How Can You Slow Your Skin's Aging Process?
Growing old is a natural part of life. It’s a reminder that despite our differences, we are all the same species living in the same world. But there are other truths about us humans. Not all of us live and are built the same way.
Some of us work field jobs that require prolonged sun exposure. Others of us are born into races that don’t show signs of aging as quickly as others. Yet, there is one thing that most of us agree on when it comes to beauty, especially in the pro cheer community - skin aging sucks.
Although it’s inescapable, skin aging can be slowed down. Which is why we will discuss some of the ways to do so in this article. But first, let’s understand the factors that cause skin aging.
5 Factors That Contribute to Premature Skin Aging
1. Sun exposure and tanning
UV rays penetrate your skin. They damage the DNA in your skin cells causing your skin to wrinkle.
2. Genetics
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) have more melanin in their skin than white people do. Melanin is a pigment that helps block out UV rays from the sun. This is one of the reasons the expressions “Black don’t crack” and “Asian don’t raisin” exist.
3. Vices
Smoking and alcohol consumption cause oxidative stress to your skin and dehydrate it. Over time, your skin will sag and lose form.
4. Stress
Stress causes an inflammatory response in your body. That inflammatory response will then trigger a hormonal imbalance resulting in a quicker aging process. Now you know why you like hell when you’re heavy-headed.
5. Poor diet and bad sleeping habits
Research has shown that high sugar and refined carbohydrates don’t just damage your skin over time but also speed up your gene’s natural aging process. Couple that with a lack of sleep every night and you’ll look like 40 at the age of 30 or younger.
5 Ways to Slow Down Skin Aging
1. Use sunscreen
You can never avoid the sun forever. You also need exposure to get vitamin D. This is why you should always apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher all over your body before engaging in outdoor activities. The longer you expect to stay under the sun, the higher your sunscreen’s SPF should be.
2. Live a healthy lifestyle
Don’t just rely on skincare products with SPF to minimize the effects of photoaging. Eat healthy food, especially those high in protein and collagen. Follow a good sleep schedule and get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Don’t smoke and drink occasionally.
3. Moisturize
Apply a moisturizer to your skin after outdoor activities. Drink a full glass of water as well to rehydrate your skin from the inside.
4. Wear a hat, pants, and sleeved clothing during a hot day
During spring and summer when there are fewer clouds, it’s best to add a UV-blocking layer through clothing. Long sleeves and pants will protect your arms and legs from the sun. Your hat will also protect your face and neck area.
It will be hard to do so during these seasons because shots and light shirts will be the fashion trend. But ask yourself what really matters, “Seasonal aesthetic or long-term beauty?”
5. Avoid stress
Don’t trouble yourself with other people’s worries. Spend less time on social media. Stay away from people who bring you more anxiety than happiness. Do yoga. Go on nature walks. Even make a habit of meditating. Don’t sulk at home whenever you feel down or troubled.
Having a skincare routine is also helpful to slow down skin aging. What matters is that you pick products that don’t contain harmful chemicals and won’t cause skin irritations. Talk to your dermatologist to get the best advice.
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