I don't want to look old!
What happens to our skin as we age and can we do anything about it?
I remember a few years back looking in the mirror. I didn’t recognize myself. All of a sudden,
as if overnight, my face had all these lines that weren’t there just a few weeks before and my skin was visibly dull. I looked old. I didn’t think that I would ever consider myself ‘old’ or ‘aging’ but there it was, in the mirror, my aging face. It was actually happening to me and I didn’t like it…nope...not one bit!
Why does our skin age? What are the causes? Can we do anything to prevent those dreaded wrinkles? Can we get that healthy glow back?
While there are many reasons for the signs of aging on our faces, I’ve listed the most common ones below along with some simple things you can do prevent them.
1. The Sun
The primary cause of aging skin is the sun. No surprise there. We’ve been told for years how crucial it is to never go out without wearing sunscreen. Wearing the proper SPF protection can prevent not only skin cancers but wrinkles and sun damage as well.
Protect your face with a hat and make sure you wear sunscreen that blocks UV rays, UVA and UVB and contains a minimum SPF 30.
2. Smoking
Smoking causes premature fine lines which usually appear on places where the skin is thinner such as the sides of the eyes and above the upper lip. These lines can actually appear 10–15 years before they appear in non- smokers.
Smoking can also cause skin conditions such as psoriasis and can lead to pale, uneven colouring.
3. Stress
Nothing takes a toll on your body more than constant stress. Worrying, anxiety and stress, whether in your personal life or job-related environment can have a harmful effect on DNA in your cells. This can cause the cells to die or become damaged which may speed up the aging process.
Stress also affects your sleeping habits which can also contribute to your skin looking older.
If you are under an excessive amount of stress, try these tips to lessen or manage your stress. Eat healthier (more fruits and vegetables and lean proteins), cut down your sugar and caffeine intake and add more exercise into your day. Yoga and meditation are a perfect way to release some stress from your mind and body.
4. Remove makeup before hitting the pillow
This is one trick I always, always do! I NEVER, no matter how tired I am, go to bed with make up on.
Our skin is constantly under attack from environmental pollutants which build up on skin and settle into pores. This can lead to complexion issues and leave it looking dull. Before going to bed, make sure you use a good cleanser (not soap which typically dries out the skin) to remove dirt and pollution which has built up on your skin. Your skin will thank you in the morning. I use a fabulous botanical, double cleanser which first removes the oils in your skin, then cleanses. See link below.
5. Diet
Your skin is your body’s largest organ and requires good nutrition to maintain its healthy glow.
Vitamin C and E contain antioxidants which are important to protect your skin. These vitamins can protect your skin from sun damage and reduce skin damage caused by free radicals. In addition, Vitamin A helps maintain and repair skin tissue.
Eat a variety of foods which contain these vitamins, especially fresh fruits and vegetables to keep your healthy glow.
6. Water
During the aging process, our skin becomes thinner and drier. In order to keep your skin hydrated, ensure you’re drinking the recommended eight glasses of water throughout the day. Keeping hydrated with enough water also helps weight loss, gets rid of toxins, gives you a boost of energy, can help fight cancer and helps keep your heart healthy.
There are many reasons our skin ages but there are definitely some steps we can take to keep our faces looking young and healthy. In addition to all of the tips above, make sure you’re using a good night time cream and day time moisturizer. I’ve added the link below to the two products I use and recommend that have helped my lines, wrinkles and discoloration. At 54 years old, I look younger than I did at 50!! I actually feel as if I’m aging backwards.
Remember, you are never too young to begin protecting your skin and never too old to take action to look younger and healthier.
Here is the link to the cleanser I love and recommend:
http://bit.ly/dblecleanser
Here is the link to the day and night cream I use and recommend…BONUS they help with sun damage and discoloration as well:
http://bit.ly/youngdaynight
Any questions or comments, email me at youngbodysoul@gmail.com
