Yes, you would think that the 20s are too early to worry about looking old, but our lifestyle can accelerate our way to wrinkles, spots and other signs of ageing. Noticing fine lines when you look in the mirror one fine day is definitely not a good feeling, trust us. It’s never too early for prevention, so we give you a cheat sheet on how to prevent wrinkles. The 50-year-old you will thank you one day!
Slather On the Sunscreen
You’ve heard it before, but you need to hear it again. UVA and UVB are your skin’s archenemy. Forget tanning, constant exposure to the sun can alter the texture of your skin too. An uneven skin tone, also known as pigmentation, is an early sign of ageing. We’re not telling you to not step out in the sun. You should, definitely (it’s good for health), but after you slather on some sunscreen on the exposed areas of your body (face, neck and arms). Many experts also suggest reapplying it once every 6 hours even if you’re using higher SPF sunscreens. There is a huge variety to buy from: formulas like titanium oxide or zinc oxide are physical sunscreens and will leave a light tinge whereas formulas with mexoryl will be absorbed by the skin and don’t leave any marks. We love the Avene Very High Protection Spray.
It’s Called Beauty Sleep for a Reason
We understand you’re a busy bee, but a reasonable amount of shut-eye is vital for your body. If you don’t get enough sleep your body produces cortisol, a stress hormone, which slows tissue production and dries your skin. Dry skin leads to wrinkles. When you sleep your body produces HGH (human growth hormone) which induces the regeneration of skin cells and keeps wrinkles at bay. As you grow older, the production of HGH slows down, so load up on it as much as you can while you’re young! Crawl into bed and get some beauty sleep. And try sleeping on your back, or keep changing sides if you sleep on the same side every day, for it may cause lines on that side of your face and body.
Load Up on Antioxidants
They fight free-radicals (pollution and toxins that damage our skin) and keep our skin’s collagen from breaking down. Load up on anything with Vitamins A, C, E, and compounds like beta-carotene, which are great for your skin(and your body). It’s healthy to eat fruits like blueberries, acai berries, pomegranates, green tea and soy bean. Sprinkle superfoods like flaxseeds in your nimbu pani and all your antioxidants are right there, in a tall refreshing glass!
Break Into a Sweat
Don’t go to the parlour for a steam to open up your pores; instead go out for a run. Studies have proven that cardiovascular exercises, weight training, and yoga (especially pranayams and meditation) pump up blood circulation, cut out stress and tone your muscles. This, in turn, makes your skin glow and lessens the likelihood of wrinkles.
Give Up Those Vices
You know smoking is bad for you: the chemicals in a cigarette, in combination with nicotine, unleash a whole horde of free radicals and pollutants in your system. Even second-hand smoking can cause damage to your skin; so even if you don’t smoke, your skin suffers. Your best bet: don’t accompany your friends outside for a smoke, they’ll understand. As for drinking, stick to 2 glasses of red wine once in a while or your skin (especially under your eyes) can end up looking puffy. Make up for it the next day by drinking 8-10 glasses of water to flush out the toxins and keep your skin hydrated.
Don’t Skip the Night Cream
We know you’re tired, but putting in those few minutes after you wash your face can really keep those dreaded wrinkles at bay. Pat your skin dry (let it remain a little damp to lock in moisture) and then apply a night cream. Check for ingredients like retinol, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), glycolic acids and a horde of vitamins. Night creams are thicker in texture because they are richer and more potent than day creams. Massage into your skin lightly with the tips of your fingers. While you sleep, your skin does more work than it did in the day and renews itself and exfoliates dead cells, leaving you to wake up to smooth, beautiful looking skin. The Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist 24 Night Cream and Olay Regenerist Night Firming Cream are both effective picks for leaving your skin fresh, firm and more radiant.
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