Maybe you’re in your 20s or early 30s and you think you can’t possibly have (gulp) ageing skin yet. Well, you’re wrong. Your skin’s ‘youthfulness’ has less to do with age and more to do with how it’s been treated, so if exposed to sun, smoke and stress, your skin will start ‘acting old’, losing collagen, glow and elasticity. Lines will develop prematurely and your skin may look dull.
It is easier to prevent damage than to repair it, but the good news is that you can put the brakes on prematurely ageing skin and you can reverse the ageing process. Well, to a point.
Here are five dos and five don’ts to help slow down and reverse the ageing process and leave your skin glowing at any age.
DO – STOP SMOKING
The fact is, smoking is the second biggest cause of skin damage after sun exposure. Why? Nicotine constricts blood vessels and decreases the flow of oxygen to the skin.
DO – EXFOLIATE
Done properly not only does it rid your face of dead skin, but it can improve texture as well – by reducing fine lines.
DO – USE AN EYE CREAM
Eyes are one of the first places to show ageing. The skin around the eyes is extra thin so you’ll want to protect this delicate skin from the elements with a good eye cream.
DO – WEAR SUNSCREEN EVERYDAY
Even in winter it can take just 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to damage the skin.
DO – HAVE PROFESSIONAL SALON TREATMENTS
A professional facial can work wonders when it come to preventing ageing. There are many treatments to choose from such as microdermabrasion, skin renewal peels, laser skin rejuvenation, or even just monthly maintenance facials targeting your concerns can work wonders.
DON’T – FORGET YOUR NECK AND CHEST
The neck and chest are first to show the signs of aging so whatever product is left after you’ve cleansed or exfoliated the face be sure to sweep up the neck and across the chest.
DON’T – TAN
Once signs of ageing appear, you’ll be spending a lot of money to reverse it.
DON’T – GET LAZY
Once you start a home care anti-ageing regimen, you need to keep it up for best effects.
DON’T – BE AFRAID TO TEST OUT YOUR MASSAGE SKILLS
Gently massage the skin in soft, upwards circular motions to stimulate lymphatic drainage which assists in removing toxins and waste from the skin. Also it allows more oxygen and blood to the surface of the skin which makes it look more healthy and dewy. It further warms the area, which, in return helps your products to sink in better!
DON’T – SCRUB WITH ALL YOUR MIGHT
Exfoliating too vigorously can break the delicate surface layer of the skin, causing it to become sensitive to the elements such as hot water and wind.