Aging is a beautiful, natural process. It happens to everyone! Some factors and lifestyle choices, however, accelerate the effects of aging on the body. Typically, your skin is the first indicator of age.
You probably already know the telltale signs of aging: wrinkles, fine lines, bags under the eyes, droopy eyelids, gray complexion, and sagging and dry skin. But fear not! Learning how to take care of your skin can make a massive difference in the aging process.
This article will educate you on what causes your skin to age, how to prevent your skin from aging prematurely, and which skincare products are best for your maturing skin.
Signs Of Aging Skin
Signs of natural aging tend to gradually appear on your skin. Age can manifest differently for each person, so it might be difficult for you to identify. Read on to learn how to pick out those telltale signs that your skin is aging.
Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Wrinkles and fine lines are the most common sign of maturing skin. As you age, your skin breaks down in elasticity, causing it to become thinner. During this process, the skin also loses its natural oils. As a result, your skin becomes more vulnerable to the sun’s harsh UV rays while collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production decrease, resulting in wrinkles and fine lines.
Gray Complexion
Over time, the skin naturally loses its pigmentation. When pigmentation is lost, your complexion can look pale, washed out, and even gray — one of the more apparent signs of aging.
Bags, Dark Circles, and Droopiness Around the Eye Area
Dark circles, bags, and droopy skin around the eyes are also prevalent indications of maturing skin. Dark circles and bags form because of the thinning skin and the lack of elasticity that stems from age. Over time, thin skin begins to sag, which causes droopy eyelids.
Age Spots, Also Known As Liver Spots
Flat, tan, brown, or black spots that typically develop on sun-exposed areas of the skin are called age spots or liver spots. Single age spots and clusters can form on the body resembling large freckles.
Age spots develop from light exposure and UV radiation, and most commonly form on the face, back of the hands, shoulders, upper back, and arms.
Sagging Skin
The more you age, the more the body's production of elastin decreases. Elastin is an abundant protein in the body that makes up the stretchy parts of organs such as your lungs and bladder. Less elastin means less elasticity in your skin. This causes the skin to thin, leading to sagging.
Sagging usually occurs in the skin of your eyelids, neck, jawline, arms, and stomach.
Dehydrated Skin
Not drinking enough water can make you appear older. When the skin is dehydrated and doesn’t have enough moisture, it can appear dry and wrinkled. Keeping your body hydrated prevents premature aging.
What Causes Aging Skin?
Skin ages naturally due to the process of degenerating cells and a breakdown of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a lubricating substance in the skin that helps with fullness and elasticity. As you age, your body produces less hyaluronic acid, which thins the skin and leads to wrinkles.
As early as your 20s, your body starts to produce less collagen, leading to less elasticity. Collagen is a protein in the body that keeps your skin, bones, and connective tissue strong. Without collagen, the skin can lose its firmness, and wrinkles begin to appear. The first signs of aging usually begin to appear at 25.
"[Around age 25] the production of collagen starts to decline, leading to thinner skin. There is also diminished functioning of the sweat and oil glands so our skin becomes drier," dermatologist Amy Perlmutter says.
However, several factors can lead to premature aging. You'll next learn what causes premature aging and what changes you can make to prevent your skin from aging faster than it should.
Exposure to UV Radiation
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the leading cause of premature skin aging. Too much time in the sun or a tanning bed breaks down your skin’s connective tissue, collagen, and elasticity, resulting in wrinkles and sagging skin.
Tobacco Use
Tobacco and nicotine bring toxins into the body. Toxins have a harsh effect on the skin, leading to sagging, wrinkles, and a gaunt-looking face.
Poor Diet
A poor diet can make you gain weight and feel sluggish, but eating unhealthy can also drastically affect your skin. Studies show that a diet high in sugar, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates may cause premature aging while eating a balanced diet prevents premature aging. Poor diets can also lead to breakouts and a dull complexion.
Alcohol
Alcohol takes a toll on your skin’s health and the overall aging process. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol leads to dehydration, which makes the skin look dry and wrinkled. Alcohol also causes inflammation, which can make you look and feel not your best.
Not Enough, or Too Much, Sleep
Studies show that low quality or too little sleep makes your cells age faster. Not getting the right amount of sleep exaggerates dark circles and bags under the eyes and poor complexion. Sleeping too much can cause skin cells to break down too quickly, which can lead to the same complexion issues as not sleeping enough.
Stress
When you’re stressed, your brain releases stress hormones that block your body’s production of hyaluronic acid and collagen. This leads to a dull complexion, acne breakouts, dryness, and inflammation, and will ultimately cause your skin to age prematurely.
Makeup
Makeup products can also cause your skin to prematurely age. If not removed properly, makeup can clog your pores and cause breakouts. Plus, certain products contain chemicals that can be harsh on the skin.
Ways To Prevent Premature Skin Aging
Turning to healthier and cleaner habits benefits your skin and prevent premature aging. Check out the following ways to keep your skin looking young, clear, and vibrant.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. Wear clothing that protects you from sun exposure, like hats and sunglasses. Wearing sunscreen every time you leave the house–no matter what time of year it is–is a great way to prevent sun damage on your skin.
Skipping the tanning bed will also protect your skin from unnecessary UV rays. For a tanned look, it’s better to use tanning lotions or apply some extra bronzer.
Quit Smoking
Smoking doesn’t just take a toll on your skin–it impacts your entire body. If you smoke, quitting is a significant step toward preventing premature aging in your skin and throughout the body.
Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet
Eating healthy is essential for great-looking skin. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that protect the skin and release toxins in the body.
Part of eating a healthy diet is drinking plenty of water. Keeping your body hydrated means your skin will appear more vibrant and moisturized.
Drink Less Alcohol
Drinking less alcohol or quitting altogether has many positive impacts on your skin and overall health. Not only does alcohol cause premature aging in the skin, but alcoholic beverages can also take a toll on your body’s vital organs.
Exercise
An active lifestyle is essential for healthy and radiant skin. Exercising and breaking a sweat increases blood flow and releases toxins in the body. This process is excellent for your skin and will make you look vibrant and young. Plus, when you exercise, your brain releases dopamine, which can improve your mood and mental health.
Live a Stress-Free Lifestyle
Eliminating stress wherever you can positively impact your skin and general well-being. De-stressing techniques like meditation are great ways to improve your health and prevent premature aging due to mental anxieties.
Having a Balanced Sleep Schedule
Sleep is essential for vibrant-looking skin. Sleeping eight hours a day is recommended to keep you looking and feeling great. A better sleep schedule will alleviate the appearance of hollow and dark spots under the eyes and ensure your skin stays vibrant.
Starting a Consistent Skincare Routine
A good skincare routine is super important in preventing premature skin aging. It’s essential to cleanse your skin daily to remove dirt, makeup, and sweat to prevent breakouts and irritation. Finding a great moisturizer will also help keep your skin from wrinkling and looking dull.
What kinds of products are best to prevent the effects of aging?
Types of Anti-Aging Products
Anti-aging products come in many different forms: creams, serums, gels, powders, and ointments.
The following are ingredients to look for when choosing the best anti-aging products for your skin:
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Sunscreen: Preventing excessive sun exposure is the most critical part of an anti-aging skincare routine because UV rays are the leading cause of premature aging. Make sure the sunscreen you use is at least an SPF 30 broad spectrum, and apply daily, especially when you’re outside. Reapplying every hour or so is the best way to protect yourself from the sun.
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Retinoids: Retinoids are the next most important part of an anti-aging skincare routine. They prevent wrinkles, reduce hyperpigmentation, unclog pores, and stimulate collagen production.
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Vitamin C: Although vitamin C is not the most essential product in an anti-aging skincare regimen, it still offers many benefits. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, so it helps the skin release toxins. It also stimulates collagen production and keeps the skin looking bright. Apply vitamin C in the morning before putting on your sunscreen.
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Acids and peptides: Similar to vitamin C, acids and peptides make minor anti-aging enhancements. Examples of anti-aging acids include glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid. Glycolic acid helps exfoliate the skin, while hyaluronic acid aids in minimizing wrinkles and plumping the skin. Peptides stimulate collagen production, which combats fine lines and wrinkles.
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Moisturizers: Moisturizers are also an essential step in an anti-aging skincare routine. By hydrating the skin, moisturizers reduce the appearance of wrinkles and keep your complexion looking vibrant.
Dermatologist-Recommended Anti-Aging Skincare Products
Why not use the best products on the market? Check out the following affordable dermatologist-recommended skincare products that will prevent your skin from aging prematurely:
DRMTLGY Anti-Aging Sunscreen – SPF 45
This product does not only act as an excellent sunblock but also as an anti-aging moisturizer. DRMTLGY's anti-aging sunscreen contains niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, which aids in correcting skin tone, tightening pores, and keeping the skin moisturized. Plus, it’s a great protectant from UV rays.
Find DRMTLGY Anti-Aging Sunscreen on Amazon for $25.95.
Paula’s Choice RESIST Intensive Repair Cream
Paula’s Choice has a great hydrating nighttime cream. This cream contains 0.01% retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. These three ingredients minimize wrinkles, plump the skin, and lock in moisture. Plus, Paula’s Choice claims the cream contains antioxidants, which cleanse the skin of toxins and alleviate the impacts of sun exposure. What a combination!
Find Paula’s Choice RESIST Intensive Repair Cream on Amazon or the Paula’s Choice website for $37.00.
Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum
A few drops go a long way! This nighttime vitamin C serum fights off acne scars and sunspots. It also contains collagen sodium hyaluronate, which helps moisturize and brighten the skin. Apply before any other night creams for the best results.
Find Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum at Walmart, Target, and Ulta for $45.00.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream
This moisturizing cream is excellent for its skin-plumping niacinamide and wrinkle-fighting peptides. It is compatible with all skin types and has a reputation for reducing the appearance of wrinkles. This dermatologist-recommended product contains glycerine and squalane which help lock in hydration and keep the skin firm.
Find First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream on Amazon or at Sephora or Nordstrom for $42.00.
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15
Consistency is vital for a skincare routine, especially when it comes to moisturizing. This anti-aging moisturizer surprised many dermatologists with its hydrating and protecting qualities. This product is also a great choice if you’re on a budget.
Find Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 on Amazon or at Walmart or Walgreens for $16.99.
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
This product comes with both a gel and a serum that will keep your skin looking young and beautiful. The powerful serum contains antioxidants that help with skin brightening and UV damage protection while the gel is packed with hyaluronic acid. The duo leaves the skin glowing and radiant.
Find Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum at Sephora, Khol's, or Ulta for $48.00.
Embrace Your Age
Remember, aging is a beautiful thing! You may, of course, find certain aspects of it unglamorous. But there are ways to combat it.
If you follow a consistent anti-aging skincare routine, you can ensure your skin stays hydrated, firm, and vibrant. Living an overall healthy lifestyle will also keep you feeling and looking your best.
Now that you have a firm grasp on what causes the skin to age and which products will help you combat the effects of aging, you can be proud of your skin at any age!
