Every time an anti-aging advert appears on the TV or online, does it seem to you the models are getting younger and younger? Is this a simple ply by those behind the ads to make us believe how well the products work or do we actually need to think about our aging skin while in our teens?
It’s an unfortunate truth that those with the softest skin – babies – are the ones who appreciate it the least. Children’s skin is loaded with healthy collagen and elastin fibers, the proteins that give skin its strength and flexibility, Youthful skin also has plenty of hyaluronic acid, a substance that fills in the spaces between cells and keeps skin hydrated.
There are two types of skin aging: intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic aging occurs in everyone and is characterised by dryness and thinning of the skin as you get older, which leads to sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. This type of aging develops gradually and at a fairly steady rate so it’s generally not visibly evident until adulthood.
Extrinsic aging is caused by external factors, most notably UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds, which can lead to prematurely aged skin. This accounts for up to 90% of what we think of as “normal” skin aging. Almost all of the roughness, deeper wrinkles, discoloration, and age spots we associate with aging is caused by sun damage. The good news is that it is preventable by lathering on sunscreen whenever you’ll be exposed to the sun’s harsh rays and opting for self-tanner versus jumping into a tanning bed.
So when do we start? Many International companies such as Jeunesse Global and well respected magazines such as Marie Claire and The Huffington Post, promote products and activities that promote anti aging based at a younger audience.
If you’re a teen, there are basic skincare habits you should follow. Apply sunscreen regularly to all sun-exposed skin. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, which have essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants to help protect skin from environmental damage. Finally, wash your face twice a day to remove any dirt, oil, makeup, or other chemicals that build up before they can irritate or damage your skin in the long run.
As boring as it is, be sure to get enough sleep. There really is some truth in that whole beautyrest theory. It’s during sleep that the body performs many essential maintenance and repair processes and clears away much of the potentially harmful chemicals that build up from daily environmental damage.
If you’re in your twenties, upgrade your daily moisturizer, adding a product supercharged with antioxidants and that hyaluronic acid I told you about. Before late nights in the office (or out on the town!) start taking a toll on those under eyes of yours, invest in a hydrating and caffeine-packed eye cream, gel, or roll-on serum.
Beyond that, if you are just beginning all of the above can only be a good thing but the secret is to understand that no matter how you appear on the outside, beauty really is only skin deep.
I hope you learned something new from the post!
Thanks for reading, as always <3
Xoxo, Rae
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