6 SKINCARE Magazine // MAY 2016 ISSUE
SKINCARE
Anti-Aging Habits to Start Now
Written by . Diana Corpus
Let ’ s face it , getting older and aging poorly is a major concern for so many of us . Of course , we all know that wrinkles and crow ’ s feet are inevitable and that embracing the years under our belts is something we should be proud of , but we would be kidding ourselves if we said we didn ’ t want to stay looking ( and feeling ) youthful .
Well , listen up — you just need to adopt healthy habits that will prevent accelerated aging . We ’ ve gathered a list of healthy habits and tips that will help keep you feeling your best and prevent wrinkles later !
Cut back on teeth staining drinks .
After years and years of drinking dark-colored liquids like coffee , tea , red wine , and soda , you ’ re teeth will take a toll .
Turn back the clock : Try cutting back on these yellowing beverages now and start brushing with a whitening toothpaste to keep your pearly whites bright .
Apply SPF every day .
Dermatologists always preach about wearing sunscreen every single day to protect against skin cancer , but slathering on the SPF is also the most effective tool in your anti-aging arsenal . Sunscreen is also the number one product recommended for the prevention of skin cancer . Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and has the highest reported cure rate when detected early .
Turn back the clock : SPF 30 is the goldstandard dermatologists recommend . Apply it every day , rain or shine . And use more than you think you need — most people apply as little as one-quarter of the recommended dose , says the American Academy of Dermatology . Rule of thumb : use a shotglass worth of sunscreen every time .
Use lotion on your hands
The skin on the backs of your hands is very thin , which makes it prone to accelerated aging compared to the rest of your body . And when dry air saps moisture from skin , your hands look even older than they should . Using lotion helps ; pick one that contains sunscreen , it will greatly reduce sun damage , which appears as brown spots and wrinkles .
Turn back the clock : Rub an SPF 30 moisturizer onto the backs of your hands every morning .
Avoid too much sun .
If you ’ ve heard a version of this one before , it ’ s because dermatologists agree that UV exposure is the number-one skin-ager out there . Sun damages elastin and causes a loss of collagen , which translates to drooping , a lost jawline , and wrinkles . It also adds discoloration and roughens texture . Not least , UV rays are the main cause of skin cancers , an aging risk that goes beyond the mere cosmetic .
Turn back the clock : Avoid sun exposure during peak hours between 10a . m . – 4p . m . and seek shade when you ’ re outside . Wear protective clothing like long sleeve shirts , pants , a wide-brimmed hat and polarized sunglasses .
Pick cosmetic procedures that also help skin regenerate .
A host of skin products and procedures that are available can give more than the illusion of youth -- they can actually help regenerate cells . While they can ’ t turn the clock back forever , these choices may slow the rate of changes that cause deep wrinkles and a dull texture .
Turn back the clock : Try peels . A chemical peel can improve the skin ’ s appearance , while also stimulating collagen growth .
If the top layer of your skin is looking brown , with a rough texture — hallmarks of sun damage — a procedure called fractional resurfacing can actually reverse some of the damage by increasing collagen production . Done with lasers , resurfacing can improve skin texture while minimizing wrinkles , sun spots , and acne scars . This procedure can create visible improvements in patients who have significant skin damage .
Exercise regularly .
Exercise improves healthy circulation , which allows skin to look its best . ( Bonus : it ’ ll also improve circulation to reduce undereye bags .) Besides , when you ’ re in shape , you naturally look younger .
Turn back the clock : Count it as one more reason to clock your 30 minutes of exercise every day .
Eat healthy .
A well balanced diet is essential to great skin . Eat dark leafy greens and fruits every day that contain chlorophyll , lutein , Vitamin C and A . Dark leafy greens contain chlorophyll , which provides protection against free radicals that can cause skin to age . Lutein , a powerful antioxidant boosts hydration levels and improves elasticity and protects against sun damage . Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen and helps maintain healthy skin and hair .