Top signs of aging and how to care for your skin

Tips to prevent signs of aging:

1. Wear sunscreen and avoid tanning:

It doesn’t matter if you are indoors or outdoors, wearing sunscreen should be a normal part of your routine. Wear a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30, or it should be a broad-spectrum sunscreen. If it is one, it will protect against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Most people don’t put on enough sunscreen on the skin, so it is important to apply sunscreen in large quantities and re-apply it every one to three hours. How many times you need to apply will depend upon how much sweating or direct sun exposure you get. Please keep in mind to apply sunscreen on your neck, arms, and hands.

Along with regular use of sunscreen, it is important not to damage the skin with ultraviolet radiation, as it will make the skin look worse. Too much sun can cause skin discoloration and damage to elastin and collagen of the skin. 

2. Wear sunglasses, hats, and sun-protective clothing:

Sunglasses will protect your eyes and the skin surrounding them from the sun. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, buying sun protection clothing might be a good idea. These clothes provide SPF 30 protection against UVB and UVA all day. Also, wearing hats that protect you from sun damage is a smart anti-aging move.

3. Avoid drinking alcohol and do not smoke:

Smoking can speed up the breakdown of collagen on your skin and constrict blood vessels on the skin. These blood vessels carry oxygen and nutrients to your skin. Hence, smokers are prone to getting wrinkles early. If you smoke, quit smoking. It might be a hard process and you will have to try and fail and try again multiple times, but it’s worth it.

The same goes for alcohol, too much alcohol can dehydrate the skin and dilate the blood vessels. Drinking too much can lead to a skin disorder called rosacea which leads to redness and pimples on the skin. So avoid drinking too much alcohol to prevent developing unwanted skin conditions and signs of aging.

4. Keep your heart healthy:

As we get older, our arteries and blood vessels become stiffer due to plaque buildup. The ultimate result is an increase in blood pressure and heart problems. To prevent this, try to stay active. Run or swim or simply go for a walk. Even moderate exercise every day will help keep your blood pressure down. Along with this, eat lots of fruits and vegetables to keep your heart healthy. Manage stress and get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.

5. Take care of changes on the skin:

As we age, your skin makes less natural oil than it used to, this can lead to skin feeling drier and less supple. Skin can also seem thinner because with age we lose fatty tissue. There are other changes like age spots, skin tags, wrinkles, moles, etc. on the skin. Consult your doctor if you notice such changes on the skin. Avoid hot water baths as they can lead to dry skin. Take warm baths and showers.

6. Take the right supplements for bones:

In your 40’s and 50’s, your bones begin to weaken. The risk of fracture increases as bones become less dense and more brittle. When the disks in your spine shrink, your bones might get shorter. Joints can also feel stiffer. Fluid and cartilage lining the joints decrease with age. If the tissues between joints break down, arthritis can develop. To prevent this, consult your doctor and make sure you are getting the right amount of vitamin D and calcium. Include vitamin D and calcium supplements or ask your doctor about it.

7. Make dietary changes to include vitamin D and calcium:

Along with supplements, try to include good sources of vitamin D and calcium in your diet. Good sources of calcium include dairy products, almonds, yogurt, oranges, cheese, etc. It is possible to get vitamin D by spending time in sunlight. However, including sources of vitamin D in your diet can be beneficial. Good sources of vitamin D include mushrooms, cheese, soy milk, butter, papaya, dry fruits like walnut and peanuts, etc.

8. Make sure to get enough vitamin C:

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, meaning it protects from oxidative damage. It also helps with reducing inflammation, and immune function and protects against age-related conditions. Vitamin C is essential for skin health. Vitamin C supplements can improve skin hydration, and protect from wrinkle development and premature aging.

Summary:

To delay signs of aging, it is important to have a lifestyle that supports your skin, avoid yo-yo dieting, use the right products for the skin, and a well-balanced diet along with a skincare routine and the right supplements can help you achieve that.