Afraid of Aging? How to Fight Back

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Aging

Aging is a natural process, and something that should be celebrated rather than feared. With age, comes wisdom and the chance to pass information down to later generations. Unfortunately, a lot of people are anxious about getting older because of the physical impact it can have on their skin. 

Wrinkles, fine lines, and sun spots are common with age, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do something about it. In this article, we share a few tips to help you fight back against the signs of aging. From making sure you apply sunscreen to following a nutritious diet, here’s everything you should know: 

1. Find The Right Products

Your skincare products play a crucial role in your skin’s health. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re using the right products. Many of us are guilty of buying products based on what other people say, whether that’s people we know or influencers online. And while reviews can be helpful, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different. What works for your best friend, may not work for you. 

Before shopping for skincare products, determine your pain points. For instance, maybe you want to reduce discoloration or smooth out fine lines. Look for products that address those specific concerns. Tretinoin, for example, is an anti-aging cream prescribed by many dermatologists to treat discoloration and fine lines. 

Not only should you consider purchasing new skincare products, but re-evaluate the products you’re currently using. Believe it or not, your skin can change throughout the years. What worked for you when you were a teenager, may not work anymore, and that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to switch things up to find what works. 

2. Don’t Forget About Sunscreen

The sun may feel good, but too much sun exposure can wreak havoc on your skin. Every time sunlight hits your skin, it damages healthy skin cells. Without protection, this constant damage can build up and cause visible signs of sun damage — freckles, hyperpigmentation, and sunspots. 

Sun damage can also prematurely age the skin, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. Too much sun exposure can cause skin cancer, which if left untreated can be deadly. Luckily, there are ways you can protect your skin from sun damage. 

One of the most popular ways is by using sunscreen. Regularly applying sunscreen, with an SPF of 30 or higher, is a great way to keep your skin healthy. Sunscreen doesn’t just help fight against cancer, it also protects against sun spots, discoloration, and other signs of photoaging. 

With that in mind, for sunscreen to be effective it needs to be reapplied during the day. This is especially true if you’re spending time outside. As a rule of thumb, apply sunscreen every two hours, and make sure you rub it thoroughly onto your skin. 

3. Watch What You Eat 

What you put inside your body impacts what happens outside of your body. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re nourishing your body with the right food. A diet high in sugar and processed foods can cause premature aging of the skin. It can also lead to acne breakouts, inflammation, and fine lines. While there’s nothing wrong with indulging yourself with a dessert every now and then, moderation is key. 

Make sure your diet consists of food that benefits your skin and your overall well-being. For instance, fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamin A. This vitamin encourages the skin to continuously reproduce new skin cells, keeping you from looking older. 

Fish is also very skin-friendly, as it contains proteins that build collagen and elastin. One of the causes of aging skin is a lack of collagen. By consuming food high in collagen, you ensure your body gets enough to benefit your skin. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to completely change your diet. Rather, find ways to introduce healthy food that can benefit your skin and overall health. 

4. Fight Against Wrinkles

You know wrinkles are a result of the aging process, but do you know why? As you age, your skin cells start to divide much slower and the dermis (middle layer of your skin) starts to thin. Wrinkles are to be somewhat expected as you get older, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to keep them at bay. 

One of the best things you can do to fight against wrinkles when you’re young is to make sure you’re getting enough rest. Have you ever heard of beauty sleep? It’s real. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, which is why it’s so important. If you don’t get adequate sleep, your skin won’t be able to heal itself, resulting in premature aging. As a rule of thumb, aim to get anywhere between seven to nine hours of sleep a night. 

Preventing wrinkles may also require a few lifestyle changes. For instance, are you a smoker or a big drinker? Both can cause wrinkles, and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. So, do your best to limit your alcohol intake and avoid smoking. 

Don’t be afraid to age. Instead, follow the advice above to help you combat premature aging of the skin. While the tips may seem simple, they can help you slow down the clock and keep your skin healthy and glowing. 

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