Wrinkles and sagging skin are a normal part of aging. Our skin contains substances called collagen and elastin which provide strength and elasticity, and help skin maintain its shape. As we age our bodies don’t produce as much collagen and elastin, which causes our skin to wrinkle and sag. However, there are ways to slow down the loss of collagen and elastin for healthier and younger looking skin.
Shun the Sun
Sun is the biggest culprit in aging skin. A lifetime of sun exposure damages the cells that make collagen and elastin, and accelerates the aging process in your skin. You can protect your skin by:
· Limiting the amount of time you spend outside;
· Wearing broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, and;
· Wearing protective clothing, when you are outside.
Banish the Butts and Axe the Alcohol
Cigarette smoke contributes to skin aging by promoting the breakdown of collagen in your skin. It also causes your blood vessels to construct, reducing amount of nutrients and oxygen that gets to your skin, which can also accelerate aging. The effects of smoking are most visible in the fine lines and wrinkles that form around the lips.
Alcohol has dehydrating effects which can dry out your skin and promote aging.
Carry-on with Cleansing and Maximize the Moisture
Facial cleansers remove the dirt, oil, and bacteria that can age your skin, without stripping the natural oils that keep your skin moist and supple. It’s best to use warm water, rather than hot; and to pat your skin dry, instead of rubbing. Moisturizers supplement the natural oils in your skin by sealing in the moisture that’s already in the skin, and creating a barrier against the weather and other drying elements.
All of these things can help preserve your skin and keep you looking younger longer. But there are also things you can do to help reduce any existing signs of aging.
Massage
Facial massage stimulates blood and lymph flow through your skin, and also stimulates collagen and elastin production. It can also exfoliate dead skin cells to brighten your complexion and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Face Lift Devices
Face lift devices pull or stretch the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. They are usually work for a period of time during the day, or overnight, to train the skin into position. There are several face lift devices on the market including (non-surgical) “face lip strips.”
Anti-wrinkle Creams
Anti-wrinkle creams use substances that stimulate collagen production, or mimic the effects of collagen in your skin. These substances can include fruit acids, such as retinol or retin-A, which exfoliate the top layer of skin and stimulates collagen production. They can also include amino acids called peptides, which attract moisture to plump up the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and stimulate collagen production.
Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels
Microdermabrasion and chemical peels remove the top layer of skin to stimulate collagen production. Although both processes are similar, they are performed differently.
Microdermabrasion uses a fine abrasive to buff away the top layer of skin, promoting new skin growth and stimulating collagen production.
Chemical peels use mild acids to remove the top layer of skin, promoting new skin growth and stimulating collagen production.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are injected into the skin to fill in wrinkle and creases. They are also used to replace lost tissue volume, such as in the lips and cheeks. There are several different types of dermal fillers, from natural to synthetic, including collagen, fat, and lab-made products like Restylane.
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