Wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation are inevitable skin burdens that appear as we age. Premature aging starts with exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light.
Did you know that 90 percent of visible changes to the skin are a direct result of sun damage one has been exposed to throughout their life? Protecting and preventing is going to be the best and easiest way to age gracefully. The best way to protect and prevent premature aging starts with these four skincare ingredients: sunscreen, peptides, antioxidants and retinoids.
Sunscreen
The perfect way to protect your investment. Sun protection factor, also known as SPF, helps protect your skin from harmful UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. These rays can cause skin cancer and premature aging. SPF should be worn not only in the summer, but in the winter and on a cloudy day. UVB rays can damage your skin year-round, especially at high altitudes where there's less atmosphere to absorb ultraviolet radiation. UVA rays can penetrate clouds, and they can also reach below the water's surface. Reflective surfaces like snow and ice also intensify UVB rays and their effects on the skin. If you're not sure which SPF is right for you, check out our other recent post about the different types of sunscreens on the market.
Peptides
Peptides are chains of amino acids that are building blocks of proteins in the skin. A short chain of amino acids can penetrate the top layer of our skin. This sends signals to our cells on how to properly function. Peptides have the potential to boost our skin's firmness, smoothness and strengthen by stimulating collagen and elastin production and reducing inflammation. One of my favorite product packed with peptides is this bio peptide creme from IMAGE skincare.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals to protect your skin from damage. Antioxidants are a great way to help neutralize the visible effects that the sun may have on skin such as dark spots and wrinkles. There are many different antioxidant ingredients including
Green Tea: for soothing
Vitamin C: for brightening
Vitamin A: for anti-aging
Retinoids
Retinoids are a broad term for all different compounds derived from vitamin A. Retinoids work deep within the skin to boost cellular turnover helping to generate new cells. This process helps to stimulate collagen and elastin production, balance oil and control acne while fading hyperpigmentation and retexturing skin. The key to incorporating retinoids into your skincare routine is to start with a low percentage and incorporating it slowly into your skincare routine for the best, less irritating results.
Prevention is the first line of defense when it comes to skin health and slowing down the aging process. Although aging is inevitable, using the correct skincare products and ingredients can help repair and protect the skin over time.