Taking proper care of your skin is the best way to ensure a glowing and ageless complexion even as you grow older. A well rounded skincare routine is vital for preventing future signs of aging while treating the current issues you may already struggle with, creating a holistic approach to beauty. However, while there are a number of great things you can do to support your skin, there are also mistakes you could be making in your skincare routine that are actually speeding up the aging process and damaging your complexion. If you’ve been struggling to figure out what you actually need to include in your beauty routine for flawless skin, this is the biggest thing you could be missing that may cause you to age prematurely.
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It’s no secret that sunscreen is vital for providing protection against harsh UV rays when you plan to spend time in the sun, but it’s benefits also extend to save your skin from signs of premature aging. Skimping on the SPF is one of the biggest skincare mistakes you could make, leaving your skin to fight against the elements alone and leading to wrinkles, sun spots, and even sagging skin. “Sun exposure, regardless of the weather, has negative effects on the skin, such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles which is called photoaging. Aging naturally and photoaging have different effects on the skin, but biochemical and cellular characteristics are similar,” explains Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy, Primary Care Doctor.
On the day to day it may not feel essential to apply SPF, but the reality is you should be wearing sunscreen even when you aren’t planning on getting sun as even minimal exposure can cause damage to your skin. “The accumulated damage to collagen and elastin, which is exacerbated by aging but induced by prolonged sun exposure, is one of the most common characteristics. Melanin, a pigment, is another factor,” says Dr. Tripathy. “This is found in the skin's outer layer and serves as a barrier against the sun's UV rays. When the skin is exposed to too much sunlight, it burns and loses elasticity, resulting in premature aging.”
When choosing the best sunscreen for daily use, Dr. Tripathy recommends opting for a broad spectrum variation which protects against UV rays and photoaging. “It's important to look for a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVB and UVA rays, rather than a sun protection factor sunscreen that only blocks UVB rays,” he says. Getting the correct sunscreen will not only save you from painful sunburns in the summer, but also minimize signs of premature aging in the form of wrinkles and skin discoloration.
Sunscreen may usually be reserved for summer use only, but if you want to save your skin you should be breaking out the SPF year round. Fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration can all be caused by sun damage and exposure, so protecting your complexion against UVA and UVB rays is vital for looking your best at any age. Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to find a high quality face sunscreen that doesn’t leave an unsightly white cast to your skin or overload you with oil. Better skin days are ahead!
