3 Non-Surgical Strategies To Fight Aging Skin
Getting older isn't necessarily a bad thing. With age comes wisdom, experience, and certain privileges. Unfortunately, it also comes with wrinkles and age spots. No one really wants to look like they're getting older, even if they don't mind reaping the benefits of age. If you're noticing that your skin isn't as smooth and clear as it used to be, you may be looking for ways to eliminate or reduce the tell-tale signs of aging on your face, neck, and other exposed areas. Luckily, there are a number of ways to help keep your skin smooth and youthful looking, without resorting to face lifts. Here are three strategies that can help, either alone or in combination with each other.
Natural Methods
One thing that you can begin doing at any time is eating foods and performing exercises that will help keep your skin looking younger and healthier. Avoid high-glycemic foods like white breads and rice, as these are known to contribute to wrinkles. Instead, choose low-glycemic foods like oats. Fruits and vegetables that are high in water, like oranges, will help hydrate your skin, while foods like avocados, walnuts, and olive oil are high in healthy fats that help your skin absorb needed nutrients.
Meanwhile, implementing a regular workout routine can also help keep your skin from wrinkling and sagging. Regular exercise helps your body maintain high levels of certain proteins that work to keep your skin toned and smooth. Jogging, cycling, and other aerobic exercises are best for maintaining youthful, healthy skin – just be sure to apply a generous layer of sunscreen before engaging in outdoor exercises, as the sun can damage and prematurely age your skin.
High-Tech at-Home Methods
If you're looking for quick results, you may be interested in at-home microdermabrasion machines. These machines slough off dead skin, soften dry patches, and minimize pores and other blemishes. Microdermabrasion machines have spinning wheels that are coated with grains or tiny crystals that are abrasive to your skin. Using these machines, you can target specific areas that need work. Home microdermabrasion kits are generally affordable and safe, and they're particularly effective at removing stretch marks and reducing wrinkles.
However, microdermabrasion machines do have some downsides. They're not as effective at removing scars or blemishes as they are at reducing wrinkles, and not all kits are created equal. It's difficult to tell if you're buying a brand that works well or one that will have little to no effect on your skin. And, although it's rare, there have been cases of users contracting skin infections or experiencing permanent bruising while using home microdermabrasion kits.
Physician-Assisted Treatments
One more strategy for dealing with wrinkles and age spots is through the use of skin care products prescribed by a physician or dermatologist. Prescription-strength creams, lotions, cleansers, and astringents are effective because they contain higher levels of their active ingredients than can be found in similar over the counter products.
For example, prescription anti-aging products like Obagi Clear or Obagi Nu-Derm contain higher levels of hydroquinone, a topical skin-bleaching chemical. Hydroquinone is well-known to reduce aging spots, and is often recommended and prescribed by dermatologists. It works by breaking down the melanin that causes visible age spots and scars on your skin. It can be safely used on your face, neck, hands, and other areas that are visible and show age or sun spots. While it can be found in over the counter products in a 2% concentration, the 4% prescription concentration is vastly more effective and produces faster results.
If you have concerns about the health of your skin, it's always a good idea to consult a dermatologist for advice. The dermatologist can help you come up with a skin care regimen that's healthy and helps keep your skin looking and feeling youthful for as long as possible.