As we age, our skin naturally begins to lose the supportive connective tissue that makes us look young, triggering wrinkles and sagging.
According to Dr. Ailynne Marie Vergara-Wijangco, a clinical dermatologist and researcher with ThankYourSkin.com, “most aging is influenced by genetics, ethnicity, sun exposure, and what you do (or don’t do) to care for your skin.” Although we’re likely already aware of this, let’s focus on the skincare aspect-as you might not realize that there are a surprising number of creams and moisturizers with ingredients that harm your skin. These ingredients could even be accelerating sagging skin and contributing to the appearance of aging. Yikes! But don’t fret. Below, we break down one of the most harmful skincare ingredients, so you know to avoid it in the future. Keep reading for more!
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Methylparabens
Dermatologists agree that steering clear of methylparabens is important if you want your skin to continue looking its best. As registered dietitian Harland Adkins warns, "methylparabens cut down on existing collagen levels (and future production of collagen), speeding up cell aging and death by increasing levels of toxic molecules."
Collagen is key to maintaining a youthful appearance. That's because it's responsible for improving skin elasticity and reducing visible wrinkles, giving us that plump and youthful glow. Therefore, maintaining optimal collagen levels is important when it comes to keeping our skin from sagging. Likewise, anything that cuts down on our collagen storage-like methylparaben-is a major red-flag skincare ingredient.
Despite the problems it causes, methylparaben is a chemical commonly found in everything from primers and foundations to creams and moisturizers. Because methylparabens are packed with antibacterial properties, they help extend the shelf life of skincare products and promote their efficacy over time. Keeping that in mind, it's important to stay vigilant when checking over a product label before you purchase it.
Other ingredients to watch out for? Alcohols (think ethanol and benzyl alcohol), which strip away your skin's natural oils, drying you out and speeding up the aging process. Sulfates are also better off avoided. They are harsh and corrosive, leading to increased dryness and aging you beyond your years.
OK, now that we know what to avoid, what can we do to plump up our skin in the meantime? Taking collagen supplements is a great way to smooth wrinkles and boost skin elasticity, but there are also a number of dermatological procedures to help you achieve a youthful glow.
"While upping your moisturizer game and using topical treatments (such as retinoids or vitamin C) will help soften and smooth dry, rough skin, you may want to give derma rolling-also called microneedling-a try," Dr. Ailynne advises. "Microneedling might look a little uncomfortable, but it could be key to boosting collagen at home."
When done correctly, "microneedling creates a small 'injury' to the skin, which in turn can increase collagen and elastin production, improve scars and fine wrinkles, reduce hyperpigmentation and rejuvenate the skin," she adds. Sounds good to us! If you're interested, we've got you covered with everything you need to know about microneedling.
