Skin aging is a natural process that begins as early as age 25, although the first visible signs can vary from person to person. Fine lines, loss of firmness, pigment spots, and sagging skin are among the concerns associated with skin aging. Fortunately, with the right skincare, it's possible to slow this process and maintain healthy, radiant skin for longer. This article explores the different steps and essential products for preventing skin aging.
Why does skin age?
Skin aging is caused by a combination of internal and external factors.
1. Intrinsic factors
Intrinsic factors are related to age and genetics. Over time, the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins essential for skin firmness and elasticity, naturally declines. Additionally, cell regeneration slows, causing the skin to thin and lose its natural radiance.
The skin's internal hydration also decreases, as sebum production, which helps retain moisture in the skin, decreases with age. This lack of hydration makes the skin more vulnerable to fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Extrinsic factors
Extrinsic factors are related to the environment and lifestyle habits. They can significantly accelerate skin aging. The main factors include:
- Exposure to UV rays : The sun is one of the main causes of premature skin aging. UV rays damage skin cells and lead to wrinkles, spots, and sagging skin.
- Pollution : Pollutants in the air generate free radicals that accelerate skin aging by causing inflammation and oxidative damage to skin cells.
- Smoking : Nicotine reduces blood circulation, depriving the skin of oxygen and nutrients, which accelerates aging.
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Stress and lack of sleep : These factors increase the production of cortisol, a hormone that contributes to the breakdown of collagen and the appearance of wrinkles. To sleep soundly, try June Laboratoire's Sleep Formula
The essential steps to prevent skin aging
Preventing skin aging relies on a tailored skincare routine that includes specific products and actions to nourish, protect, and repair the skin. Here are the essential steps to follow to maintain youthful, radiant skin.
1. Cleanse gently
Cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine, and it's essential to use gentle products that won't damage the skin. As we age, our skin becomes more fragile, and harsh cleansers can disrupt the natural hydrolipidic film, leading to increased dryness and faster aging.
Why is gentle cleansing important?
A good cleanser removes impurities, oil, and makeup residue while preserving skin's moisture. Using cleansers formulated with moisturizing ingredients, such as aloe vera or glycerin, helps cleanse the skin without overdrying it.
2. Use an anti-aging serum
Serums are essential for targeting specific aging-related concerns. Thanks to their high concentration of active ingredients, they penetrate deep into the skin and work quickly.
Which ingredients should you prioritize in an anti-aging serum?
Anti-aging serums should contain active ingredients that stimulate collagen production, such as retinol, peptides, or vitamin C. For example, the Marine Collagen - Anti-Aging Formula, which you can see in the image, is an excellent choice. Enriched with collagen, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, it helps redensify the skin, smooth wrinkles, and prevent their appearance.
Vitamin C, in particular, is a powerful antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals while promoting radiance and reducing dark spots.
3. Deeply moisturize and nourish the skin
Hydration is one of the most important steps in preventing skin aging. As we age, our skin loses its natural moisture, making it more likely to form wrinkles and lose its elasticity.
Which moisturizers should you choose?
Creams rich in essential fatty acids, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid are ideal for maintaining hydration and strengthening the skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid, in particular, is capable of retaining up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it an ideal ally for intensely hydrating the skin.
For mature skin, it is also recommended to use nourishing creams that contain ingredients such as shea butter or sweet almond oil, which provide long-lasting hydration while improving the skin's suppleness.
4. Protect skin from UV rays
Sun protection is arguably the most crucial step in preventing premature skin aging. UV rays are responsible for 80% of the visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and dark spots.
Why apply sunscreen every day?
UVA and UVB rays penetrate the skin and damage its collagen and elastin fibers, leading to a loss of elasticity and the formation of wrinkles. To effectively protect your skin, it is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even in winter or on cloudy days.
5. Adopt a healthy lifestyle
External care is important, but preventing skin aging also involves adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Food
A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals is essential for fighting free radicals, which are responsible for premature skin aging. Colorful fruits and vegetables (such as berries, citrus fruits, carrots, and spinach) contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene, which protect the skin from oxidative damage.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish like salmon or flax seeds, are also essential for maintaining skin suppleness and elasticity.
Internal hydration
Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining proper skin hydration and preventing dry skin, which can accelerate aging. Well-hydrated skin is more elastic and less prone to wrinkles.
Sleep
Sleep is often called "nature's anti-aging remedy" because skin regenerates most actively during the night. A lack of sleep disrupts this repair process, which can accelerate the appearance of signs of aging.
6. Complementary anti-aging treatments
In addition to a daily skincare routine, certain treatments can be considered to prevent skin aging in a more targeted manner.
Peels
Chemical peels, based on fruit acids or glycolic acid, remove dead skin cells and stimulate cell renewal. They improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Mesotherapy and injections
Mesotherapy involves injecting small amounts of vitamins, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants into the skin to revitalize it and stimulate collagen production. This treatment is often used to prevent wrinkles and improve skin radiance.
7. Take care of the eye area
The skin around the eyes is very thin and fragile, making it an area particularly prone to signs of aging, such as wrinkles and dark circles. Using a specific eye cream containing hydrating and smoothing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, caffeine, or peptides is essential to prevent these signs of aging.
