Aging is a natural process that happens to everyone. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with aging, one can still want to age gracefully and feel beautiful well into old age.
Genetics can play a significant role in the way and the speed at which we age, but we also have a personal responsibility in the way we age. External factors such as diet and nutritional deficiencies, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, and even lack of sleep can have a massive impact on the aging process.
The earliest signs of the aging process start around 25 years old, as the first signs become apparent on the surface of the skin. Science has demonstrated that around 25, the skin starts producing less collagen at a rate of about 1% less per year. And by the time you’re in your fifties, your body produces little to no new collagen. Lack of collagen results in a chain of skin changes, such as wrinkles and fine lines, dark spots, loss of elasticity or volume, sagginess and uneven texture and tone. But worry not! There are many ways you can empower yourself and get ready to smoothly navigate these shifts in your appearance.
Here are simple and easy ways you can prevent damages to your skin while maintaining its glow for as long as possible:
1. The foundation of a healthy and glowing skin is a clean Pick a gentle cleanser that is adapted to your skin-type. The ideal cleanser should not disturb your skin barrier and leave your skin feeling tight or dry. You can find great cleansers among French brands such as La Roche Posay, Avène and Bioderma.
2. The next step is finding the right moisturizer that works for you. A good moisturizer leaves your skin feeling supple and healthy-looking. The main function of a day cream is hydration. An effective day cream keeps water locked in your skin and gives your skin a softer and smoother appearance.
3. Don’t forget to pick the right products for sensitive areas such as the eye contour, which is one of the first areas to show signs of aging. This is due to the thinness of the skin around the eye Pick a product that is adapted to your skin type and concern, which can range from wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles, hyperpigmentation etc.
4. The third fundamental step that you absolutely cannot skip is using a good sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. If you want to age well, this is non-negotiable. Your skin needs year-round protection to remain healthy and vibrant, here’s why: UV exposure prompts a chain reaction of processes in the skin. Exposure to Ultraviolet radiation (UV) results in free radical formation which causes oxidative stress in skin cells, inflammation, DNA damage, and even DNA mutations. UVA massively contributes to skin cancer, dark spots, and premature aging. How? UVA damages deeper skin layers, damaging collagen and elastin in your skin and resulting in an acceleration of fine lines and wrinkles. And because collagen is the major structural component of skin, any alteration in its production or degradation could have severe and profound effects on cutaneous functional Photoaging is the term given to UV induced aging of the skin; it is typically characterized by dyspigmentation, thickening of the skin, loss of elasticity, lines, and wrinkles. Many damages can be prevented by using sunscreen, so invest in a high-quality sunscreen and don’t forget to reapply it several times throughout the day.
5.Lastly, don’t forget to give as much attention to your body as to your face. Regularly exfoliate and use high-quality moisturizers to keep your skin supple, healthy, and glowing.
