"Mirrors don’t lie” you say to yourself. But they do lie; you see wrinkles around the eyes, age spots and sagging skin. You don’t recognize anyone of these. You were sure they weren’t there before. They make you look older than you feel. It’s not right- looking around most of the actresses around 40 are looking healthier and dating guys younger than them. Of course you don’t want their lifestyle only their skin. Don’t bet on the creams they recommend, take care of few of the factors and be sure to age right.
1. LOOKS
The number one reason for Skin aging is the SUN. It is believed that 90% of wrinkles are caused due to sun exposure and not natural aging process. Not just wrinkles, the UV exposure also causes brown spots, mottled patches, finely etched lines, scaly plaques, enlarged blood vessels that give the aged look.
With repeated exposure with sun, the skin loses the ability to repair and the damage accumulates. UV exposure affects the elasticity of the skin and the skin becomes loose and wrinkled and leathery in texture. The good news for Indians is that since we have a browner skin with plenty of melanin, there is lesser damage. But there is still exists the risk from UV rays and thus use of a sunscreen is a must.
Here is what to remember:
- Apply sunscreen year round. Sunscreen should be broad spectrum (offers UVA and UVB protection) and have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors to all skin that will be exposed. It should be reapplied after sweating or being in water.
- You should try to avoid exposure to the sun’s strongest rays that is between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- If you can’t really avoid going out in the sun, at least protect your skin with umbrellas and scarves or long sleeved shirts and long pants. Also don’t forget your eyes and protect them with dark Ultraviolet-resistant glasses.
Dryness of the skin:
For those with oily skin who end up the envying the ones with normal skin, here is one good thing about your skin, it won’t wrinkle that easily. Oil production by the sebaceous glands slows with age. So, not only does the skin lose a major source of lubrication; it also loses its protective barrier. This causes the moisture in the top layers of your skin to evaporate at a faster rate.
Thus, dry skin lacks softness, smoothness and suppleness. It feels tight, fragile and super sensitive. Fine lines and wrinkles appear almost overnight. It makes you look older than your years.
- So start applying eye cream and wearing sun glasses to prevent squinting which can cause crow’s feet. Also, start applying moisturizer from the 30s as the first signs start appearing then with the wrinkles in the forehead.
- Dry skin tends to look dull due to lack of Vitamin E in the skin. This can be taken care of by using the lotions that are rich in vitamin E. This produces a glowing and healthy skin.
- Olive oil and almond oil are very rich in Vitamin E. Regular massage with these oils can prove to be very beneficial. Olive bath oil can also be applied on the wet skin right after bath with the excess oil blotted out with tissue. This helps block the moisture from escaping.
2. FITNESS
“I can’t sit on the ground anymore”, “my legs aren’t what they used to be”, if these are the sentences you utter or hear someone say around you, remember, "When older people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn't happen just because they have aged. More likely it is because they have become inactive," says The National Institute on Aging.
Exercise helps to tone your muscles and gets your blood flowing. When you live an inactive life, the body degenerated faster and you look older. Thus, exercise should be an important part of every anti-aging skin care program.
Scientists in Canada suggest that twice weekly sessions of resistance exercise training using standard gym equipment can reverse the signs of ageing in the skeletal muscles of the people over the age of 65.
In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, the benefits of a regular exercise program will show on your face. Having a bright smile and lots of energy will help you look and feel younger, at any age.
