Aging sucks. With age comes wisdom, but also wrinkles. The body stops producing as much collagen as it used to, which has the effect of loose hanging, thinner, drier skin. This process is made worse by contributing factors like poor diet, sun exposure, and pollution.

Although, indeed, the aging process cannot be reversed, here are evidence-backed tips to slow down that ticking clock.

The Sun Is The Enemy Of The Skin

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is harmful to the skin, leading to wrinkles, leathery skin, and liver spots.

A 2013 study backed assertions that sunscreen slows down aging. The American Academy of Dermatology advises applying sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30. Remember that sunscreen must be applied generously every one to three hours, depending on how much exposure. Don’t let your guard down on cloudy days either, because UV rays penetrate clouds.

Again, wide-brimmed hats and proper sunglasses offer added protection.

To beat the aging clock applying sunscreen must become a daily routine.

Invest In Retinol

Retinoids are from vitamin A and have been proven to be an anti-aging agent.

Retinol does wonders for the skin, enhancing skin regeneration and the production of new blood vessels which improve the skin’s appearance and texture. Retinol helps the body produce more collagen, which then plumps up and tightens the skin.

A note of caution; dermatologists recommend starting with small amounts of retinol to gauge the skin’s reaction, as there are different types with varying degrees of potency.

Better yet, speak to a dermatologist about the right choice for your skin type.

Moisturize

The moisturizer does for the skin what water does for the body, hydrates. One reason older skin is more prone to wrinkles is that the skin gets drier with age.

It is best to apply moisturizer straight out of the shower, as damp skin seals it in.

Experts advise choosing a moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, mineral oil, vitamin C, and dimethicone.

You Are What You Eat

According to a 2019 Dutch study focused on women, diet is associated with wrinkles as women who ate large amounts of red meat and unhealthy snacks had more wrinkles than women who ate healthy food.

Healthy food indeed does wonders for your skin. For example, salmon is rich in omega-3 acids which keep the skin supple and counter dryness, avocados have vitamin E which is an antioxidant, sweet potatoes are a source of vitamin A, and broccoli has both vitamin A and C.

For youthful skin, dieticians recommend a diet that includes:

– Lean sources of protein such as beans

– Fatty fish with high omega oil

– Green vegetables

– Little or no processed food

– Additional supplements

Relax

Frequent facial expressions like squinting, pursing of the lips, frowning, and clenching jaws can form wrinkles.

Facial tension is a sign of underlying physical or emotional stress. Thus, practice stress relief techniques: yoga, exercise, meditation, deep calming breathing.

There are also facial exercises designed to help:

– Smile wide and count to 5, repeatedly

– Arch your eyebrows as high as possible and count to 15

– Squeeze your eyes tightly for 20 seconds, then let go for 15 seconds, repeatedly

– Wrinkle your nose

Red Light Therapy

Sometimes, the aging clock has ticked too long, and slowing it down requires special procedures.

Where there is a lot of sun damage or excessive wrinkles, special procedures like light peels, laser treatments, dermal fillers, and red light therapy are more potent than facials and drinking more water.

Among the procedures, the anti-aging benefits of red light therapy are especially promising because when Red light therapy (RLT) exposes your skin to a lamp, device, or laser with a special red light which gets absorbed by the mitochondria (the powerhouse of cells), giving it the energy to regenerate. Many experts believe the success of RLT is attributed to its aid in mitochondria energy production.

A clinical trial in the journal of Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that light therapy could rejuvenate the skin. Plus RLT is painless because it uses very low levels of heat.

Some proven benefits of Red light therapy are:

– RLT improves circulation, allowing the skin access to more oxygen and nutrients for beautiful, glowing skin.

– RLT fights wrinkles by speeding up collagen production and allowing the skin to tighten.

– RLT is an acne solution. The light penetrates deep into the skin to affect anti-inflammatory properties.

Fighting against aging can feel like a daunting task, but as this article has shown, there are research-backed ways to navigate the process.

Remember!, moisturize, eat healthily, avoid the sun, and try red light therapy.