The most effective way to prevent premature skin aging is daily habits, not expensive products. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the sun plays a major role in aging skin before its time, and other habits can speed it up too. The good news is that most of them are within your control.
This article covers the two types of skin aging, the habits dermatologists recommend, how to get results from anti-aging skincare, and a real analysis from Kira.
Two types of skin aging
The AAD separates two types of aging. The first is intrinsic aging, the natural process: with time, lines appear, the face loses some of its fullness, and skin becomes thinner and drier. Its timing is largely controlled by our genes.
The second is extrinsic aging, driven by environment and lifestyle. This is the type you can slow down with preventive steps.
Habits that prevent premature aging
- Protect your skin from the sun every day. Seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing and sunglasses with UV protection, and use broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. See how to apply sunscreen correctly.
- Skip the tan. According to the AAD, every tan, from the sun or a tanning bed, prematurely ages your skin.
- If you smoke, stop. Smoking greatly speeds up skin aging, causing wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion.
- Avoid repetitive facial expressions. Contracting the same muscles for many years can make lines permanent. Sunglasses help reduce lines from squinting.
- Drink less alcohol. Alcohol dehydrates the skin and damages it over time.
- Cleanse gently, twice a day and after sweating. Scrubbing irritates skin, and irritation accelerates aging.
- Apply a facial moisturizer every day. Moisturizer traps water in the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.
- Stop using products that sting or burn. Stinging means your skin is irritated, which can make it look older.
The AAD also notes that, based on a few studies, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables and regular exercise may help skin look more youthful.
How to get results from anti-aging skincare
- Give it time. A moisturizer can plump up fine lines in a few days, but most products take at least six weeks, sometimes up to three months.
- Stay consistent. Many people stop once they see results. If you want the results to last, keep using the product.
- Do not skip moisturizer. The extra moisture helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and brighten your complexion.
- Avoid do-it-yourself devices. The AAD warns that lasers and anti-aging products sold online are often counterfeit or imported illegally, and can be extremely dangerous.
Some prescription anti-aging products may sting, and that can be OK as long as your dermatologist knows. For over-the-counter products, stop if they sting or burn.
A real anti-aging analysis from Kira
Here is Kira’s real answer to the question “I’m starting to get fine lines under my eyes, what anti-aging care should I use?”. Kira reads the skin from a selfie, then builds a routine with ingredients to look for and things to avoid.
Kira’s advice to use a daily moisturizer and sunscreen and to avoid harsh scrubs matches what AAD dermatologists recommend. If you are new to retinol, introduce it slowly and stop if it stings. Fine lines under the eyes often come with dark circles, which we cover in how to get rid of dark circles.
When to see a dermatologist
If signs of aging bother you or you are not seeing the results you want, the AAD suggests seeing a dermatologist. Creams, gels and lotions cannot reduce all signs of aging, and there are now less-invasive treatments for smoothing wrinkles, tightening skin and improving your complexion.
Ask Kira about your skin
Send Kira a selfie in natural light on WhatsApp. Kira reads early signs of aging such as fine lines, then builds a morning and night routine with ingredients to look for and avoid. See the anti-aging example.
Frequently asked questions
How can I prevent premature skin aging?
AAD dermatologists recommend daily sun protection with SPF 30 sunscreen, quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol, cleansing gently twice a day, applying moisturizer every day, and stopping products that sting. These habits slow the aging caused by environment and lifestyle.
What causes premature skin aging?
The sun plays a major role, including tanning outdoors or in tanning beds. Other causes include smoking, alcohol, repetitive facial expressions, scrubbing skin too hard, and irritating products. Natural aging still happens, and its timing is largely controlled by genetics.
How long does anti-aging skincare take to work?
A moisturizer can plump up fine lines in a few days, but according to the AAD most anti-aging products take at least six weeks, and sometimes up to three months. Use them consistently, since results can fade once you stop.
When should I start anti-aging skincare?
Preventive habits like daily sunscreen, moisturizer and gentle cleansing can start at any age and help at every age. According to the AAD, even people who already show signs of premature aging benefit from lifestyle changes, because protecting the skin gives it a chance to repair some damage.
Sources
Facts in this article refer to the sources below.
- Skincare
- Anti-aging
- Sunscreen
- Pelembap
