Preventing is always much easier than treating, weather it concerns our skin
or our overall health.
Still, there are two categories of people: those who take care of their body
starting with a very young age and the other group – people who take action
only then, when they observe something is not right or something they don’t
like. That means that sun spots, dry and sagging skin, dark eye circles, large
pores, wrinkles and expression lines are all complains of both women and men,
who never thought that these signs of aging could have been prevented or, at
least, delayed. It can be done, we can age gracefully, we can smile every time
we look in the mirror even if we are in our 50’s, 60’s,70’s.
So, if you want to make sure you’ll have a brilliant future, you should start
taking care of your skin as soon as your early 20’s, when hyaluronic acid and
collagen production gradually decreases in our bodies. Simultaneously,
be aware of your lifestyle by taking healthy decisions.
Here are some important tips:
1. Wear sunscreen every day, every time you go out, no matter if you drive
or walk. It will pay off, taking into account that, with this simple habit,
you will prevent the effects of photo aging - dry skin, wrinkles, sun spots
conditions that are hard to treat.
It’s important to use a sunscreen with SPF at least 30 +, with high levels
of moisturizer and antioxidants.
2. Use the proper ingredients to nourish and strengthen your skin.
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. In order to maintain it
in best shape, there are some ingredients recommended for any age:
- Antioxidants – vitamin C, E, Retinol, Resveratrol, Niacinamide
(vit.B3), Coenzyme Q10, Acai.
Environmental factors like sun radiation, pollution, cigarette smoke and other toxic chemicals are known to trigger the formation of free radicals. Including antioxidants in your skin care regimen in your 20’s can help your skin fight free radical damage and recover from oxidative stress – they stimulate collagen production, prevent sunburn, have anti-
inflammatory properties, may help prevent skin cancer.
Retinoids – derivatives of vitamin A. They are the most studied
anti aging ingredients and probably the most used. And the reason is
their ability to accelerate and stimulate the cell turnover and collagen production for a smoother, fresh looking skin. However, the use of retinoids requires increased attention, since they can cause photosensibility ( sensibility to light) and dryness of the skin. So, use them with moderation and apply daily sunscreen.
One important tip: use retinoids in the evening, after cleansing your skin and, to avoid dryness, apply a moisturizing night cream, 5-10 minutes after the retinoid.
Vitamin C – also an important antioxidant that neutralizes the damage caused by the free radicals and also helps lightening pigmented lesions,
like sun or age spots and complements the effect of sunscreen .
A great tip – apply vitamin C in the morning, before the sunscreen.
Vitamin E – a valuable antioxidant which also helps in wound healing.
It’s an extremely efficient and cheap solution for dry skin and scars.
- Peptides - they are short chains of amino acids and amino acids are the building bricks of proteins. The creams containing peptides stimulate the collagen synthesis. These products are gaining increased popularity
in the last years.
Institute BCN, the company I work with as Medical Consultant, has a
an entire series of Peptide products - for skin tightening, whitening, for alopecia treatments, etc. - which I very often use in my mesotherapy treatments, with amazing results.
- The B vitamins - essential for healthy and firm skin, but also for healthy hair and nails. They are found in various forms and complexes
in skincare products.
- Copper - a trace element present in skin cells, having the role to bind proteins. Copper is essential for the collagen production, it also contributes to the renewal of fractured collagen – that’s why it is used
to improve scars and sun damaged skin. It is a good option for persons with sensitive skin, due to the fact that it’s non irritating.
3. Of course, we have to pay attention at what we eat and drink – always,
weather we are children, teenagers, young adults or mature persons –
because beauty comes from within.
Concentrate on food that nourishes your skin, drink water or herbal tea
and, I’m sure you know this, but I must emphasize: avoid fast food,
processed food, too much sugar, soda drinks.
4. Using a gentle cleanser is a very important aspect, especially for those
who have a sensitive skin or those suffering from acne.
5. Your daily cream should give your skin the moisture it needs.
When applying it, don’t forget your neck and cleavage. You’ll thank
yourself later.
6. Exfoliate your skin – both face and body skin – weekly. It’s important to
remove the dead cells from the skin surface in order to have a brighter
and smoother skin.
