Having attractive skin isn’t the preserve of ladies only. Nowadays, everyone, men included, wants to be complimented on their looks. However, one thing we are powerless to stop is ageing. And as we age, our skins undergo significant transformations. Some people will counter this with big steps, such as getting plastic surgery, which is a good option. Some people are not fond of the idea of surgery however, so what can they do?
Together with lifestyle choices and environmental factors, ageing accelerates the onset of wrinkles, sagginess, and other undesirable changes to our skins. Fortunately, we can make adjustments to lessen these effects. Below are some tips and beauty routines that help our skin remain youthful.
Exfoliate the Right Way
Exfoliation entails eliminating dead cells from the surface of our skins. It is done using granular substances, approved chemicals, and exfoliating tools. Our skins shed off dead cells monthly, and any cells that aren’t shed off cause flaky patches, dryness, and clogged skin pores. The unshed skin also blocks room for newer, younger cells to develop.
Once the dead skin is sloughed off, our skins are left looking younger, smoother, and brighter. However, exfoliation can equally be dangerous. Excessive exfoliation (more than twice a week) upsets the natural pH balance of our skins. Once this balance is affected, our bodies react by over-secreting oil. In the end, acne scarring kicks in.
Eat Healthy Antioxidant Foods
The changes that occur to our bodies are often driven by what we consume. As we grow older, it’s vital to eat foods that nourish our skin. Stay away from dehydrates such as alcohol and sugar-containing carbohydrates. Always prioritise foods rich in vitamin C and proteins like legumes, fish, and beans.
Dermatologists also recommend consuming meals high in antioxidant properties. Such foods are mainly made up of vegetables and fruits. Antioxidants safeguard the skin from hazardous free radicals generated by our bodies. They also avert the breakdown of elastin and collagen. In doing so, they prevent the genesis of wrinkles and fine lines.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Products
It’s well known and proven that alcohol and cigarettes are detrimental to our health. Research shows that smoking and consuming alcohol leads to premature ageing of the skin. Nicotine, which is present in cigarettes, limits blood vessels from functioning well. This, in turn, reduces the blood flow and the supply of nutrients to the skin.
Tobacco products also degrade elastin, leading to skin sagging. Over-the-limit alcohol consumption initiates inflammation in the blood vessels. Inflamed vessels accelerate the rate of sagging. We age more quickly once we indulge in these substances.
Sunscreen Does Help
We can never talk about skincare without mentioning sunscreens. These components are vital in maintaining our supple skins. Once we begin ageing, we should be more alert about the type of sunscreen we use. The ideal choice for our skin is broad-spectrum sunscreens. These are products with a sun protection factor of over 30 and capable of blocking UVA and UVB rays.
When shopping for sunscreens, we need to be vigilant of the ingredients. Embrace those with antioxidants and vitamin E. As mentioned, antioxidants protect collagen in the skin. Beyond premature ageing, sunscreens prevent sunburns, skin cancer, and skin decolourisation.
Manage Weight
There’s nothing that does more damage to our bodies than excessive weight. In most cases, obesity is always accompanied by skin ageing. As we gain weight, our bodies escalate the production of cortisol and insulin. These two components degrade collagen, leading to premature skin ageing.
Additionally, weight gain affects skin elasticity. Whenever obese individuals cut weight, some of the oversized skin is left sagging. The lesser said about stretch marks, the better. A simple weight loss routine can manage these skin issues.
Consult a Dermatologist
Frequent appointments with a dermatologist are vital to anyone seeking to care for their skin. These skin experts spot skin problems at an earlier stage, advise on treatments, and help us stay in touch with any skincare development.
Although skin ageing is inevitable, we can do much more to delay this process. With the above tips, we can maintain healthy and youthful skin.