As people age, they need to take the necessary steps to maintain their health and stay in good shape to age gracefully. For example, it is a good idea to have major medical insurance and visit a doctor frequently as people get older.
However, aging affects more than just internal health, it can also have a major impact on a person’s skin. Over time, skin can dry out and get wrinkles, much to the chagrin of most people who want to stay looking youthful. Thankfully, there are some ways to retain a youthful glow. Here are 5 tips to protect and preserve aging skin.
Use Mild Products
The first tip is to use mild products. Cleansers, face washes and moisturizers should not irritate skin or make it very red. This is especially true if a person has very sensitive skin on their face or body. Be sure to check the ingredient list carefully when it comes to products that will be put on the skin.
In general, watch out for strong fragrances, alcohol or other inclusions that may not agree with the skin of most people. Of course, more intense products can be used from time to time or if the situation calls for it, but are not generally an option for everyday use for most people.
Consider Products That Hold Moisture in the Skin
A great way to protect skin and keep it looking great as a person ages is to use products that moisturize the skin. These can be used right after a shower to soothe skin and can be used throughout the day when it is needed. Find products with ingredients like glycerin, mineral oil and dimethicone, as these can help keep and hold the moisture in the skin and stop it from drying out.
Things like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are particularly good for wrinkles in some cases. Of course, when it comes to facial moisturizers, use a product that is right for a particular skin type. There are different options for those with oily skin, those with dry skin and those with sensitive skin.
Enlist the Help of Retinoids
If people really want to go the extra mile to prevent wrinkles and fine lines, consider using a retinoid. Retinoids come from vitamin A and have long been studied and used as a product for anti-aging. They help to build up the production of collagen, which can help give the skin a more healthy and plump appearance.
Retinoids also help with the regeneration of skin and the creation of blood vessels. There are many different types of retinoids, with different levels of intensity/potency, and many come in gel or cream form. They will generally require a prescription. If they don’t want to get a prescription, there is a weaker type of this product available, called retinol that could be considered. Of course, be sure to consult with a dermatologist or doctor to ensure that these are safe to use.
Herbs and Oils Can Help
Another solid way to preserve aging skin is to experiment with the use of herbs and oils. There are many different kinds of oils that can be used to keep the skin in good shape. Some of them will include antioxidants, some can introduce vitamins on the skin and others can act to rejuvenate or soothe the skin.
These can be used topically in different ways such as splashed on the face, using a dropper and rubbing it in, or adding the oils to a cream or gel. Also, different skin types may respond differently to different herbs or oils. It is a good idea to test a small part of the skin before going all in with a certain product.
The Power of Exfoliation
Exfoliation is also an important part of maintaining healthy and youthful skin. Every month or so, our skin creates a new layer as we shed dead skill cells often. However, as we age, this process of creating a new and healthy layer of skin can slow down, leaving the skin to look a little rough and sort of dull.
Exfoliating is a good way to help the process along and help shed the dead skin cells. If people exfoliate about once a week, it can have brilliant results. Be sure to find a scrub that is comfortable for skin, and be careful to exfoliate fairly gently, as not to irritate or hurt the skin.
In conclusion, there are a number of different things one can do to protect and preserve their skin as they age. Whether an individual tries all or only a couple of the aforementioned tips, they should help them improve the look and feel of their skin as they age.
