Aging skin is inevitable and we often don’t even think twice about it in younger years. The key to managing aging skin effectively is prevention.
When we start to think about taking care of our skin, we may not always be properly educated about what to use, often we may use poor quality products, products that are too harsh for our skin or inconsistent routines. Some even opt for treatments that are not necessarily beneficial for us, causing damage and an impaired skin barrier.
As we get older, we start to notice small imperfections, our complexion is not as smooth, pigmentation may be present, and the skin is not as plump, often the aging process has already started and trying to reverse it at this point is hard.
So, what can you do?
Essential Skin Care Regime
You must have a suitable skin care regime that consists of a good quality cleanser, not over exfoliating, hydrating serums, toners and moisturisers, and lastly, daily use of sunscreen.
1. Cleansing
Your cleanser is the most important part of any regime. It must be suitable for your skin type so that you honor the skin barrier. Ensuring it is balanced and well maintained will make treating the signs of ageing much easier.
2. Hydration
Choosing products that hydrate the skin rather than strip the skin. Utilizing hydrating serums, toners, and moisturisers will help avoid early signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.
3. Sun Protection
Sunscreen is a daily non-negotiable. Unprotected sun exposure can cause deep wrinkles, pigmentation and thick leathery skin. Just because the sun is not out shining does not mean that the UVA & UVB rays will not damage the skin. Even a short drive in the car or popping out quickly to hang the washing means you are exposed to the sun, and this can cause damage over time contributing to poorly aging skin.
Addressing Existing Ageing Signs
If you have not used products to help prevent aging and you now experience the effects of aging skin, there are still solutions for you.
Depending on what you are experiencing will detriment how to treat it.
1. Establish a Quality Regime
Start with a quality regime as mentioned above. Avoid jumping into harsh treatments; including peels, lasers and strong actives in your home care, and definitely do not try to do any of these treatments yourself.
2. Consult a Professional
Ensure you start using sunscreen consistently and reach out to a professional for expert advice on what steps to take.
For pigmentation you can try using products that include Vitamin C to help reduce the appearance of age spots and pigmentation.
Look into treatments such as laser, microdermabrasion and peels to encourage skin renewal reducing the discoloration of the skin, all of these treatments should be discussed with a professional who understands the skin.
3. Addressing Fine Lines and Wrinkles
When it comes to fine lines and wrinkles and loss of elasticity, incorporate products such as hyaluronic acid to rehydrate the skin and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Avoid over-exfoliating to prevent the skin from drying out. You can also opt for products that support the skins collagen and elastin.
Products such as peptides and ceramides are essential in reducing the signs of aging, they help lock moisture in the skin rejuvenating the appearance. Retinol also provides antioxidant support providing a rejuvenated appearance, and also incorporating facial massages into your routine will further enhance these effects and help reduce the aging process.
Advanced Treatments
Other treatments that should be sought out by a professional include filler and skin smoothing injections, strong laser resurfacing treatments and peels or surgery. These types of treatment will require a period of down time but are also very effective at reducing aging.
Final Thoughts
So, at the end of the day the best cure for aging skin is prevention but don’t despair if you only began to think about aging skin once the process has started. You can still treat your skin by following the above recommendations and incorporating healthy lifestyle choices including a healthy diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals, regular exercise and protected sun exposure.