See how to delay skin aging without aesthetic procedures

Having healthy, young-looking skin is everyone's dream. However, as the years go by and the lack of some daily care, the skin ages and age marks begin to appear.

In addition to the natural process caused by age, individual factors such as genetics, diseases and hormonal changes influence skin health.

However, there are also external factors that accelerate aging, such as: intense sun exposure, physical inactivity, poor diet and smoking.

“Skin aging is directly linked to lifestyle habits. Sleeping little, keeping makeup on while sleeping and exposing yourself to excessive sun are habits that speed up this process. Furthermore, excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful, therefore, it is very important to consume it in moderation”, explains Vivian Simões Pires, dermatologist at Clínica Domonique.

The good news is that it is possible to slow down this process without the need for cosmetic procedures, just by changing some habits.

See habits that can delay skin aging

• Know your skin type: Before purchasing any product, it is important to know your skin type so that it works efficiently. To find out if your skin is dry, combination or oily, it's worth consulting a dermatologist or paying attention to how it behaves on a daily basis.
• Drink water: Drinking plenty of water is important to slow skin aging for several reasons. First, water keeps the skin hydrated, preventing dryness and flaking, common characteristics of skin aging. Adequate hydration helps maintain skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and helps eliminate toxins from the body, which contributes to clearer, healthier skin.
• Skin hydration with creams: For complete skin hydration it is also important to use moisturizing creams. But don't forget to moisturize your neck and chest, as in these areas the skin is thinner, the amount of collagen is lower and it suffers more from dryness. “Moisturizing the skin helps maintain the protective barrier, promotes cell regeneration, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin elasticity and helps protect against sun damage,” explains Pires.
• Vitamin C Usage: Using vitamin C creams or serums helps block the actions of free radicals that contribute to skin aging. This vitamin also acts as a rejuvenator.
• Exfoliation: Exfoliating once a week is essential to delay skin aging. It helps remove dead cells, stimulates blood circulation, improves product absorption, reduces blemishes and stimulates collagen production.
• Use of sunscreen: Blocking UVA and UVB rays causes the skin to age more slowly. The filter must be used daily, including on cloudy or rainy days. “It is important to correctly use sunscreen daily (SPF 30 or more) and also use accessories for ultraviolet protection such as clothing, hats and glasses. Furthermore, whenever possible, avoid peak radiation times, between 9am and 4pm”, details Ethel Fernandes, dermatologist at Rede Mater Dei.
• Do not smoke: According to experts interviewed by the report, cigarettes are one of the skin's worst enemies. Smoke increases wrinkles and leaves the skin dull and lifeless.
• Skin cleansing: Cleanse your skin twice a day with specific facial soaps for this purpose. This simple action helps prevent damage, being an important ally against aging.
• Healthy habits: Having a physical exercise routine and maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables help your skin look beautiful and bright. “It is also important to consume good fats and omega-3, present in tuna, sardines, salmon and avocado. One of the great villains of the skin is refined sugar because it participates in the collagen breakdown process, so we should avoid consuming it”, explains Francini Belluci, dermatologist at the Mizu clinic and member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD).