Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine

Why Does Skin Age?

Skin is the body’s largest organ, and it needs special care as we age. Your skin has two layers, the epidermis (outer barrier) and the dermis (inside layers).¹ The dermis contains collagen and proteins that break down as you age. The epidermis protects us from the sun, but as a result, scientists believe that this results in the release of chemicals into the dermis. This also causes cells to break down and results in deep wrinkles.

Anti-aging science can someday give us more answers on how to keep our skin healthy. The Academy for Health and Lifespan Research, formed in 2019, is an example of how researchers from schools like Harvard and MIT are tackling age-related problems.² Their goal is to fight the diseases related to aging. Their research could lead to a better understanding of protecting your skin.

While you wait on further science, use what we already know about how aging affects the skin. You can develop a simple but effective anti-aging skincare routine to protect your skin’s longevity.

What Is an Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine?

Your anti-aging skin care routine starts when you first wash your face in the morning and continues through the night. This doesn’t mean you must take care of your skin all day to get results. Using the right products, patience, and good food and lifestyle choices give you the best results.

Use a Gentle Cleanser

You can start protecting your skin by using a cleanser that doesn’t have a high pH or contain sodium lauryl sulfate. Those are both harsh on the epidermis and can lead to skin irritation.³ You don’t have to buy the most expensive products with many active ingredients since you are just washing them away. Just avoid the harshest products.

Use an Exfoliant

A physical or chemical exfoliant helps remove dead skin from the epidermis. This is important as you age because your skin doesn’t replenish itself as quickly. If you don’t remove the damaged areas, your skin looks dull and may crack. Avoid harsh physical exfoliants such as sugar scrubs, as they can make your skin susceptible to sagging.

Use Your Anti-Aging Serums Gently

Good anti-aging serums contain retinoids and Vitamin C to help increase collagen in your skin and act as antioxidants. The concentration of active ingredients in serums is higher than in moisturizers, so there is no need to get them deep into your skin. It would be best to pat on your anti-aging serums rather than rub them in.

Moisturize Often

As you age, your body produces less sebum. This is the oily liquid that comes from your pores and causes acne. You get less acne as you age, but the result is that your skin does not stay as hydrated. This leads to fine lines.

Choose a moisturizer with ingredients such as glycerine and hyaluronic acid that bind to water. Petroleum jelly or mineral oil can help stop water evaporation at night. Be careful that you clean your skin well before applying moisturizer, so you don’t trap bacteria.

Choose Products Made For Your Skin Type

Choose anti-aging skincare products formulated for your skin type to get the best results. There are so many products to choose from because there isn’t just one that works on all types. Choose products that specify things like oily or sensitive skin to match your needs.⁴

Diet and Lifestyle Tips To Support Healthy Skin

Healthy eating and taking some precautions in your daily routine can enhance your anti-aging skincare routine. There are several steps you can take to protect yourself further.⁵

• Avoid foods that are high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat. Add more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains containing nutrients that can make your skin healthier. Some of these nutrients include Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, along with zinc and Omega-3 fatty acids.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking can lead to skin problems such as premature wrinkles and infections and intensify outbreaks of psoriasis.
• Try to reduce your stress. Experts believe that stress decreases blood flow to the skin and causes inflammation.
• Get plenty of sleep. A good night’s sleep supports your mental help, which in turn can reduce your stress. It also gives your skin time to heal.
• Drink lots of water and reduce alcohol intake. Hydration is essential to your skin, and excessive use of alcohol causes dehydration. It also causes skin redness, psoriasis exacerbation, and dermatitis.
• Use sunscreen. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Make sure that you include areas around your eyes and neck. Stay out of the harshest sun if you can, or wear a hat to protect yourself further. 
• Avoid tanning. The UV rays from light can harm your skin, whether from the sun or a tanning bed. Applying a self-tanner is a better solution.⁶
• Be patient. Your skin ages over time, and it takes time to give it a healthier appearance. Stick to your routine and give your products time to work.

Learn More About Skin Care Routines

A good anti-aging skincare routine, good habits, and patience can help keep your skin looking younger. To learn more about how to have youthful skin and explore other skin care tips visit My Skincare Routine. 

SOURCES: 

1. Medical News Today: “Why Does Our Skin Age?”
2. The Harvard Gazette: “Longevity and Anti-Aging Research: Prime Time for an Impact on the Globe.”
3. Healthline: “6 Anti-Aging Tips That’ll Transform Your Beauty Routine.”
4. American Academy of Dermatology Association: “How to Select Anti-Aging Skin Care Products.”
5. Medical News Today: “How to Get Glowing Skin.”
6. American Academy of Dermatology: “11 Ways to Reduce Premature Skin Aging.”