How to Avoid Premature Skin Ageing
Tips on Minimizing the Environmental Damage to the Skin
Aug 2, 2009
Natural ageing is a genetically controlled, continuous and inevitable biological process affected by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The intrinsic factors depend upon the genetic programming of the cellular ageing and are passed on as hereditary characteristics unique for each individual.
Extrinsic factors affecting the skin ageing include the external environmental effects on the skin from the ultraviolet radiation, gravity, temperature changes, humidity, wind, environmental pollutants and irritants, ozone layer depletion, poor nutrition, physical and psychological stress, bad habits like smoking, excess alcohol, lack of rest and sleep, drug abuse, and, finally, the excessive use of detergents and cosmetics on the skin.
Can ageing of skin be avoided or postponed? Premature skin ageing can definitely be avoided, or at least postponed, if certain precautionary measures are taken.
Tips on How to Maintain a Healthy Skin and Avoid Premature Skin Ageing
- Use a sun protection cream with an SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or above on the face and other exposed parts if you intend to stay in the sun for a prolonged duration.
- Even in winter you should apply sunscreens while outdoors.
- On sunny days, using a wide brimmed hat and long sleeved cotton dresses will help keep out some direct sunlight and UV radiation.
- Sun tanning will enhance skin ageing and should be avoided.
- Drink plenty of water: children should drink 3-5 glasses and adults 8-10 every day. This is in addition to the milk or fruit juices that you normally take.
- Eat 2-3 helpings of fruits and include lots of vegetables and green salads in your daily diet. Non-vegetarians may include fish and grilled chicken, but avoid red meats and fried fast foods if you wish to maintain a healthy and smooth skin texture.
- Sleep early and get up early. Sufficient sleep (7-8 hours per day) and rest periods are essential for general health.
- Exercise regularly. In addition to the release of positive hormones in the body, exercise increases the blood flow to the skin and other vital organs of the body.
- Do not use harsh soaps or wash your body with too cold or too hot water. Contrary to popular beliefs, regular steam baths are not good for your skin.
- Immediately after bath, apply a moisturizer to your face and extremities. This will help in retaining the moisture within the skin layers and keep the skin supple and firm.
- Smoking and alcohol is injurious to the health of skin.
- Stress can adversely affect the health of skin in a number of ways. Practice daily stress management techniques like yoga, meditation and progressive relaxation sessions.
- Be cautious while using creams on the face. Certain medicated creams like topical steroids and those containing certain types of fruit acids should only be used under the direction of a dermatologist or cosmetologist.
- If you feel your food is not properly balanced, you need to take vitamin supplements, especially those with Vitamin A, C, E and B complex. Vitamins have antioxidant properties that protect the skin and body from harmful chemical substances inside the cells. They are also important in maintaining the normal functioning of cells and tissues of various organs including the skin.
- Cosmetologists and dermatologists now have various techniques like fillers, Botox injections, laser resurfacing, different depth skin peelings etc. to remove the unwanted signs of skin ageing.
Finally, it will be a good idea to assess the present status of your skin, plan rejuvenating measures and chart out an individualized skin care program with the help of a dermatologist or cosmetologist to maintain your youthful appearance even in your middle age and beyond.
Source
Disclaimer
The information given in this article is for educational purpose only so that patients are aware of the options available. No diagnosis should be made or treatment undertaken without first consulting your doctor. If you do so, the author or suite101 will not be responsible for any consequences. The images provided are for illustration purpose only.
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