When it comes to skincare concerns that most women (and men!) have, it would be fair to assume that the fight against aging is one of the highest on the list. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to stop the natural aging process but you can lessen and slow down the effects with a high quality, tried and tested skincare routine tailored for your skin type.
Signs of aging generally appear first on the face because facial skin is the skin that is most exposed to the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. UV rays are the number one factor in things like skin aging, skin cancer, age spots, and general sun damage.
A good skincare routine needs to address general skin health. This includes:
- hydration (moisturization)
- elasticity
- skin tone
- cell turnover
- collagen production
- sun protection
These are all intrinsically linked. Addressing one only will not result in younger looking skin. Moisturizing every day is ineffective if you don’t use sun protection on your face.
You need a simple, efficient, and effective routine that uses skin care products that are dermatology approved to take good care of your skin.
Here are the five recommended steps to help you achieve healthy skin that looks youthful and vibrant, as well as assists in easing problems like breakouts, brown spots, dark circles, and dry skin that can turn into dead skin.
1. Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep
Before we even get into the variety of lotions, dermatologist-recommended products, and supplements, the first thing that you should know is that good quality sleep encourages good quality and younger looking skin!
When you get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep every night, it helps to promote skin cell growth and regeneration which is vital to maintaining things like good elastin and natural exfoliation (cell turnover).
The best position for sleeping is on your back so that your face isn’t buried in a pillow for too long throughout the night. Even if the pillow is freshly laundered, it can still run the risk of clogging up your pores and contributing to fine lines and wrinkle formations. If you can find a comfortable spot on your back, then staying that way is your best chance of a fresher face in the morning.
Even if the pillow is freshly laundered, it can still run the risk of clogging up your pores and contributing to fine lines and wrinkle formations.
2. Never Skip The Face Cleaning Stage
It can be very tempting to go straight into applying various products to your face in the morning and at night. Still, if you aren’t washing that face between applications, you will contribute to the buildup of dirt and debris and also enable the free radicals that will make your skin look duller and older.
Wash your face with a mild cleanser in the morning and the evening. You should also exfoliate with a recommended product at least twice a week to remove dull dead skin cells and clear oils and deeper dirt from your pores.
Take care to choose your cleansing products. Make sure they are formulated for your skin. Also, washing and cleansing your face should be a gentle process – even for deep cleaning. Deep cleaning means more effective not harder. Do not rub, avoid harsh applicators (like flannels) and never scrub your face.
Apply a moisturizer of your choice to hydrate the skin and help prevent any unnecessary irritation or inflammation.
3. Use Products that Contain Retinol
When shopping for your new set of products, you want to be looking out for skincare brands that contain retinol. This is a compound that is derived from Vitamin A, and Vitamin A derivatives are proven anti-aging ingredients resulting in the best cell turnover that can smooth wrinkles and fade dark spots.
(You might see the word retinoid rather than retinol, but usually in prescription products. Retinoid is a stronger form of retinol, traditionally found in weaker concentrations in over-the-counter formulas.
Retinol is a powerful ingredient and you should start off using a low concentration and gradually build it up over time. Retinol is best used overnight. Start with one night a week and gradually increase if needed.
If you have a sensitive skin type and you sense some flakiness or peeling, then a good alternative is products with peptides instead. This is easier on the skin but may not give such immediate and dramatic anti-aging results.
4. Always Wear Sunscreen
We can’t state enough just how serious the sun and its rays are when it comes to being the biggest risk to skin aging and general skin health. From blotches to sun spots to wrinkles and dark spots and even dreaded skin cancer, UVA and UVB rays are absolutely out to get us.
The best way to fight against them to preserve both your health and your youthful skin is to apply an SPF moisturizer or sunscreen every day.
A single application of sunscreen is only going to last you about 90 minutes, so continue to reapply over the course of a day spent outside.
Even on days when it doesn’t appear to be too sunny outside, you should still apply SPF 30 to your face and any other part of your body that is going to be exposed. UV rays penetrate clouds!
Alongside skincare products, there is also a lot of makeup that has SPF incorporated into their formulas to give you an extra layer of protection. Another thing to remember is that a single application of sunscreen is only going to last you about 90 minutes, so continue to reapply over the course of a day spent outside.
5. Always Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do for your skin before any products have even been used. Hydration helps to keep your skin from drying out from the inside out, and it will prevent your complexion from looking dry, flaky, or stretched.
Staying on the theme of food and drink, alongside your eight or more glasses of water per day you should also aim to eat foods that contain high levels of antioxidants and Vitamin C. These include tomatoes, kale, salmon, and plenty of other delicious summery ingredients that are as delicious as they are good for your skin!
Youthful Skincare Recommendations
All ZADEH MD Skin products are medical grade, sulfate, and paraben free.
ZADEH MD Skin is Dr. Zadeh’s personally formulated skin care product line, designed to improve and promote healthy skin through the use of proprietary formulations containing the highest concentrations of active ingredients possible. All ZADEH MD Skin products are medical grade, sulfate, and paraben free. They are effective for both women and men. Safe for all skin types, these products were designed to directly deliver younger looking skin. Our products will accentuate and celebrate the healthy younger looking skin that you have managed to achieve thanks to the above tips and your skincare routine.
Summing Up
You cannot stop the aging process but you can slow it down.
- Follow a good skincare routine with products suitable for your skin type containing anti-aging ingredients including retinol and peptides.
- Eat a good diet with foods that contain all the vitamins, especially vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Wear sunscreen every day.
These will help you retain your skin’s youthful glow for as long as possible.