maintaining healthy skin. But how do you reverse ageing skin? Few lifestyle changes and preventive measures can reverse the ageing process and retain that fresh look. So, whatever stage your skin is at, here is your ultimate anti-ageing guide to achieving the youthful, healthy look you desire.
WHAT CAUSES OUR SKIN TO AGE?
Many things cause our skin to age. Some things are beyond our control, but others we can influence. The only thing we can't change is the natural process of ageing that is determined by genetics. As we get older, our skin gets thinner, drier and loses its elasticity, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. However, some "Extrinsic ageing" factors that affect our skin nowadays can be prevented. Our environment and lifestyle choices can play a significant part in preventing, rejuvenating, and delaying skin ageing. Here are five simple habits that can help you on how to reverse ageing skin:
LET'S OPT FOR THE RIGHT SKINCARE ROUTINE
A daily skincare routine can increase skin regeneration, elasticity, and smoothness. For young women, a cleansing and moisturizing routine is required, as well as using sunscreen and anti-ageing cream to reduce signs of ageing and fine lines.
Cleansing your skin gently twice a day before applying any product is essential! It removes the dirt and makeup from the skin, which causes spots and collagen breakdown, therefore, enabling anti-ageing ingredients in your moisturizer to be absorbed better.
Moisturizing with the right product helps maintain healthy, smooth, and youthful skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, Pre-Tocopheryl, or dimethicone, which hold moisture in the skin. You can find such components in Avène Physiolift Smoothing Day Cream Moisturiser for ageing skin. This rich day cream is suitable for sensitive skin and can help you get firmer and more luminous skin.
Don't forget to use a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher as part of your anti-ageing morning skincare routine. UV radiation causes skin damage, skin discolouration and speeds up skin ageing. Reapply the sunscreen every one to three hours, depending on whether you are sweating, swimming, or getting direct sun exposure.
A lot of people still opt for cosmetic surgery for younger-looking skin. Nowadays, there are many surgical and non-surgical methods to reverse the ageing process. These options include laser treatments, cool sculpting, fillers, chemical peels, plastic surgery, and Botulinum Toxin (botox).
EAT YOUR WAY TO A HEALTHIER SKIN
We all know by now that eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for your physical's health, but can eating healthy affect your skin?
Weight-loss and weight-gain cycles are pretty common among women in their 20s and 30s. Researchers have found that the resulting "Yo-Yo" effect can stretch the skin and make it sag.
Therefore, people who are underweight or has poor nutrition often have skin that becomes dry, leaving deeper wrinkles. On the other hand, overweight individuals may develop skin irritation, stretch marks, and skin folds.
So, how should we maintain a healthy weight and have beautiful skin?
Choose whole grains food, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, kale, bell peppers, and sweet potato.
Favour anti-ageing antioxidants such as green tea, ginger, dark chocolates, prunes, banana, pomegranate seeds, dark berries, red grapes, avocados, and green juices.
Choose fish high in omega 3, such as salmon and sardines.
Avoid processed food and fried foods.
Avoid food high in sugar: refined grains, sugary cereals, chips, cookies, white bread, and sugary beverages.
Sugar ages the skin by speeding up the process of glycation. Glycation occurs when excess glucose in the blood is attached to "youth protein". The presence of these proteins (collagen and elastin) makes youthful skin looks so full and fresh. Instead, due to glycation, the skin becomes brittle and stiff.
ALCOHOL IS HARSH ON YOUR SKIN!
Drinking too much alcohol can damage the skin and make it look older through dehydration and blood vessel dilation.
HOW IS WATER IMPORTANT?
Drinking water regularly will rejuvenate the skin cells and help the body eliminate toxins through the urine. It will help you keep your skin hydrated and youthful.
STAY ACTIVE
There have been many studies showing that regular exercise is beneficial for skin and your overall health. Simply going for a quick walk every day can boost your immune system and improves your blood circulation, which will carry nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells. Also, it stimulates oil production in your skin, leading to a smoother complexion and a more youthful appearance.
GET MORE BEAUTY SLEEP
Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do to look younger. Getting seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep a day will give your skin the time it needs to generate collagen, which is essential for skin health. It can also delay wrinkle formation, dark circles, and sagging eyelids. Moreover, a good night's sleep can reduce your stress level, which may lessen your craving for junk food and result in better, healthier food choices. So yes, beauty sleep is more than just a myth; it actually works.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Being exposed to high levels of pollution without taking proper precautions can lead to premature ageing. Toxic fumes and air pollution have been proved to cause skin conditions such as wrinkles and skin spots.
IF YOU SMOKE, PLEASE STOP!
Smoking is terrible for your body in every way. In addition to causing cancer and many other diseases, smoking accelerates the ageing process very quickly. As a result, the nicotine that enters your body from smoking can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and cause the blood vessels to narrow, therefore reducing blood flow and preventing your skin from getting enough oxygen and nutrition. Smokers tend to develop wrinkles earlier, and their nails and fingertips turn yellow over time.
HOW TO REVERSE AGEING SKIN - VEREDICT
It is no secret that no one enjoys having wrinkled face and dull skin. The feeling of youth can boost your self-esteem and confidence, leading to greater quality of life by improving your mental wellbeing.
There's no time like the present to make a change in your lifestyle, even if you have already shown signs of skin ageing. Therefore, no matter how old you are or how many wrinkles you have, taking care of your appearance is not something you should feel ashamed about. It is time you embrace the new era of your life and start making good changes in your life!