Collagen production begins to decline as early as our 20s, so it’s no surprise that we start to notice the appearance of wrinkles. But just because these aging signs are entirely normal doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Here are some simple tips that you can start incorporating into your lifestyle today.
Wear Sunscreen
UV rays from the sun are one of the biggest causes of skin aging. Commit to wearing sunscreen every day if your goal is youthful-looking skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher in the morning, then reapply it every two hours and after swimming or sweating profusely. Don’t forget to protect yourself when driving, as those rays can penetrate glass.
Avoid Tanning Beds
The harm these beds can cause is no joke—they increase your risk of cancer. Most of the rays they emit are UVA radiation, which causes temporary tanning and increases the likelihood of aging signs such as wrinkles.
Boost Collagen
The best product to achieve this is retinol, a vitamin A derivative that stimulates collagen production over time and boosts hyaluronic acid in your skin. Other ingredients to look for include vitamin C, niacinamide, and phytoretinoids. Additionally, consider micro-needling and laser resurfacing procedures, which create micro-injuries in the skin to promote collagen regeneration.
Limit Muscle Movement
When we’re younger, our skin bounces back from facial expressions. But as we age and lose collagen, the dynamic wrinkles that form when we move our faces can turn into static ones that remain even when our faces are at rest. To counter this, you can opt for neurotoxins like Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, or Jeuveau. These treatments temporarily relax the muscles in specific areas, preventing certain movements and, over time, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Moisturize
If you’re looking for more natural and affordable ways to enhance your skin’s appearance without injections or surgery, investing in a good moisturizer is always a wise choice. Look for one that contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to soften, smoothen, and plump up your skin.
The Sun Doctor Unveils 9 Secrets Not All Women Know About Sunscreen
We all know how vital it is to apply sunscreen before stepping out into the sun. But did you know that it’s just as crucial to wear sunscreen indoors? The dermatology experts at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., and board-certified dermatologists in Los Angeles and New York City have revealed nine facts about sunscreen that you need to know.