Age is not a number. It’s the condition of your skin. And if you want to keep it healthy, there are a few things you can do. We all know that smoking will only make the wrinkles in your face more noticeable and may cause sagging skin around your mouth, nose, and eyes.
We also know that regular exercise helps maintain muscle tone in your face, which might help prevent drooping eyelids or sagging cheeks over time. But what about the more modern and less obvious science-based tips? Who doesn’t want to look and feel young forever? It’s a goal we all share, but it can be hard to know what really works. The truth is that there are many different paths you can take on the journey of achieving healthy skin.
This article will discuss some of the most popular methods for aging gracefully and avoiding premature wrinkles.
1) Collagen
Collagen research has come a long way. There have been various studies that share a common conclusion: collagen can help fight against the signs of aging. This is particularly true for under the eyes. A study focused on women in their 40s compared an eye cream with and without collagen to find out if there was a difference in how it would reduce fine lines and dark circles. They found that the group using collagen had significant improvement, while those using a placebo cream did not show any change at all. Likewise, collagen for your skin can improve elasticity and reduce the look of fine lines. Studies have discovered that supplements with at least 13 to 15 grams of pure collagen result in better-looking skin, hair, and nails. The recommended daily dosage is two servings per day for three months. However, it isn’t just about how much you take, but where you get your collagen from. Collagen supplements derived from fish sources are better than those made from pigs or cows. If you want to avoid added sugars and fat, then these types of supplements are ideal for you. There are also vegan options when it comes to collagen supplements, but they are still under review and further research is needed in order to determine their effectiveness.
2) Vitamin C
Research has found that hydration plays an important role in slowing signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. When we drink water, our body actually retains more moisture, which gives our skin a healthy and plump appearance. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that helps with collagen production and plays an important role in the overall health of our skin. It is also an antioxidant that can help protect our skin from free radicals. In order to receive the benefits of vitamin C topically, it’s important to use products that are stable and have a high percentage of L-ascorbic acid. Products containing vitamin C can help brighten your skin, fade sun spots, and even out your skin tone. When used regularly, they can also help reduce the signs of aging.
3) Retinol
Retinol isn’t something new, but many people still don’t know about its benefits. Early research involving retinoids showed promising evidence for anti-aging benefits. More recent data has also shown positive results both for retinol and prescription-strength retinoids. A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that retinol proved to be effective when it came to fighting fine lines and wrinkles, pigment spots, and redness. It was also found to reduce the signs of photodamage, which is critical for preserving younger-looking skin. Another great thing about retinol is that it’s an anti-inflammatory agent; meaning it can help with acne and rosacea.
4) Sunscreen
Sun protection has become a mainstream topic ever since we started learning about the harmful effects of UV rays on our skin. As such, people became more cautious about protecting their skin from sun damage, especially during daytime hours. It is recommended that you use sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days when UV rays can still penetrate your skin and damage it. There are various sunscreen options in the market that come with different levels of protection: from 30 to 100+ SPF. You should choose a sunscreen that is marked as “broad spectrum”, which means it has both UVA and UVB protection. This will help prevent signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.
There are many ways to stay young and healthy, but most of them involve complicated ingredients or difficult routines. You can take your skincare game up a notch by incorporating some key nutrients into your diet like collagen, vitamin C, and retinol.
