7 tips to prevent early skin ageing
7 Tips to Prevent Early Skin Ageing
A healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, sufficient physical exercise and enough sleep promotes skin health. So does a good daily skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturising and the use of a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimal SPF 15 to 30.
"Avoidance of sun is the most effective way to avoid UV exposure, followed by protective clothing and using an umbrella and hats," says Dr Pang Shiu Ming, Senior Consultant, Department of Dermatology, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group.
Related article: UV exposure and vitamin D – how much sun do you really need for your health?
If you are in your 20s, your skin has a good cell turnover and collagen production. To prevent skin damage at this age, you can start using a moisturiser that contains antioxidant ingredients such as vitamin C. These antioxidant products can protect the skin against environmental damage.
You can also include a prescription retinoid or over-the-counter retinol cream in your nightly skin care routine. Retinoids, vitamin A derivatives such as tretinoin, help improve skin appearance by speeding up cell turnover and boosting collagen production. They can also unclog pores and lighten brown spots.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) found in some skin creams can also help with cell turnover and collagen production, but to a lesser extent that prescription retinoids.
"A retinoid cream should be introduced slowly since it can cause redness and dryness in the first few weeks of use," says Dr Pang. "Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use a retinoid cream."
Related article: Not all hope is lost after you’ve developed wrinkles! These 6 procedures have been proven successful in rejuvenating the skin
Can collagen drinks boost the collagen levels in your skin or boost collagen production?
"No they can't," says Dr Pang. "Your body will simply break down the collagen contained in these drinks and use it for energy. The collagen will not magically transfer to your dermis, or benefit the skin in any way." You should use a retinoid cream instead to boost collagen production.
3 lifestyle tips to prevent wrinkles and early skin ageing
Sleep on your back.
Sleeping on the same side every night can cause fine lines and wrinkles to form on that side of your face. Vary your sleeping position, or sleep on your back if you can.Use a good moisturiser.
Though drinking enough fluids is good for general health, dermatologists know that good skin moisture is really achieved at the skin barrier level. Moisturisers will trap water content in the skin so cells stay plump and hydrated. This is key in keeping wrinkles at bay and yet often overlooked.Wear sunglasses.
It can prevent UV damage to the delicate skin around your eyes and protect your eyes.
Related article: Like these tips? We have 4 more easy tips to protect your skin from early ageing, including what you should eat
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By Anjana Motihar Chandra for HealthXchange.com.sg.
Articles on HealthXchange.com.sg are meant for informational purposes only and cannot replace professional surgical, medical or health advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.
