You might think adding a little anti-wrinkle cream is enough to fight off signs of ageing, but that’s just the start.
We’ve got 7 more dos and don’ts to help keep your youthful skin for as long as possible:
- Do add an extra layer of sunscreen to your beauty routine
Yes, most make up products also boast an SPF level, but these often only protect you against UVB rays – rays that cause skin reddening and sunburn – but not against UVA rays – rays that cause wrinkles and age spots.
UVA accounts for up to 95 percent of the radiation that reaches the planet’s surface, the Skin Cancer Foundation reveals. They’re present with equal intensity during all daylight hours and can penetrate clouds, fog, and glass.
- Don’t use just any soap
When it comes to choosing soap, you want to stay away from ingredients such as alcohol, fragrance, and sulfates, as these strip the skin of natural oils. The skin barrier is weakened when dehydrated, and dry skin cannot protect itself from irritants like pollution, viruses, and bacteria. Also, though dry skin doesn’t cause wrinkles, it accentuates them. Choose a hydrating cleanser and follow up with a moisturizer.
- Do prioritise sleep
Sleep helps skin cells regenerate, boosts collagen production, and gives your skin a break from environmental stress (UV rays, pollution). A study by the Department of Dermatology at the UH Cleveland Medical Center found that chronic poor sleep quality is associated with increased signs of intrinsic aging, diminished skin barrier function, and lower satisfaction with appearance. Aim for 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
- Don’t rub your eyes
The skin around the eyes is especially delicate, so frequently rubbing it can cause wrinkles, fine lines, and dark circles. People who suffer from skin conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis, or allergies tend to rub their eyes often.
If you find it impossible to stop rubbing your eyes, visit a dermatologist to get some advice.
- Don’t think it’s ok to have chronic stress
According to Harvard Health, stress can negatively affect overall skin wellness and exacerbate several skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, acne, and hair loss. Chronic stress, linked to the overproduction of cortisol, can also accelerate the aging process because of increased inflammation and overproduction of free radical cell damage.
- Don’t ask for a straw
Repetitive lip pursing contributes to lines around the mouth, the Mayo Clinic states. When sipping out of a straw, you activate muscles around the lips; the more we activate muscles, the more we create creases in the skin as we age because of the loss of elastin.
- Do wear sunglasses – always
Yes, even when it’s cloudy or cold! Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays, which can harm the eyelid, lens, retina, and cornea. Additionally, UV damage induces dryness, wrinkles, accentuated skin furrows, sagging, loss of elasticity, and mottled pigmentation.
For more information visit Herbalife.
