Before we discuss how to prevent skin from aging, we must first delve into what actually causes it to age.

There are several things cause our skin to age - some are things we cannot do anything about; others we control over. One thing that we cannot change is the natural aging process. It is the unfortunate fact that with time, we are all going to get visible lines on our faces. It is perfectly normal for our faces to lose some of its youthful fullness. We also notice our skin becoming thinner and drier. The medical term for this type of aging is “intrinsic aging.”

While we have control over the natural aging process, we can influence another type of aging that affects our skin. Environmental and lifestyle choices can cause our skin to age prematurely. This type of aging is called “extrinsic aging.” By taking some preventive actions, we can slow the effects that this type of aging has on our skin.

11 Ways to Prevent Skin From Aging

The sun plays a major role in prematurely aging our skin. Other things that we do also can age our skin more quickly than it naturally would. To help our customers prevent premature skin aging, Dr.James  Beckman, Founder and CEO of Theraderm Clinical Skincare gives the following tips.

Remember that sun is always out - even when it’s cloudy

Whether spending a day at the beach or running errands, sun protection is essential. You can protect your skin by seeking shade, covering up with clothing, and using sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 (or higher), and water-resistant. You should apply sunscreen every day to all skin that is not covered by clothing. We suggest Theraderm Platinum Protection Facial Sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of 43.

A self-tanner tan is the best kind of tan

Every time you get a tan, you prematurely age your skin. This holds true if you get a tan from the sun, a tanning bed, or other indoor tanning equipment. All emit harmful UV rays that accelerate how quickly your skin ages. If you really want to slow environmental aging - no tan is even better.

It’s time to kick the habit

Smoking greatly speeds up how quickly skin ages. It causes wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion. This happens because smoking hampers the blood supply that keeps skin tissue looking supple and healthy. Smoking also depletes vitamin c which is necessary to protect and repair skin damage.

Sunglasses are a girl’s best friend

Avoiding repetitive facial expressions is necessary for the prevention wrinkle formation. When you make a facial expression, you contract the underlying muscles. If you repeatedly contract the same muscles for many years, these lines become permanent. Wearing sunglasses can help reduce lines caused by squinting.

Mom was right. You are what you eat

Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging - especially ones packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants fight off the free radicals that cause aging skin. You should also limit foods and beverages containing lots of sugar or other refined carbohydrates as they can accelerate aging. Topical antioxidants work too - Theraderm OPC Reparative Serum contains pycnogenol which is 20 times more powerful than vitamin c and 50 times more powerful than vitamin e as free radical scavengers.

Limit alcohol

Alcohol is rough on the skin. It dehydrates the skin, and in time, damages the skin. This can make us look older. It also increases the chances for permanent redness caused by broken capillaries.

Exercise

Because moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system when done regularly, it can give the skin a more youthful appearance. Not to mention the healthy afterglow that you get after a workout.

Cleanse gently

Toss the scrub brushes in the trash! Scrubbing your skin clean can irritate your skin which can skin accelerate skin aging. Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without irritating your skin. Wash your face twice a day and after sweating heavily, preferably with a soap-free cleanser such Theraderm Cleansing Wash.

Keep skin hydrated

This rule applies to both topically and internally. Moisturizer traps water in our skin, giving it a more youthful appearance, while drinking your daily allotment of water keeps skin plumped and healthy-looking.

Don’t over exfoliant

Just say no to exfoliants that have harsh scrubbing agents in them. Plastic microspheres have not only been banned in the EU - they can actually cause tiny tears in the surface of the skin. Use an AHA liquid exfoliant, like Theraderm Fruit Acid Exfoliant along with an enzyme gel like Theraderm NuPeel Natural Peeling Gel.

Don’t wait! It’s never too late to start!

Even people who already have signs of premature skin aging can benefit from making lifestyle changes. By protecting your skin from the sun, you give it a chance to repair some of the damage. Smokers who stop often notice that their skin looks healthier.

If signs of aging skin bother you, you may want to see a skin care professional. New treatments and less-invasive procedures for smoothing wrinkles, tightening skin, and improving one’s complexion are giving many people younger-looking skin.

To see the full line of Theraderm, a plastic-surgeon developed skincare, visit www.theraderm.net