Ten Tips to Promote the Healthy Aging of Skin

It’s inevitable that as we age, we’ll look in the mirror and see crow’s feet, laugh lines as well as thinner and drier skin.

And while there’s little we can do about the natural aging of our skin, when it comes to environment and lifestyle choices, there’s a lot we can do to slow the effects of premature aging.

This month, Price Skin Care Clinic joins the Healthy Aging organization in the national observance of ‘Healthy Aging Month,’ created to promote healthy aging concepts.

In honor of this emphasis on healthy aging, we offer this list of ten self-care tips that promote the healthy aging of skin.

Tip #1: Protect Your Skin from the Sun
We can’t say enough about the harmful effects that the sun can have on your skin.
Regardless of the weather or the season, the sun can damage your skin and promote premature aging. But more importantly, it cause fatal skin cancer diseases such as melanoma.

You can’t be too careful in protecting your skin from the sun’s ultra violet rays.

For these reasons, we recommend following these basic sun safe guidelines:
• Apply daily a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s SPF 15 or higher.
• Limit the time you spend in the sun each day, especially during the peak hours of 10 am – 2 pm.
• Stay in the shade when possible and cover exposed areas with light clothing.
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
* Don’t tan in the sun or use tanning beds.

Tip #2: Stop Smoking
Not only is smoking bad for your lungs and overall health, it speeds up the aging process of skin, causing wrinkles and a dull complexion.

If you want to live longer and look better, stop smoking.

Tip #3: Cleanse Gently
Scrubbing your skin can irritate it, which in turn can damage it and promote aging. Rather than scrub, cleanse your skin gently.

Tip #4: Moisturize
Apply a facial moisturizer daily. This traps water in the skin, helping it look younger.

Tip #5: Wear Sunglasses
Wearing sunglasses not only protects your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, but helps prevents squinting, which can reduce the prevalence of wrinkles and lines on your face.

Tip #6: Sleep Well
In today’s culture, sleep is often underrated and taken for granted. Scientists are learning that a good night’s sleep is paramount to good health. Even your skin needs a good night’s rest so try to get 7-8 hours of sleep daily.

Tip #7: Eat Fresh
Some scientific studies suggest that a diet including fresh fruit and vegetables may help prevent premature skin aging. Conversely, some studies also suggest that a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can speed up the aging process.

Tip #8: Drink More Water
You may know that the human body’s largest organ is the skin. And because it’s the largest organ, it needs a lot of water to stay healthy. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. It’s not only good for the health of your skin but for the rest of your body as well.

Tip #9: Drink Less Alcohol
Alcohol dehydrates the skin and can damage it, making you look older. So drink more water and less alcohol.

Tip #10: Exercise More
Regular exercise has been shown to improve circulation and boost the immune system, which can keep the skin looking younger longer.

Come See Us!
An annual visit to a skin doctor has a number of benefits, including:
• A complete skin check to insure your skin is healthy and disease-free.
• Advice for any problem areas you may have, including the premature aging of skin.
• The recommendation of a skin care regimen that’s tailored to your special needs.

To make an appointment at Price Skin Care Clinic, please call: 601.992.3996.