Aging is a natural and inevitable part of human life. It is normal for our skin to undergo certain changes over time. As we age, symptoms such as fine lines, deep wrinkles, age spots, and under-eye bags may appear on our skin. It is not possible to completely stop all these signs of aging. However, it is possible to achieve a healthier and more vibrant skin appearance. With the right care methods, signs of aging can be delayed. Medical Aesthetic Specialist Doctor Lida Çiteli, who serves patients in Istanbul, explained what needs to be known about aging skin care.
How Does Skin Change As It Ages?
As we age, we begin to lose proteins like elastin and collagen, which keep our skin tight and flexible. Collagen and elastin losses lead to the loosening and thinning of the skin over time. Consequently, sagging and wrinkles occur. Additionally, the oil production process of the sebaceous glands also begins to slow down. After a while, our skin becomes drier and rougher. The mechanism of skin cells repairing and renewing themselves also slows down. Exposure to the sun's harmful rays for many years causes age spots or irregular pigmentation to occur.
How Should Care Be for Aging Skin?
There are three basic tips for proper skin care during the aging process. These are maintaining and increasing the skin's moisture level, protecting the skin against the sun, and performing care practices gently.
Gentle Cleansing
Soft cleansing gels or foams can be used for skin cleansing. Skin cleansing should be done at night and in the morning, but harsh soaps should be avoided. Otherwise, the skin's moisture barrier may be damaged, and the skin may face the danger of dryness.
Regular Moisturizing
As we age, our skin becomes drier. Therefore, using moisturizers is an issue that should not be neglected in later years. We can maintain the skin's moisture balance by using moisturizing products containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
Sunscreen Use
The most important step to take to slow down the skin's aging process is to protect the skin from sun exposure. Using broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value of 30 or higher slows down the aging process. The important point here is to use sunscreen every day, including the winter season and cloudy days. It should not be forgotten that we are under the threat of the sun's UV rays in winter as well. UV rays cause collagen fibers to break down rapidly and can increase signs of aging.
Add Antioxidants to Your Skin Care Routine
Skin care products containing Vitamin C and antioxidants protect our skin from damage caused by environmental factors in later years as well. Antioxidants are the most important supporters, especially in our skin's fight against free radicals. Antioxidants, which ensure the balancing of skin tone, provide a reduction in the appearance of skin spots.
Gentle Exfoliation
Applying gentle exfoliation once or twice a week ensures the cleaning of dead skin cells accumulated in the pores. This allows you to achieve a fresh skin appearance. For this purpose, chemical exfoliants such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids or retinoids can be used.
Age Spots
Age spots occur particularly in areas of the skin exposed to sunlight. Age spots, which appear as gray, brown, or black specks, are mostly harmless. However, they can be aesthetically bothersome. To reduce the appearance of spots on the skin:
- Using creams that target skin spots and help equalize tone differences in the skin,
- Chemical peeling applications aiming to lighten the appearance of spots by peeling the skin surface,
- Laser treatments targeting pigmented cells help you lighten the appearance of spots.
Wrinkles
Wrinkles that occur on the skin and are concentrated especially in points such as the forehead, around the eyes, and corners of the mouth appear in areas where facial muscles move frequently. After the skin begins to lose its elasticity, these lines and wrinkles become more prominent. Using retinoids can be an effective solution to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Because retinoids increase the body's collagen production and strengthen the skin's collagen bonds. They ensure the skin looks smoother. In addition, applications such as laser treatments, microneedling methods, and chemical peeling also provide relief in the appearance of wrinkles.
Crow’s Feet
Fine lines occurring around the eyes are one of the most important signs of aging. Since the skin tissue around the eyes is the most sensitive and thinnest area of our skin, it is more vulnerable to signs of aging. To combat these, one should stay away from smoking, suppress stress factors in daily life, and be protected from sun rays. Otherwise, these lines may become more prominent.
Under-Eye Bags
Under-eye bags are color darkening, swelling, and deep lines occurring just below the eyes. Causes such as weakening of muscle and connective tissue around the eyes, genetic factors, insomnia, or fluid retention lead to the formation of under-eye bags. Cold compresses can be applied to alleviate under-eye bags. Additionally, using caffeine-containing eye creams and sleeping with your head slightly elevated can also be effective against under-eye bags.
In Conclusion
As we age, some changes occur in our skin just as they do in our emotions and thoughts. However, applying correct skin care routines and adopting a healthy lifestyle can slow down this aging process and alleviate the appearance of aging signs. By protecting our skin from the sun, maintaining its moisture balance, and using antioxidants, we can ensure our skin remains healthy and vibrant for much longer periods.
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