Lots of things can cause our skin to age and some things we can’t change but others are well within in our control. By arming ourselves with the right skin care information we can help our skin stay healthy and fabulous for a long, long time. So let’s get the right information out there…
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), there are two types of skin aging – intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging.
Intrinsic Aging – Where Nature Has Its Way
Unfortunately we can’t stop is the natural aging process. As we age we all will develop visible lines and our face will loose its youthful fullness. Our skin will become drier and thinner. Sounds tough but everyone goes through this and it’s the part of life I call aging gracefully 
.
Genetics plays a large part on when this all happens. This type of aging is called intrinsic aging.
Extrinsic Aging – Where You Can Make a Difference
Extrinsic aging is the aging process we can control. Our environment and lifestyle play a large part in this type of aging. By taking preventative steps we can slow this process. That’s good news!
So the next logical question is what are the steps we can take? We’ve got you covered – below are thing we can do to slow down extrinsic aging.
Wear Sunscreen Daily
Protect your skin from the sun everyday, as the sun is the leading cause of skin damage and premature skin aging. Ways to protect your skin include wearing sunscreen, wearing sun protective clothing & accessories and seeking shade during peak sun hours.
Avoid Tanning
Every time you tan, you prematurely age your skin. A tan is actually a response by the body to injury from UV rays. The whole idea of a healthy glow from a tan isn’t correct. Try to avoid tanning, especially indoor tanning as much as possible.
Wash Your Face
Wash your face before bedtime as dirt, buildup, and makeup can prevent the skin from renewing itself at night, which causes premature skin aging.
Moisturize
Apply a moisturizer daily as moisturizers trap water in our skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.
Eat Well, Drink Less, Exercise
According to the AAD, research studies suggest that eating lots of sugar or other refined carbohydrates can accelerate aging. Additionally, alcohol dehydrates the skin and in time damages it. Finally, the AAD mentions a few studies suggesting that exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system, which may give the skin a more-youthful appearance.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking speeds the signs of aging. It causes wrinkles and dulls the skin’s complexion.
Yes, it turns out being healthy can lead to good skin.
Anti-Aging Skin Care Tips
Now that you know the keys to skin aging – enjoy the process and try to take the right steps to keep your skin looking fantastic for as long as possible. It’s easy to forget, I do sometimes, but being as consistent as you can will help in the long run.
Want more? Our anti-aging skin care tips don’t just stop here, we have a treasure trove of information on this topic. So check out our Anti-Aging blog series.
