5 Dos to Help Slow the Aging Skin Process

Maybe you’re in your 20s or early 30s and you think you can’t possibly have aging skin yet. Well, you’re wrong. Your skin’s ‘youthfulness’ has less to do with age than how it’s been treated, so if exposed to sun, smoke and stress, your skin will start ‘acting old,’ losing collagen, glow and elasticity. Lines will develop and pores can seem more pronounced. It’s easier to prevent damage than to repair it but the good news is you CAN reverse skin damage.

Here are 5 dos to help slow down and reverse the aging process and leave your skin glowing at any age.

• Do stop smoking. Ever notice the skin of a lifelong smoker? It can appear wrinkly like a squashed paper bag. The fact is, smoking is the 2nd biggest cause of skin damage after sun exposure. Why? Nicotine constricts blood vessels and decreases the flow of oxygen to the skin. Not good things.
• Do use an AHA or BHA (also known as retinols) every day. A daily application can erase years from your face. AHAs used properly not only take off lots of dead skin, but can seem to take 10 years off as well by reducing fine lines. (Keep in mind these products do NOT shrink pores. Your pore size is completely hereditary, so don’t believe promises of permanent reduction). Extra tip: You must stay out of the sun if you use retinoids. You are extra-susceptible to sunburns.
• Do exfoliate once a week. Choose a formulation that’s best for your skin type. Chemical exfoliators (glycolic or salicylic acid) are best for oily or combo skin, while scrubs found in microdermabrasives work best for sensitive skin. A tried-and-true product we love include SkinMedica Skin Polisher.
• Do use an eye cream daily. Eyes are one of the first places to show aging. The skin around the eyes is extra thin so you’ll want to protect it from the sun with eye cream with SPF.
• Do invest in antioxidants. ‘Antioxidants’ is a huge word in aging prevention. Get antioxidants in the isClinical line of skincare.