What can I do to prevent my skin from aging?

September 27th, 2013

As most people know, the skin is the largest organ in the body. It provides protection for the body.  Be sure to treat your skin right and you will minimize the signs of aging.  A recent study conducted in Australia showed that sunscreen use can reduce wrinkles even after 4 years.  The study randomized two groups.  One group was advised to use sunscreen with SPF 15+.  Both groups had pictures taken of their skin at baseline and regular intervals.  At the end of the study period, dermatologists were presented photos of the skin, without knowledge of whether the person was in the suncreen or non-sunscreen group.  In scientific study design, we call this “blinding”.  After 4 years, the group who used sunscreen had markedly fewer wrinkles.

Though the study used SPF (Sun Protection Factor) with a minimum of  15, I would highly recommend 30 or greater.  If you are fair skinned, or have a history of skin cancer, use SPF 60.  Sun avoidance is also recommended.  Avoid staying outdoors between the hours of 12-3 when the sun’s rays are most direct.  Even though it is cold during the winter, the sun can still be intense.  In fact, many snowboarders and skiiers get severely sunburn because the snow reflects sunlight like a mirror.  They may not even realize they are getting sunburned because they still feel cold.   I advise using a facial moisturizer containing SPF 30 all year round.   

Don’t forget the lips!  Lips can get extremely painful if they are sunburned.  Always carry lip balm with SPF 15+ and apply liberally and reapply after meals. 

The skin faces different challenges in the wintertime.  We lose water through our pores.  Skin can easily dry out with the colder weather during winter.  Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis often worsen when skin becomes dry.  It is extremely important to drink extra water, especially if you are going to be outdoors for prolonged periods of time.  Apply moisturizer liberally.  When people ask me which moisturizer is the best, I advise them that the key is not quality, it is quantity and consistency of application.  Buy a few bottles and keep them in different rooms, so that you remember to apply it.  The best time to do this would be immediately after your shower as you can lock the moisture in that is in the pores.  Remember to moisturize around the nail and cuticle areas.  When these areas are very dry, they can turn into painful “hang nails”.  Again, don’t forget to apply lip balm to the lips!  Keep your bedroom humidified.  This can be accomplished by keeping a bowl of water next to your radiator/heat vent, or if you have a green thumb having houseplants.  I usually advise people to avoid buying humdifiers with a tank, as these require very frequent cleaning or else they will develop mold and algae, which can become aerosolized and worsen indoor allergy symptoms.

Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamin A, C, and Zinc is also essential for good skin and healing after wounds/surgery.  You can accomplish this by eating a diet full of fruits and vegetables and plenty of fresh seafood.  Be sure to pick fruits and vegetables with different colors, such as red bell peppers, carrots, beets, as the color is created by different vitamins. 

Exercise regularly.  Did you ever wonder why people who exercise regularly have that “glow”?  When you exercise, the circulation in your body increases blood flow to all organs including the skin and sweat glands.  This provides extra moisture for the skin.  Sweating also helps remove toxins on the surface of the skin. 

While there is no magic pill to look younger, we do know that the key to looking younger is living a healthy lifestyle.  Start taking care of your largest organ with these suggestions and you will be look and feel younger!