Everyone wants to age gracefully, right? Well, no! If you’re honest about it, you’d most likely prefer to never age another day. While there’s no way (yet… we repeat… yet) to completely stop the aging process, there are plenty of steps you can take to slow it down.
Whenever this topic comes up, it is common to look to diet and exercise as the most talked about solutions… and for good reason. Diet and exercise are fundamentally important to a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a strong physique and youthful appearance. However, the third leg of this stool is most definitely skincare.
Your skin is the largest organ in the body and one of the very first things people see. If you are doing absolutely everything you can in the realm of diet and exercise, but are only marginally managing your skin, you may not be seeing your maximum results.
Make no mistake, proper skincare takes both time and energy. It involves regular routine and making the proper choices in conjunction, oftentimes, with a professional. However, it can also provide as much of a reward in terms of confidence and appearance as almost anything you can do.
At the Elan Skin MedSpa in Nashville, our goal is to help you feel more confident about your skin. With a broad array of lasers and technologies, we can help you with the issues you want to address.
In this blog post, we will explore several fundamental tips to slow down the signs of aging and help you fulfill your goals. From using sunscreen to choosing the right skincare products and services, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your skin in tip-top shape.
Read on to learn more!
Use Sunscreen Always
The sun is an ever-present part of life, especially in warmer climates. It is both immensely pleasurable to just sit and relax in the sun and it is also a fundamental part of many of our favorite past-times.
However, the sun is also something that needs to be carefully managed. Did you know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and disease? From sunspots to wrinkles and lines, the sun is the primary source of many unwanted skin issues.
It’s important to always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days. While this can slow tanning and take time to see your desired color, that is exactly the point! Allowing your skin to tan over time is much less damaging and limits the unwanted long-term issues.
Types of Sunscreen
There are two types of sunscreen—chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens sink into the skin, while physical sunscreens are made of minerals that sit on the surface of your skin and reflect ultraviolet light. Many people choose to use both types together, especially if they are planning time out in the sun.
For best results, apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before you go outside. And be sure to reapply it every two hours – or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
In addition to wearing sunscreen, you can protect your skin from the sun by wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses. We get it! Everyone wants the best tan on day one. But, you can get years in return by taking a more moderate approach and managing your tan with the proper use of sunscreen.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
From wind and heat to detergents and skin types, there are any number of things that can dry out your skin – even the afore mentioned fun in the sun. Dry skin can be a significant problem in and of itself, or a contributing factor to signs of aging. Plus, as we age our skin becomes naturally dryer due to chemical changes in our body. When dry, skin is more likely to crack and if not properly managed can lead to numerous skin issues.
Moisturizing is fundamentally important and one of the best ways to slow down the signs of aging. Moisturizing helps to keep your skin hydrated, which prevents wrinkles and fine lines from forming. It also helps to plump up your skin, making it look younger and more radiant.
There are many types of moisturizers on the market, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for a moisturizer that’s rich in hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. If you have oily skin, look for a light, oil-free moisturizer that won’t clog your pores.
No matter what your skin type, it’s important to apply moisturizer every day – both morning and night. For best results, apply your moisturizer after cleaning your skin to elevate the buildup of harsh ingredients that may be a part of our soaps and conditioners.
Follow a Good Skin Care Routine
If almost goes without saying, the more regularly you care for your skin, the better results you will see. Routine and consistency are highly important. At a minimum, your skin care routine should include the following on a regular basis:
- Washing your face twice a day with a mild cleanser
- Using a moisturizer to hydrate your skin
- Exfoliating your skin once or twice a week
If your skin is dry, you may want to use a heavier moisturizer at night before you go to bed. You may also want to add a serum into your routine to help lock in moisture. Also, if you’re prone to breakouts, adding an acne-fighting product in addition to your regular cleanser can help.
As you care for your skin, be gentle. Avoid products that are hard on the skin as well as harsh scrubbing or over-exfoliating, which can strip away essential moisture and lead to irritation. Instead, focus on cleansing thoroughly but gently each day and exfoliating not more than once or twice a week.
Finally, you know how important sunscreen is for your skin health, so make applying an SPF part your morning routine. Make sure to apply sunscreen every day, even if you’re just running errands or going for a walk around the block.
Use Quality Skin Care Products
Another factor in slowing down the signs of aging is to use quality skin care products. This means products that are designed for your specific skin type and that contain high quality ingredients that have been proven to be effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
There are a few different types of ingredients found in quality anti-aging skin care products, including retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants.
- Retinoids are derived from Vitamin A and help to boost collagen production and increase cell turnover.
- Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Antioxidants help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to premature aging.
Not sure which products are best for your particular skin type? You can take the guesswork out of finding the best products to meet your goals by consulting with one of the professionals at Elan Skin. They will recommend products that are specific to your personal skin care goals.
And finally, just for good measure, we’ll say it one more time:
Don’t forget to use sunscreen!
Get Regular Facials
As we age, our skin cells turnover at a slower rate and our skin begins to thin. To help combat these changes and keep your skin looking its best, get regular facials.
Facials can help to exfoliate dead skin cells, boost collagen production, and improve circulation. In addition to helping your skin look younger, facials can also be very relaxing and can help reduce stress levels.
Peels Can Help Slow Down the Signs of Aging
Another way to slow down the signs of aging is with peels. Peels can help improve the appearance of your skin by reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. They can also help even out your skin tone and give you a more youthful appearance.
If you’re interested in trying a peel, talk to the professionals at Elan Skin about which one is right for you. They can help you choose a peel that will be most effective for your specific needs.
Seek Professional Advice
When it comes to slowing down the signs of aging, one size does not fit all. The latest “craze” may not be the best way to care for your skin.
It’s important to find a professional who, relying on the latest scientific advancements, can advise you on the best ways to protect your skin and keep it looking young.
The professionals at Elan Skin are Nashville’s skin care experts. They can give you helpful product and treatment recommendations and advise you on your quest to slow down the signs of aging. Call us today at 615.814.4999 or contact us online for a personal consultation.
Even though the aging process is inevitable, there are things we can do to slow down the signs of aging and keep our skin looking young. Try incorporating some of these tips into your daily routine and you’ll be on your way to keeping those unwanted wrinkles at bay.