As people age, it’s natural to experience thinner, drier skin and an increase in wrinkles and other signs of ageing.

However, sometimes one’s environment and lifestyle choices can cause the skin to age prematurely.

Although there is no way to prevent your skin from ageing, dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) say it's possible to prevent premature skin ageing by following a few simple steps.

“Every effective anti-ageing skin care plan starts with healthy habits,” says dermatologist Dr Michele Green.

“Daily activities, such as protecting your skin from the sun and eating healthy foods, can go a long way in preventing your skin from ageing more quickly than it should.”

To prevent premature skin ageing, Dr Green recommends the following tips:

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• Protect your skin from the sun. Sun exposure plays a major role in premature skin ageing. Protect your skin from the sun year-round by seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing - including a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection - and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. For more effective sun protection, choose clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.

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• Apply a facial moisturiser every day. Moisturiser traps water in the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance. To save time in your skin care routine, consider using a moisturiser that contains sunscreen. However, while a moisturiser that contains sunscreen is convenient, remember that sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours when you’re outdoors.

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• Be gentle to your skin. Limit face washing to twice daily and after sweating, and use skin care products labelled “hypoallergenic”, “fragrance free” or “non-comedogenic.” Avoid scrubbing your skin and using skin care products that sting or burn, as irritating your skin can make it look older.

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• Avoid repetitive facial movements, like squinting, frowning or holding a straw or cigarette in your mouth, which can cause wrinkles over time. You can reduce this with lifestyle changes, such as wearing sunglasses to avoid squinting outdoors.

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• Stay out of tanning beds. Just like the sun, tanning beds emit harmful ultraviolet radiation (UV) that can lead to skin cancer and premature skin ageing, including wrinkles and age spots. If you want to look tan, use a self-tanner instead.

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• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin ageing. In addition, exercising daily can improve circulation and boost the immune system, which may give the skin a more youthful appearance. Avoid smoking, and drink alcohol in moderation, as these are rough on skin.

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• Consider using a retinol cream. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol is available in many over-the-counter skincare products at doses of up to 2 per cent. When applied daily, a retinol cream can help prevent premature skin ageing. However, since it can take time for your skin to adjust to a retinol, dermatologists recommend you start by applying it every other day instead of daily. If you don’t experience any negative side effects after a few weeks - like increased burning or redness - you can start applying the retinol every day. For doses higher than 2 per cent, consult your dermatologist to see if a prescription retinoid cream is right for you.

“If you’re worried about ageing skin, talk to a board-certified dermatologist,” says Dr. Green. “There are plenty of treatments available, including non-invasive procedures, to help smooth wrinkles, tighten skin and improve your complexion.”

The video below from the AAD has some helpful tip on preventing skin ageing.

https://youtu.be/fLE30Ip-OYQ

 

 

What do you do to protect your skin from showing the signs of ageing?