3 Expert Tips to Combat Aging Skin

While there are many things to look forward to you as you grow older, the progressive aging of your skin is certainly not one of them. Your skin changes naturally with age – becoming thinner, looser and drier for most individuals. This causes the infamous fine lines and wrinkles that we all dread. However, there are fortunately a few ways to combat aging skin.

If you’ve been struggling with the appearance of a few fine lines and aged spots, or simply want to get a head start on your skin’s timeline, here are our top tips to combat aging skin!

disclosure: this is a partnered post

#1: Protect Your Skin From The Sun

The sun radiates light containing invisible UV rays, which when in contact with the skin can have various harmful effects. Excessive exposure to UV rays may cause tanning, burning, wrinkling and skin cancer (such as melanoma).

The easiest way to protect your skin from the sun is of course, to minimise exposure. However, this is usually a difficult feat to accomplish, especially for those who work outside or want their daily dose of vitamin D. Therefore, for those who can’t avoid it, sun protection is essential. Options to help protect your skin from the sun include:

• Sunscreen. Applying sunscreen on your face will prevent sunburn as well as premature aging on your skin. The effectiveness of sunscreen is measured by its Sun Protection Factor (SPF), and experts recommend an SPF of at least 30 to provide adequate amounts of UV protection.
• Sun protection clothing. Slightly self-explanatory, wearing long sleeve clothes, pants and large hats will protect your skin from getting sunburnt or being negatively affected by UV rays.
• Shade. Staying under shelter or carrying an umbrella with you can help you avoid the sun’s harmful UV rays and protect your skin and hair.

#2: Stimulate Collagen Production

As you grow older, your body naturally produces less of a protein known as collagen. Collagen is essential to keeping your skin strong and healthy, as it provides structure to your skin, as well as strengthens your bones, teeth, cartilage and tissue. Hence, it is imperative that you keep your collagen production rates high, even as you age.

Luckily, there are a few ways you can do this to combat aging skin:

• Collagen stimulators. Collagen stimulators are made of poly-l-lactic acid, and can be injected into particular areas of the face to restore volume and strengthen the skin. They encourage the natural production of collagen in affected areas, and resultantly help to lift the skin and smooth out any unwanted lines. Collagen stimulators also contain anesthetics so that they are not painful when injected into the body.
• Collagen fillers. Similar to botox fillers, collagen fillers involve the injection of collagen directly into an area of the skin. They help to encourage collagen production in the body, while also simultaneously filling in areas which require more volume. Compared to collagen stimulators, the effects of fillers are much more immediate – although require touch-ups every three to 12 months.

#3: Moisturise & Stay Hydrated

If you’re wondering why your skin is becoming more dry as you age, it is because your cell renewal rate has decreased. To retain that youthful glow, it is imperative that you keep your skin hydrated. This is possible by moisturising your skin regularly and ensuring your body stays hydrated.

You can moisturise your skin in a number of ways – including applying hydrating creams, toners and ointments and using hydrating face masks.  Maintaining a good skin care routine is a great way to combat aging skin.

Another key way to help your skin stay hydrated is simply to drink lots of water. Health experts recommend a minimum of two litres of water a day, not only to prevent dehydration, but also to improve and maintain the quality of your skin.

Growing older is nothing to be ashamed of, and neither is aged skin. However, if you are looking to combat aging skin and retain that youthful glow for just a little while longer, consider implementing the three tips detailed in this blog!

this is a contributed article