Skin Aging - Prevention is Better than Cure

While it is not possible to stop or even slow down the intrinsic aging process, it is possible to prevent signs of premature aging by protecting the skin from the sun, quitting smoking, and eliminating facial exercises.

1. Preventing Sun Damage

It is estimated that 90% of facial skin aging is due to the damaging effects of ultra violet radiation. Dermatologists recommend comprehensive sun protection to prevent premature aging caused by the sun. These include:

· Staying out of the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when the sun's rays are the strongest.

· Wearing protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves, when outdoors during the day.

· Applying Sunscreen: Sunscreen should be broad spectrum (offering both UVA and UVB protection), water-resistant, and have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. It should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors to all skin areas that will be exposed, and reapplied after sweating or being in water.

· Sunglasses: Sunglasses protect the eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around the eyes from sun exposure. Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Wrap-around sunglasses are the best option as they block UV rays from creeping in from the side.

2. Refrain from Smoking

Although it is not easy to quit smoking, there are numerous healthy life saving reasons to quit. One of the reasons includes wrinkles! Smoking leads to early development of wrinkles in several ways:

The repetitive mouth motion of puffing on a cigarette causes lines to develop around the lips; free-radicals from smoke break down the skin's structure, causing weakening and wrinkling; and the oxygen depletion that comes with smoking causes the skin to work less efficiently.

3. Healthy Diet and Exercise

It is essential to follow a balanced diet that is centered on fruits and vegetables, fish and lean meats, and moderate amounts of starches and carbohydrates. Moderate exercise is great for all types of body systems.

A regular exercise routine helps in maintaining a clear complexion, calming the nerves and promoting a deeper, more revitalizing sleep. Avoid extreme fluctuations in the body weight unless you are toning and tightening excess skin as you loose or gain weight.

4. Antioxidant Enriched Skin Care Products

Use skin care products that contain combinations of vitamin C, vitamin E, alpha lipoic acid, vitamin A, green tea, selenium and other free radical protectors. There are strong indicators from researchers and dermatologists that the skin benefits from the application of antioxidants and nutrients via anti-aging facial skin care products.