Over 10 years later and I don’t look much older than I did!

I was going through some photos taken over 10 years ago and I was pleasantly surprised to see that my skin has held up pretty well! Ten years and two children later, I actually don’t look that much older than I did when I was 25. Don’t get me wrong, life has certainly taken it’s toll. I credit this to two daily habits I have been diligent about to help slow the signs of aging.

I’m 36 now, which to some may seem young, and to others quite old! When I was 25, mid-to-late 30’s seemed like a century away, but here I am.

Starting in our mid twenties, collagen starts to degrade approximately 1% per year. That means I’ve lost approximately 10% of collagen in my face over the last decade and I can tell. With age, a thinning effect happens where cheeks loose plumpness and skin becomes more lax. I used to have a baby face, so I’m actually okay with losing some volume in my cheeks!

 

Natural collagen loss is a natural occurrence though, but our daily habits can also affect this process.

You have control over premature aging.

All in all though, I’m quite happy with how my skin has aged over these last 10-12 years and I credit this to two skin saving habits.

Wearing sunscreen every single day

Just because you don’t get burned by the sun, doesn’t mean UV damage hasn’t occurred. UVA rays are the worst culprit for undetected sun damage. They’re sneaky and can penetrate shade and windows. They can also cause the most damage deep within the skin’s layers, contributing to collagen and elastin breakdown.

Sun protection is the number one way to prevent the signs of aging. According to dermatologists sunscreen is the only topical skincare product that can actually prevent the signs of aging. All the other goodies like retinol and vitamin C can help stimulate collagen production, but only sunscreen (and sun protection) can prevent premature damage from happening).

Sunscreen is the only topical product that can actually prevent premature skin aging 

Fortunately for me, I never really likes the way a tan looked on me anyway. I freckle easily and my skin always looked blotchy after too much sun. I never quite managing a ‘bronzed’ look. When my friends were heading to the tanning salons, I was slathering on sunscreen and heading for the shade. Now in my mid-30’s, I credit my diligent sun protection for fewer fine lines and creases on my skin. Don’t be fooled though, life has also taken its toll, especially with 2 small children at home. Lack of sleep, and stress directly affect my skin and how it’s aging, but sun protection is easier to control in my life right now!

Read: How to choose the best Mineral Sunscreen 

Reducing Skin Inflammation 

Chronic inflammation (whether it’s low grade, or not) can have long term affects on the skin and accelerates the aging process. One of the most common causes of skin inflammation, is a compromised barrier function. When the skin’s top layer lacks integrity, moisture escapes (causing dehydration) and pathogens have an easy way in. Inflammation is the skin’s way of The skins immune function is triggered andInflammation is a defense mechanism. It serves as the body’s natural way of protecting itself against injury and infection. However, when it occurs on a loop, it can cause damage that stresses your skin cells and accelerates the aging process.

Common triggers for skin inflammation are:

  • Insufficient sebum on the skin
  • Excessive use of active ingredients, like peels and retinol
  • Over-cleansing
  • Pollution and UV damage
  • Stress
  • Alcohol
  • Sugar