How to Age Beautifully: Your Guide to Preventing Wrinkles
Fine lines and wrinkles are just a part of aging. By taking care of your skin now, you can age beautifully when the time comes. No matter your age, there are many simple steps to take, which can help slow the physical signs of aging and protect your skin from damage.
Will I Get Wrinkles?
The short answer? Yes. The long answer? As you grow older, your skin becomes drier, thinner and less elastic, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. A person’s aging patterns differ greatly due to ethnicity, genetics, sun exposure, occupation and smoking habits. Sometimes wrinkles form from a certain way you smile or furrow your brow.
So What Can I Do?
Wear Sunscreen
You would never hit the beach or the pool without your sunscreen, right? Well, what about when you hit the office or a day of errands? Sunscreen is important, every single day. The sun offers incredible health benefits like Vitamin D, so don’t avoid the sunshine. However, you should avoid its harmful UV rays. Sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF of around 30, will protect your skin from UV rays which cause accelerated signs of aging and even skin cancer.
Moisturize
As you age, your skin loses elasticity causing the skin to crease and wrinkle. One way to combat this is to moisturize regularly. By moisturizing, water is trapped in the skin, plumping skin and making it appear smoother and feel softer. Moisturizing will also help protect your skin against damage that comes from dryness. Be sure to use a moisturizer that is gentle on the skin. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your dermatologist about a moisturizer that is right for you.
Don’t Tan
Let me repeat. Do not tan. Whatever you do, do not step a foot into a tanning bed. The risk of getting skin cancer from tanning beds is exponentially higher than the risk of tanning in the sun. With that being said, stay away from exposing yourself to too much natural light. Tanning beds and the sun both expose your body to incredibly harmful UV rays. These rays dry out your skin, increase signs of aging, cause uneven skin tone, dark spots and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Don’t risk your skin’s health for a tan. There are many great artificial tanners sold now, so you can get a streak free, natural looking tan from a bottle, without exposing your skin to UV rays.
Be Patient
Just as you don’t age immediately overnight, results don’t appear overnight either. It’s important to stick to a regimen and trust that you’re doing the best thing to protect your skin. This may take six weeks, or it may take a few months. When wrinkles do come, and they will, remember that it is still a natural part of maturing. However, by implementing the steps above, they may progress slower and not as deep! Don’t be afraid to talk to your dermatologist about the best options to protect your skin.
See a Dermatologist
While home remedies and careful skin care are wonderful, your dermatologist can tell you the absolute best ways to care for your skin and prevent wrinkles. If you already have wrinkles, don’t despair. Your dermatologist can provide the best care and treatment plan so you achieve the skin of your dreams, in a safe and effective way.
If you’re ready to take your skin’s health into your own hands, let the dermatologists at Knoxville Dermatology Group help. The professional and experienced staff is ready to get you on the right path to wrinkle-free skin today! To make an appointment, visit our website or call us at (865) 690-9467.
