Aging is a part of life, and while many have been taught that it is something to be feared and avoided, it is time that the power is taken back and that aging is relished in. Aging is a privilege that, sadly, not everyone gets to experience, so it is best to be embraced.
That being said, there are many aspects of life that can cause aging before it is due, well known as premature aging. It makes sense why someone would want to try and slow this down, especially because it is likely due to a lack of health and wellbeing somewhere.
Because of that, this piece will look at how you can tackle premature aging, and offer suggestions on what you can do to look your age.
Read on to find out more.
1. Sunscreen, Sunscreen, and More Sunscreen
One of the biggest contributing factors to premature aging is sun damage, also known as photoaging. This is caused by ultraviolet radiation, which causes DNA to be changed in the skin, and these changes can also lead to skin cancer.
The easiest way to prevent sun damage is to use sunscreen liberally every single day. For the days you stay inside, it won’t matter too much unless you are directly next to a window, but for everything else – it is a must. One of the difficulties that can come with sunscreen is finding one that suits your skin type. It is well known that the skin on the face is much more delicate than the skin on the body, which means you might have to find two formulas or even three if you want something to work over makeup or be waterproof.
Don’t forget to top up your SPF if you are out all day or in water, and if you don’t have sunscreen for whatever reason, just do your best to stay in the shade until you can use some.
2. Stop Smoking
Smoking is high on the list for premature aging, and that is not just for the skin either. Smoking affects all areas of the body, and there is no benefit from it in the long run, which makes this something you should try and pack in as soon as possible.
Smoking can cause premature aging by:
- Leaching vitamins and minerals
- Causing the breakdown of collagen in the skin
- Creating imbalances and breakdown in connective tissue metabolism
- Causes uneven coloring
- Slows down healing
- Increases risks of diseases
Just to name a few. Smoking causes the body to biologically age faster, and it is not just the aesthetic that you get to worry about either. The internal damage is significant too and will mean that wrinkles could be the least of your worries.
3. Exercise
Exercise is one of the greatest ways to stay looking and feeling young. It is something that is told to others time and again, but it really works, which is why it is worth finding something that you will enjoy doing that gets your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes four to five times per week.
Another wonderful benefit of exercise is that it also tackles premature aging of the brain too, which can be devastating for those who experience it, along with their loved ones who have to witness it.
How exactly does exercise do this, though? Directly, scientists have found that exercise actually slows down cell aging, which keeps someone’s DNA young and healthy. However, it can also help in plenty of other ways too.
For example, stress can be significant in premature aging, and exercise is one of the top recommendations to combat stress in the body. Everyone experiences stressful life events from time to time, but not being able to move forward from them can put a significant strain on the body.
Exercise, both cardio and weight training can also help keep your skin elasticity and improve your overall tone and texture. It is brilliant for helping your blood flow and circulation stay strong, which is vital for a healthy complexion as it helps brings more nutrients and oxygen to the skin.
4. Invest in Treatments
There are many treatments on the market now that are designed to help slow down premature aging. With technological advancement, more and more of these treatments are becoming less invasive, easier on the skin, and more accessible to the everyday person instead of being reserved for high-end celebrities!
It will depend on your skin type and your goals as to what treatments will be best recommended for you. Hydration is essential for all skin types, so facials based around this concept are usually a safe bet.
However, for those who want something a little more intensive to help stop the signs of premature aging, Botox services have become very sophisticated! Just be certain you choose a company that is trustworthy and reputable. As common as Botox has become, it is crucial it is administered by a licensed professional to limit the risks.
Micro-needling could be a great choice for something that is a little more intense than a facial but a little less invasive than Botox. It works by encouraging healing in the skin and promoting collagen growth which helps make the skin look plump and fill out fine lines that have just started to form.
5. Get Your Tan Out of a Bottle
Tanning in the sun is just another version of sun damage, and while the outcome can be desirable when you are in your early twenties, the older the skin gets, the more damaged it becomes. The tan starts to become a background focal point to the leathery look skin can take on from excessive sun damage, which is not easily reversed, especially if you have tanned for years upon years.
Swapping to fake tan will give you near enough that same bronzed natural glow without any of the damage that comes with cooking in the sun. Self-tanning products are also more advanced than they have ever been, so you don’t have to worry about turning orange either!