Put a hand up if... you're over 25!
How great would it be if the Fountain of Youth actually existed? Unfortunately, aging is something no one can escape, so it's not something we should dread! In this post I am going to talk about the causes of aging skin, how to care for it, and lifestyle changes that promote healthy skin - no matter what your age is.
So... what's aging my skin?
Aside from the obvious - time and gravity - there are many factors that contribute to aging skin. Exposure to sunlight, decrease in bone density and cartilage, smoking, your sleeping position, intense, repeated facial expressions, and being overweight all contribute to looser, sagging, wrinkly skin.
Like most advice we get from the health professionals - living a healthy, active lifestyle with a balanced diet, good sleep, keeping hydrated, and lots of sunscreen can help combat further aging. But also, your skincare and supplement routines are incredible tools to prevent and correct aging skin as well - more on that soon.
Time for some science #nerds
For those still with your hands up, you may be starting to see the elasticity of your skin decline. Aging skin is marked by looser skin which eventually becomes riddled with fine lines and/or deeper wrinkles. This is partly because as you get older, your body significantly decreases collagen production.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, used to make up your connective tissue (remember when I mentioned losing cartilage earlier?) When it comes to your skin, high collagen levels means soft, smooth, and firm skin as collagen proteins help your cells renew and repair themselves from damage.
After you turn 20, your body stops producing collagen naturally by 1.5% every year - that really adds up!! Supplementing collagen in your diet is one of the single greatest things you can do for your skin (and hair and nails too!) Lots of collagen on the market today prides themselves in their absorption rate, which of course we want our body to absorb the supplements we are taking. But you really want to pay attention to the claims of increasing collagen production! Quality collagen that actually encourages your body to produce more isn't cheap but IS worth the investment.
Supporting your skin from the inside out will yield more incredible results than what topical solutions can do alone. Shop my favorite collagen supplement here!! This stuff is clinically proven kickstart collagen and elastin production, rev up radiance, visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and boost skin's hydration. Plus, these single serve packets come in delicious strawberry or peach flavors (no gross powders) and are free from artificial colors, dyes, and sweeteners! Win-win!
Other products to help support aging skin.
While for some of us the wrinkles are already setting in, there are still things we can do to hydrate, firm, and protect our faces from further damage and maybe even slow down new wrinkle formation.
Gentle Cleanser - cleansing your face twice a day is a given. But those with aging skin want to ensure the cleanser they're using is gentle enough to wipe away dirt and impurities without stripping the skin's natural oils. Dry skin accelerates the aging process leaving skin shriveled and prone to creasing.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps target free radicals in your skin from the environment that can cause oxidate stress - which breaks down your skin. Vitamin C also helps stimulate collagen production (sound familiar?). It helps even the skin tone and smooth the skin to reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A true anti-aging powerhouse.
Vitamin A or an anti-aging exfoliator to promote skin cell turnover is a must for aging skin. Increasing cell turnover allows newer, healthier, younger skin to come to the flattening wrinkles and smoothing the face.
Sunscreen - UV rays break down collagen in our skin, causing damage. Make sure to protect your face (and body!) by applying SPF daily and reapplying throughout the day when outside. Always use at least SPF 30 on the face and body.
Comments