Aging is inevitable and is something that represents the beauty of continuity and change in life. However, when it arrives early in life, especially in your early 30s, it can bring hordes of skin care challenges. So, how do we deal with early aging? This article has discussed a few hacks to delay premature aging effects on the skin. But first, let’s find out what is aging.
What is aging?
Aging is a lifetime event associated with biological, psychological, and social changes. Talking about aging on the skin, it is a process where our skin becomes saggy and thin over time. Thus, the meaning of aging skin is the alteration in the structure and flexibility of the skin cells with time.
Our skin cells lose their strength and ability to maintain healthy collagen production, resulting in skin thinness and aging lines. While it is unavoidable, early signs of aging can be delayed with proper treatment approaches. So, if your skin has developed lines and you are still in your mid-20s, here are some hacks for you.
- Protect your skin from the sun:
Extreme sun exposure is one of the prime reasons for premature skin aging. The harsh ultraviolet rays are capable of damaging the collagen levels and elasticity in the skin, causing the formation of wrinkles and skin sagging. To save your skin from enduring such damage, using a sun protectant cream with an SPF of 30 or higher every day is advised. Besides, consider wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
Note: Maintain healthy skin hygiene by doing frequent exfoliation and cleansing. However, opt for a gentle face scrub and cleanser to keep the moisture barrier intact.
- Adopt a healthy diet:
A well-balanced diet plays a critical part in maintaining firm and youthful skin. So, include plenty of fruits and vegetables with antioxidants that combat free radicals and contribute to firm-looking skin. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries, leafy greens, nuts, and citrus fruits, aid in your chase of maintaining your natural skin barrier.
In addition, cultivating a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed, walnuts, and fatty fish, are critical to skin health.
- Stay hydrated:
Lack of hydration is one of the culprits that cause the skin to age faster, so focus on proper hydration. First thing first, drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Hydrated skin appears more youthful and can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines. You can also seek assistance from topical products such as hydrating face cream.
More importantly, stay safe from dehydrating beverages like alcohol and caffeine, as they speed up the skin aging process in the skin.
Pro tip: For an oily skin type, use a hydrating face gel to keep your skin cells hydrated. It is best to opt for an oil-free formula to avoid blocked pores.
- Establish a consistent anti-aging skincare routine:
Building a skincare routine targeting your skin type is one of the most advised actions to treat mature skin woes. While cleansing ensures a clean canvas, free from bacteria build-up and dust, moisturization boosts the water content in your skin. More importantly, add skincare products containing retinoids or peptides to your routine to speed up collagen synthesis.
- Learn to manage your anxiety levels
Chronic stress is unfavorable for your skin health, leading to premature aging. Unmanaged levels of the stress hormone cortisol can break down elastin and collagen, causing the skin to develop wrinkles. Thus, learn stress management by practicing deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or indulging in activities that bring you joy. Additionally, spare some time from your hectic lifestyle for self-care and relaxation.